Tampa Stepparent and Relative Adoption

Florida Adoption Lawyers Since 1997

At the Tampa, Florida law firm of All Family Law Group, we are experienced Tampa adoption attorneys helping stepparents, as well as other relatives, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers who wish to adopt. Same sex married couples and their relatives also qualify for a stepparent or relative adoption as it is now legal in Florida for LGBTQ, same sex couples to marry. We are experienced with the legal procedures that stepparent and relative adoption involve and we are also skilled at building a strong case when a biological parent contests the adoption. Abandonment as defined by the Florida Statutes is a criteria for granting an adoption despite an objection from the birth parent.

Adult Stepparent & Relative Adoption Lawyers

Furthermore, an adult eighteen and older may also be adopted in circumstances where the ” parents” want to make him or her officially, legally a member of the family.

Miscellaneous information concerning all adoptions:

• Adult Stepparent Adoptions (additional information)
• Independent Adoptions
• Adoption Procedures
• Tampa Stepparent and Relative Adoption (additional information)
• Types of Adoption
• Who Can Adopt a Child

Stepchild or Relative Adoptions

Stepchild or relative adoptions generally proceed smoothly if the biological parent consents to the adoption or if the birth parent does not respond to the Petition, or if the birth parent cannot be found, then a default may be entered and the adoption will proceed without the biological parent. If there is consent or a default, then only statutory requirements must be met to allow the adoption to occur. If it is possible the birth parent will object to the adoption, we will advise you initially as to what will happen if the natural parent objects to the adoption, and whether the facts in your situation are or are not favorable to overcome the objection.

The adoption becomes more complicated when a birth parent contests the adoption action. In the case of a contested adoption, we must prove that the parent was able to, but has failed to provide support and to communicate with the child over a significant amount of time. Statutorily, this is called abandonment. Proof of the biological parent’s abandonment of the child and “intent to reject parental responsibilities” is necessary for the transfer by the judge of parental rights and responsibilities from the biological parent to the adopted parents.

Are you interested in adopting a stepchild or a relative? Call the Tampa adoption attorneys at All Family Law Group, P.A. at 813-672-1900 or email us for a free initial consultation to discuss your case with an experienced attorney who will advise you of your options.

Benefits of Adoption

The adoption of a child or adult can provide many benefits to both the adoptee and the adoptive parent, including the following:

• The child becomes legally a member of the family.
• Once the adoption occurs, the adopted child or adult and his or her “adopted” siblings have full and equal inheritance rights, precluding complicated wills and preventing inheritance disputes.
• When the adoption is final, if there are any child support orders in effect, the obligor’s child support obligation will terminate. However, any outstanding child support arranges are not terminated and can be collected. It may be possible for the birth mother to sign an affidavit to terminate past child support arranges.

Our Tampa adoption lawyers serving Tampa and all of Tampa Bay will help you step by step through the adoption process and keep you informed to simplify it as much as possible for you.  There is usually much celebration at the conclusion of an adoption and we enjoy being a part of it!

Contact the Tampa Adoption Attorneys

If you have questions regarding stepchild or relative adoption, including LGBTQ, same sex adoptions, contact All Family Law Group by email or call 813-672-1900 for a free consultation to discuss your adoption. We have a team of adoption attorneys and legal staff committed to providing to you the best representation possible.