A Cost-Effective DIY Guide
Florida’s sunny beaches and warm hospitality aren’t the only reasons families choose to call the Sunshine State “home.” For many blended families or those looking to formalize an existing bond, stepparent and adult adoption can be life-changing. And while the thought of legal forms and courtrooms might seem overwhelming, there’s good news: you don’t have to spend thousands on an attorney.
At StepparentAdoptionForms, we’ve been helping families navigate the adoption process nationwide for over two decades—without the enormous expense of traditional legal representation. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive look at Florida’s stepparent and adult adoption procedures, plus tips on how to manage it yourself with confidence.
1. Understanding Florida Adoption Law
Most adoption statutes in Florida are found in Florida Statutes Chapter 63. This chapter covers topics such as:
- Who Can Adopt: Any adult living and working in Florida may petition for adoption if it is in the best interest of the adoptee.
- Consent: The biological parent not living with the child typically must consent to the adoption or have their rights terminated (for abandonment, failure to support, or other valid grounds).
- Court Approval: Florida’s Circuit Courts handle adoption matters, ensuring all statutory requirements are fulfilled before finalizing the adoption.
Familiarizing yourself with these general guidelines helps you avoid missteps and embark on your adoption journey with clarity.
2. The Florida Stepparent Adoption Process
A stepparent adoption in Florida grants the same legal rights and responsibilities as if the child were biologically yours. The steps below outline how to make this happen:
Step A: File the Petition
You start by filing a Petition for Stepparent Adoption in the Circuit Court of the county where you reside. This petition should detail:
- Your relationship to the child (stepparent)
- The child’s current living situation
- The reason adoption is in the child’s best interests
How We Help: At StepparentAdoptionForms, we gather your information through a user-friendly online questionnaire, then prepare all the legal documents according to Florida’s requirements and your county’s specific rules.
Step B: Obtain Consent or Terminate Parental Rights
- Consent: If the child’s non-custodial parent agrees to the adoption, they’ll sign a Consent to Adoption form.
- Termination of Parental Rights: If the parent cannot be located, has abandoned the child, or refuses consent, you may need to petition the court to terminate their rights under Florida Statutes § 63.089.
Step C: Notify the Other Parent
If the other biological parent’s whereabouts are known, they must be officially notified (served) with the adoption petition. If they can’t be found, the court will typically allow service by publication—placing a notice in a local newspaper for a designated period.
Step D: Complete Any Required Background Checks or Reports
In many Florida stepparent adoptions, the court may waive a full home study, but a background check on the adopting stepparent is often required. This confirms there’s no history of child-related offenses. Requirements can vary by county and judge.
Step E: The Final Hearing
Once you’ve satisfied the court’s requirements—consent/termination, notice to the other parent, background checks—the judge schedules a final hearing.
- The judge reviews your paperwork.
- If everything is in order, the adoption is approved.
- Final Judgment of Adoption is issued, officially making you the child’s legal parent.
Step F: Obtaining a New Birth Certificate
After the court finalizes the adoption, the Clerk sends a certificate of adoption to Florida’s Bureau of Vital Statistics. This department issues a new birth certificate listing the stepparent as the legal parent.
3. Adult Adoption in Florida
Adult adoptions in Florida are usually simpler and faster than adopting a minor. Here’s why:
- No Termination of Rights: Typically, there’s no need to terminate another parent’s rights.
- Consent: The adult adoptee must give written consent to the adoption.
- Minimal Paperwork: Generally, judges don’t require home studies or extensive investigations for adult adoptions.
By submitting a Petition for Adult Adoption in your county’s Circuit Court and attending a brief hearing, you can receive the Final Judgment of Adoption and, if desired, a revised birth certificate for the adoptee.
4. Why Go DIY with StepparentAdoptionForms?
A. Huge Cost Savings
Attorneys in Florida may charge thousands to manage an adoption case. Our flat fee of $325 includes all necessary documents, plus detailed instructions. Expect additional court fees (often $400–$600), but even then, the total cost is far below the norm.
B. Seasoned Expertise
We’ve handled 20,000+ adoptions across the United States in our two decades of service. Our legal team has an in-depth understanding of Florida adoption laws and procedures, ensuring your paperwork is accurate and your path is straightforward.
C. Streamlined Process
Filling out complicated legal forms alone can be stressful. We eliminate guesswork by guiding you step by step—from entering your information in our online questionnaire to presenting your case in court.
D. Full Support
Have questions about serving the other parent or setting up a final hearing? No problem. Our phone and email support lines are open to assist you until your adoption is complete.
5. Getting Started is Simple
- Complete the Questionnaire
Provide details about your family situation. This helps us prepare your Florida-specific documents. - Review & File
We’ll send your customized adoption forms, along with thorough filing instructions. You’ll submit these to your local Circuit Court. - Follow the Steps
- Serve the other parent (if necessary)
- Complete any background checks
- Attend the final hearing
Start your Florida Stepparent Adoption
Join thousands of families in Florida who have successfully completed their stepparent adoption.
Start your Adult Adoption
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- Celebrate
Once the judge finalizes your adoption, enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a fully recognized parent-child relationship.
6. Conclusion
Stepparent and adult adoptions in Florida can be completed without the hefty legal fees. By choosing a do-it-yourself approach through StepparentAdoptionForms, you’ll save money, stay in control of the process, and finalize the adoption with confidence. Our team’s decades of experience will guide you every step of the way—ensuring a smooth, successful adoption journey under Florida’s sunny skies.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not serve as legal advice. Florida adoption laws may vary based on your unique circumstances; consult your local court or a licensed attorney for personalized guidance.
