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Stepparent Adoption in Florida
Stepparent adoption is a special way to create a legal bond between a stepparent and their stepchild. It makes the stepparent the child’s legal parent, giving them the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. If you’re thinking about step parent adoption in Florida, we’re here to help. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through every step, making sure all legal rules are followed.
Why Choose Stepparent Adoption?
Stepparent adoption is an important choice that strengthens family relationships and gives your child legal protection. It allows the stepparent to become a legal parent so they can make decisions about the child’s health, education, and overall well-being.
Process of Stepparent Adoption in Florida
The legal process of adopting a stepchild in Florida involves several steps, which may vary depending on your unique situation:
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Consent of the Biological Parent: If the other biological parent agrees to the adoption, the process is much simpler. But if they don’t agree, their parental rights must be legally terminated first. Our attorneys can help guide you through this complicated step.
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Filing the Petition: You need to file an adoption request at your local family court. Along with the request, you should include important documents like the child’s birth certificate and, if needed, your marriage certificate.
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Home Study Requirement: In Florida, stepparent adoptions usually don’t need a home study like other adoptions. However, this can change depending on the situation.
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Final Hearing: After meeting all the requirements, the court will set a final hearing. During this hearing, the judge will approve the adoption, giving the stepparent full legal rights as a parent.
Step-Parent Adoption Without Biological Father's Consent
Sometimes, you can complete a stepparent adoption without the biological father's consent. This usually means showing that the biological parent has abandoned the child or is unfit to be a parent. Our team can help gather the evidence needed to support your case.
Legal Requirements for Stepparent Adoption Florida
For a successful stepparent adoption, you must meet the following criteria:
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Marriage to the Child’s Custodial Parent: The stepparent must be legally married to the custodial parent of the child.
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Consent from the Custodial Parent: The custodial parent must provide their consent to the adoption.
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Child's Consent (if applicable): If the child is 12 years or older, they must consent to the adoption process.
Benefits of Stepparent Adoption Florida
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Full Legal Parental Rights: Gain the same rights as a biological parent.
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Simplified Inheritance Rights: Adopted children automatically inherit from their stepparents.
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Peace of Mind: Legal protection and a secure family bond. You can check our family law services as well
Meet the Attorney
SONYA
PETERKIN, ESQ.
Founder and Managing Attorney of the
Law Office of S.A. Peterkin, PLLC
Sonya Peterkin is a Florida licensed attorney and the Founder and Managing Attorney of the Law Office of S.A. Peterkin.
As the daughter of immigrant parents, Attorney Peterkin personally relates to her clients and their families. She is able to draw from her experiences to provide her clients with legal representation that is honest and
personally-tailored to meet their unique needs.
Our Client Testimonials
Karla Melissa Hidalgo
Attorney Peterkin help me with my immigration process really quick and really efficient, I loved her service and I would hired her again for my family paper work because she it’s great in her job, thanks attorney Peterkin and your team, God bless you guys!! ♥️
Chico Mariano
Attorney Peterkin is prompt, professional, efficient and very well informed with emigration laws. I would highly recommend her services.
We are incredibly thankful for the insight and guidance throughout the application process, and most certainly, for the successful result which was attained much sooner than expected.
Elsie Mariano
We would like to thank you for guiding us through this process, with a successful result in a shorter time than expected. Attorney Peterkin is prompt, professional, efficient and very well informed with emigration laws. I can recommend her anytime.
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