Brandon Stepparent Adoption Attorney

When you marry someone who already has children, you may wish to legally adopt your stepchild and raise them as your own. Stepparent adoption in Florida gives the new spouse full parental rights and responsibilities, making the relationship official and recognized by law.

The Stepparent Adoption Process

Before a stepparent can adopt, Florida law requires that the stepparent meet two basic criteria:

1. Be capable of acting as an effective parent.

2. Be married to the child’s legal parent.

Once eligibility is confirmed, the adoption process generally follows these steps:

Consent

• The child’s other biological parent must provide consent unless their rights have been terminated, waived due to abandonment, or the parent is deemed incompetent.

• Children aged 12 or older may also need to consent to the adoption.

Filing the Petition

• Submit a Petition for Stepparent Adoption to formally request the court grant parental rights. Filing the petition officially opens the case.

Schedule a Hearing

• The court assigns a judge, and a hearing date is scheduled.

Attend the Hearing

• The hearing is usually brief. The judge will verify that all procedures were followed, and that consent is obtained from all required parties. Once approved, the adoption is finalized, and the stepparent becomes a legal parent.

Obtain a New Birth Certificate

• The child’s updated birth certificate will list the stepparent as a legal parent.

Additional Considerations

• Timing: If there are no disputes, the process can take just a few months.

• Contested Adoption: If a biological parent objects, additional steps may be necessary, including the potential termination of parental rights. Florida law allows termination if a parent has abandoned the child or is declared incompetent.

• Locating an Absent Parent: If the other parent cannot be found, a legal notice may need to be published. An experienced attorney can guide you through these requirements.

Contact a Brandon Adoption Attorney

Stepparent adoption is an exciting way to formalize your relationship with your spouse’s child, but the process requires careful legal guidance.

Stephanie Koether, Brandon stepparent adoption attorney at Koether Law, P.A., can guide you through every step of the adoption process to ensure it goes smoothly and efficiently.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and get started on your stepparent adoption journey.