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Varieties of Adoptions in Lake Mary, Florida and Orlando, Florida

Did you know that there are many varieties of adoptions in the Lake Mary, Florida and Orlando, Florida area? Besides the adoption of a new born baby, there are other adoptions that you can do in the Lake Mary, Florida and Orlando, Florida area. 

Stepparent Adoptions

There are stepparent adoptions. This is where a stepparent who is acting as the child’s parent adopts them. They do that because they are raising the child as if it was their biological child. That child may have half siblings through that parent. That child to be adopted may want the same name as the stepparent who is raising them. This usually occurs when the biological parent is absent from the child’s life. In this adoption scenario, you need waivers and consent of the biological parents, or you must terminate their parental rights. 

Adult Adoptions

There are adult adoptions. This is where one adult adopts another adult. Sometimes this occurs with a stepchild that they did not adopt while the stepchild was a minor. They want that child that they have raised and they are close to as if they were a biological child to be able to inherit from them and for them have all the same rights as the biological siblings. This only requires the consent of the adoptee’s spouse if the adoptee has married, then their spouse must consent to the adoption. 

DCF Adoptions

There is also a DCF adoption. That is where you adopt a child in DCF custody. DCF will usually pay for your attorney. You speak with DCF and learn what children are available for adoption. These are children for whom their parents’ parental rights have been terminated. These children are usually living in foster care. 

DCF will require a criminal background check and home study on you to make sure you qualify to adopt the child. DCF will complete the criminal background check and the home study themselves. In these cases, the parents’ parental rights were previously terminated. You will need the consent of the adoption agency, which will be DCF or one of its adoption subsidiaries.  If the child is twelve years old or older, there must be a consent from the adoptee to the adoption. 

Relative Adoptions

There are relative adoptions too. That is where an aunt, uncle, or grandparent who has raised a child decides to adopt them. Again, you need the waiver and consent of the parents, or you must terminate the parents’ parental rights. If the child is twelve years old or older, they must consent to the adoption. 

If you have more questions regarding an Adoption or Marital and Family Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at: https://www.annmariegildenlaw.com 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.