Can I Adopt in Lake Mary, Florida Area or Orlando, Florida Area?
- December 10, 2024
- ontarget
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Yes, you can adopt in Lake Mary, Florida or Orlando, Florida. How do you go about it? It depends on what kind of adoption you are looking to do. Is it a relative adoption? Is it a stepparent adoption? Is it an Adult Adoption? Is it a DCFS Adoption?
If it is a relative adoption, stepparent adoption, or an adult adoption then you must prepare the paperwork, the pleadings, and file them with the court. With a relative adoption or stepparent adoption, you must obtain a Waiver and Consent from the parents or serve them with the adoption paperwork pleadings.
If it is an adult adoption, you must serve the Notice of Hearing on the parents of the adult adoptee. However, in an Adult Adoption, the parents of the adult cannot prevent the adoption. Wherein, in a relative adoption or stepparent adoption, the parent may contest the adoption. If they do, the court will appoint an attorney for them because their parental rights are being terminated. Most of these adoptions occur because of abandonment of the child by the parent. Many times this is because the parent has a substance abuse problem and addiction. The parents might pop in to the child’s life now and then. However, there is no significant meaningful relationship between the parent and the child. Most people do not realize that you must file an Indian Child Welfare Affidavit to verify the adoptee is not an Native Indian Child.
In an adult adoption, you must obtain the consent of the spouse if the adoptee is married.
In a DCFS Adoption, DCFS terminates the parents’ rights. You must obtain the consent of the adoption welfare agency and may be required to complete a MAPP class.
There are Florida Supreme Court Adoption forms available at the Florida Supreme Court website. You may want to complete the Florida Supreme Court Adoption forms yourself or you may want to have an attorney prepare your adoption paper work and navigate you through the adoption process.
If you have more questions regarding a 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.