If you are an active stepparent, you are a mother or father in every way except legally. When one birth parent is absent, it is sensible to make official that bond between you and the child. Adopting a stepchild can be a complex process. Knowing what it entails before...
If you have ever considered adopting a child from a country outside of the United States, you are not alone. According to Pew Research Center, Americans adopted more than 5,000 children from other countries in 2016. Nonetheless, it is not always easy to know how to do...
Interesting Facts About Adoption in Florida In an adult adoption, the Court legally establishes a parent-child relationship between two adults. Both the adopting parent and the adoptee must consent to this adoption. Even though their parental rights are being...
How Much Does a Stepparent Adoption Cost in Florida? Before embarking upon a stepparent adoption, you must evaluate all aspects of how this adoption will change your life and your stepchild’s life to determine if it is the right choice for you and your family. One of...
Do I still need the other parent’s consent to a stepparent adoption if they are incarcerated? Your ex is not involved in your child’s life because he or she has been convicted of a crime and is incarcerated. Meanwhile, your current spouse has stepped into a parental...
Can my spouse adopt my child without the consent of the biological parent? Your ex is not involved in your child’s life and your current spouse has stepped into a parental role. In the meantime, the stepparent does not have the legal right to make decisions for your...
Can Biological Parents Change Their Minds in Stepparent Adoptions? Stepparent adoptions represent an exciting milestone for a family. The legal complexities of stepparent adoptions typically require the assistance of a Florida adoption attorney who is well versed in...
Facts About Grandparent Adoptions in Florida It is increasingly common for children across the U.S. to be raised by relatives other than their biological parents. In Florida alone, it is estimated that 170,000 children—roughly 4% of all children in the state—live with...
What are the Effects of Divorce on the Adoption Process? Adopting a child has its own distinctive set of problems. The normal changes to a family dynamic when a child is added can be exacerbated by concerns that the biological parents might contest the adoption or...
Making the decision to adopt your stepchildren is a huge step toward being a complete “family.” For many children whose biological parents are no longer in the picture, it can mean months, and sometimes years, of trying to locate them to gain their permission. In many...