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Florida Adoption - $325
Yes, stepparent adoption is allowed in Florida without having to pay high attorney fees. We make it possible to file and your own adoption. We never sell "automated" adoption forms, only documents prepared by an experienced adoption specialist. Our experienced Florida adoption team will review your information and prepare adoption papers specifically for your situation.
- Adoption specialist for Florida handles your case.
- Every customer is backed by our 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee.
- We stay with you through the entire process, to help guide you through the Florida adoption process.
- Over 20 years experience filing adoptions in the Florida court system
- 100% Court acceptance in the Florida adoption/Probate Court.
- Fast Process. Submit your order today and file your adoption forms tomorrow.
Information on filing an adoption in Florida.
When we prepare your Florida adoption papers, we will include all the provisions specific to your situation. Documents we prepare for one family will be different than the documents for another family, because circumstances are different. We ensure that your adoption forms are ready to sign and file with the court in Florida. Whether you are filing a stepparent adoption or an adult adoption, we will be able to help you get your adoption finalized.
Florida Stepparent & Adult Adoptions: A Comprehensive Guide
With References to Florida Statutes, Chapter 63
Adopting a stepchild or an adult in Florida can be a meaningful and straightforward process if you understand the requirements outlined in Chapter 63 of the Florida Statutes. Below is an overview of key steps, consent requirements, and timelines for completing a Florida adoption.
1. Residency Requirements
- Residency Duration: According to Fla. Stat. § 63.207, at least one of the adoptive parents (or the petitioner) must generally be a Florida resident. While Florida law does not always impose a strict “6-month” residency rule, it’s common for the court to expect a demonstrable residence in the state prior to filing.
- Where to File: Adoption petitions in Florida are typically filed in the Circuit Court for the county in which you or the adoptee resides.
2. Stepparent Adoption in Florida
Stepparent adoption in Florida legally establishes the stepparent as the child’s parent, granting all parental rights and responsibilities. It typically terminates the absent parent’s rights if they have abandoned the child or cannot be located.
2.1. Consent of the Absent Parent
Yes, you can do the adoption without the other parents' consent, and actually, most adoptions are completed without the absent parents' consent. We know exactly how to prepare the documents and help you navigate the adoption to get it successfully completed without the consent of the other parent.
- General Rule: Under Fla. Stat. § 63.062, the consent of both legal or biological parents is usually required.
- Exception—Abandonment: If the absent parent has provided no support and no significant contact for a statutory period (often 12 months), the court may find abandonment under Fla. Stat. § 63.089(3), allowing the adoption to proceed without that parent’s formal consent.
- Unknown Whereabouts or Identity: If the absent parent cannot be located after a diligent search, the court will likely require notice by publication under Fla. Stat. § 49.011 and § 63.088 before finalizing the adoption.
2.2. Child’s Consent
- Children 12 and Older: While Florida’s statutes don’t set a single mandatory age for child consent, courts often seek a child’s consent or testimony if the child is 12 years of age or older. This practice may vary by county, so confirm with your local circuit court.
2.3. Timeline & Process
- File the Petition: Complete a Stepparent Adoption Petition (often referred to as a Petition for Adoption by a Stepparent) and submit it to your local circuit court.
- Notice & Service: Serve the absent parent, if possible. If you can’t locate them, request court permission to publish notice.
- Termination of Parental Rights: In many stepparent cases, you’ll file a Petition to Terminate Parental Rights for the absent parent simultaneously or as part of the adoption proceedings.
- Final Hearing: If uncontested, the hearing is typically brief. Stepparent adoptions in Florida often finalize within 3–6 months, though this can vary depending on court schedules and complexity.
2.4. New Birth Certificate
Upon the court’s issuance of the Final Judgment of Adoption (see Fla. Stat. § 63.142), you can request a new birth certificate from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The amended certificate will list the adoptive parent and reflect any new name for the child. The original certificate is sealed and only accessible by court order.
3. Adult Adoption in Florida
Adult adoptions are generally less complex, as they do not involve terminating another parent’s rights. Adult adoption can formalize a long-standing relationship or secure inheritance and other legal benefits.
3.1. Consent & Process
- Adult’s Consent: Under Fla. Stat. § 63.102, the adult adoptee must voluntarily agree to the adoption. No consent is required from biological parents.
- Petition Filing: File an Adult Adoption Petition in the circuit court of the county where either the adopter or the adult adoptee resides.
3.2. Timeline
- Because there’s no termination of parental rights, adult adoptions can often be finalized within 45–90 days, as long as all paperwork is in order and uncontested.
3.3. Legal Effects
- Name Change: The adult adoptee may request a name change during the adoption process.
- New Birth Certificate: If desired, an amended birth certificate can be issued listing the adoptive parent, though some adult adoptees choose not to update their original record.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the absent parent still owe child support after the adoption?
- Generally, once the adoption is finalized and parental rights are terminated, the absent parent’s obligations—including child support—end unless otherwise mandated by a prior court order.
- What if the absent parent contests the adoption?
- The court will hold a hearing to determine if abandonment or another ground for termination of parental rights is met. If proven, the adoption can proceed despite objections.
- Are home studies required for a stepparent adoption?
- Florida law often waives a formal home study for stepparent adoptions (Fla. Stat. § 63.092), though individual judges may still request limited inquiries in some circumstances.
5. How We Can Help
We specialize in providing professionally prepared, court-ready documents for both stepparent and adult adoptions in Florida. Our services include:
- Customized Forms: Every form is tailored to your situation, ensuring compliance with Chapter 63 of the Florida Statutes.
- Guided Instructions: We offer clear directions for each step, from serving notice to scheduling your final hearing.
- Time & Cost Savings: Our efficient process minimizes delays and can be far more cost-effective than traditional legal representation.
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THE ADOPTION PROCESS IN FLORIDA
The court wants the child to have the unity and security of a two-parent home, and when the absent parent is not active in the child’s life, then the court will do the adoption without the consent of the other parent. If the other parent is willing to sign a consent, that will make the adoption easier, but if the absent parent has abandoned the child, then you can do the adoption without the father’s consent.
Florida Stepparent & Adult Adoption.
You no longer need to spend thousands on an attorney to complete your adoption. We give you the power to complete your own stepparent or adult adoption. We help you through all the stages of the adoption process, until the adoption is finalized and a new birth certificate is issued for the adoptee.
We understand what the courts need in Florida to finalized an adoption, and will make sure that you have everything you need to have your adoption successfully processed and finalized by the court.
To get started, click the buttons our site that says "Start your Adoption". This will take you to our questionnaire which provides our legal department the information needed to complete the legal documents for your Florida adoption.
FACT: The documents we prepare for your family will be different from what we prepare for another family. This is because the adoption forms are prepared specifically for your situation. This is why it is important to put in as much information as possible in our online questionnaire.
Once you submit your order, our team will prepare your Florida adoption forms and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court. Then our support department will stay with you through the entire adoption process.
COMPLETING AN ADOPTION IN FLORIDA
We have helped thousands of families successfully complete their adoptions. Whether it is a stepparent adoption or adult adoption, we can make it possible for you to complete your adoption without having to pay high attorney fees. No matter your situation, whether the father's identity is unknown, or any other issue, we will be able to help guide you through the adoption process in Florida.
Giving you the power to complete your adoption.
Courts understand that it is in the child's best interest to have two active and legal parents. When one parent is not active in the child's life, the court will do what is best for the child, and approve an adoption, with consent or proper grounds, upon the submission of the proper legal adoption documents.
We have seen every possible situation, and can help all of these families complete the adoption. Whether it is a surrogacy adoption, unknown father, multiple fathers, or deceased parents, we have the experience to help you complete your adoption - Guaranteed!
Don't let the high cost of an attorney stop you from completing your stepparent or adult adoption. You now have a legal and affordable means to complete your adoption and unite your family.
GET STARTED WITH YOUR FLORIDA ADOPTION
Our online questionnaire provides our legal department with the information we need to prepare you Florida adoption forms. Our experienced Florida adoption team will prepare your filing documents and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court.
SIMPLE 3-STEP PROCESS: Complete the questionnaire, then review and sign your Florida adoption forms, and file with the court. Our step-by-step instructions will help guide you through the process.
Court Experience
With more than 100,000 court document prepared over the past 20 years, we have the experience to make sure your Florida adoption papers are correct.
Low Cost-Only $325
Our Florida adoption department will make sure your documents are ready to file. We will prepare your document right - All for $325 (You will also have a court filing fee that you will pay later to the Court).
Court Guarantee
You can file with confidence, we back every customer with a 100% money-back court acceptance guarantee.
Our detailed instructions make the adoption process simple.
