Adoptions in Florida are governed by Chapter 63 of the Florida Statutes. The law allows an adult to become the legal parent of another person (usually a minor). Through the adoption, the parental rights of the current legal parent are sometimes terminated. All adoptions must be finalized by a Court in Florida.
The type of adoption depends on the person or people adopting, the person being adopted, and the relationship among them. We help people with stepparent adoptions, relative and grandparent adoptions, and adoptions for same-sex couples.
Gideon Alper is an Orlando adoption attorney who helps families throughout Florida with stepparent adoption, adult adoption, and kinship adoption.
What Is the Process for Adopting a Child?
The adoption process in Florida typically involves several steps: filing a petition for adoption, completing a home study, obtaining the necessary consents or termination of parental rights, and attending a final hearing to legalize the adoption. The process for an Orlando adoption is the same statewide–the laws do not vary by city.
Each step ensures the adoption is in the child’s best interests and complies with Florida law. Prospective parents can work with an adoption attorney to streamline the process and meet all legal requirements.
Who Can Adopt a Child in Florida?
In Florida, any adult can adopt, regardless of marital status. Married couples must petition jointly, but single individuals are also eligible. Florida law does not discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, or financial status, as long as the adoptive parent can provide a safe and stable environment for the child.
Do I Need the Birth Parents’ Consent to Adopt?
Yes, Florida law generally requires the consent of the child’s birth parents. However, these parental rights can be legally terminated. In cases of abandonment, neglect, or other legal grounds, the court may waive this requirement.
Specifically, an unmarried biological father must take certain actions to preserve his right to notice and object for a stepparent adoption in Florida.
What Are the Costs Involved in Adopting a Child in Florida?
The cost of adoption in Florida varies depending on the type of adoption. Private or agency adoptions may range from $20,000 to $40,000. A stepparent, adult, or kinship adoption is $3,000 to $5,000.
How Long Does It Take to Finalize an Adoption in Florida?
The timeline for finalizing an adoption in Florida depends on the type of adoption and whether any legal challenges arise. On average, the process takes 2-3 months for an adult, stepparent, or kinship adoption.
Learn More About:
- Stepparent Adoption
- Grandparent and Relative Adoption
- Recognition of Foreign Adoption
- Adoption for Same-Sex Couples
- Private Adoption
- Adult Adoption
About the Author
Gideon is an adoption attorney who helps clients throughout Florida with stepparent, relative, and adult adoptions. He graduated with honors from Emory University Law School and has practiced law for almost 15 years.
Gideon and the Alper Law firm focus on helping families where there is already a connection between the adoptee and the adoptive parent.