Step-Parent Adoptions vary widely in complexity.Step-Parent Adoptions in Florida can involve extremely complicated family dynamics that require a large amount of attorney time and legal expense. They can also be very simple where the birth parent is deceased or consents to the Adoption. Whether complex or simple, a Petition for Step-Parent Adoption must be filed and a hearing must be held for the Court to Finalize the Adoption. Unlike most adoptions, an Adoption Home Study is not required.
The degree of difficulty and legal complexity is also be affected by whether or not the location of the birth parent is known. Even if the birth parent has abandoned the child by not having contact with the child or financially supporting the child, efforts must be made to locate and serve the birth parent before the Step-Parent Adoption can be finalized.
A Step-Parent Adoption is a significant legal commitment and adopting Step-Parents should understand the rights and responsibilities they are assuming when they finalize a Step-Parent Adoption. Once the adoption is finalized, the Step-Parent rights and responsibilities are just as if the child was born to the Step-Parent.
Whether simple or complex, it is important that families use an attorney experienced in adoption law.
Step-Parent Adoptions vary widely in complexity. Step-Parent Adoptions can involve extremely complicated family dynamics that require a large amount of attorney time and legal expense. They can also be very simple where the birth parent is deceased or consents to the Adoption. Whether complex or simple, a Petition for Step-Parent Adoption must be filed and a hearing must be held for the Court to Finalize the Adoption. Unlike most adoptions, a Home Study is not required.
The degree of difficulty and legal complexity is also be affected by whether or not the location of the birth parent is known. Even if the birth parent has abandoned the child by not having contact with the child or financially supporting the child, efforts must be made to locate and serve the birth parent before the Step-Parent Adoption can be finalized.
A Step-Parent Adoption is a significant legal commitment and adopting Step-Parents should understand the rights and responsibilities they are assuming when they finalize a Step-Parent Adoption. Once the adoption is finalized, the Step-Parent rights and responsibilities are just as if the child was born to the Step-Parent.
Whether simple or complex, it is important that families use an Florida Adoption Attorney experienced and focused in adoption law.