Tampa Stepparent Adoption Attorney
Blended families are very common today, and they are a blessing for the entire family unit. In these families, stepparents play a very important role in the lives of children. Stepparents are often the ones who take children to school, help care for and raise them, and ensure their needs are met. It is no surprise then, that stepparents often develop a strong bond with their stepchildren. Eventually, stepparents may want to adopt their stepchildren. While these adoptions are easier than agency adoptions, they can still be complex. Below, our Tampa stepparent adoption attorney explains more about the process.
When is Stepparent Adoption Possible in Tampa?
When a stepparent adopts a stepchild in Tampa, they become the legal parent of the minor and have all the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. Unfortunately, it is not always possible for stepparents to adopt their stepchildren. Stepparent adoption is usually only available in limited circumstances. These are as follows:
- A child does not have a legal or biological parent who can consent to the adoption,
- A child’s legal or biological parent has given consent and will terminate their parental rights,
- The other legal or biological parent of the child has passed away, or
- The parental rights of the other legal or biological parent have already been terminated.
Other than following the legal process, there are not a lot of requirements for a stepparent adoption. Unlike agency adoptions, there is not the requirement of a home study, and there are no income requirements. Additionally, the Florida Statutes state that a stepparent cannot be denied the adoption of their stepchild based solely on a physical disability unless it interferes with their ability to parent the child.
The Stepparent Adoption Process in Tampa
The stepparent adoption process in Tampa varies, depending on the specific circumstances of the family situation. For example, a biological parent may contest the adoption, or there may be a need to move forward with terminating parental rights. Generally speaking, petitions for stepparent adoptions must include:
- Motion for Search of the Putative Father Registry, if necessary,
- Consent and Waiver By Parent Form,
- Affidavit of Non-paternity,
- Death certificate of the deceased biological parent,
- The child’s birth certificate,
- Consent form from the child to be adopted, if they are over the age of 12, and
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit.
An attorney can advise on which documents you need and help you through the process.
Call Our Stepparent Adoption Attorney in Tampa for the Legal Help You Need
Stepparent adoptions are exciting for the entire family. While these types of adoptions are more straightforward than other types of adoptions, the process can still be complex and even the smallest mistake can result in unnecessary delays. At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., our Tampa stepparent adoption attorney can advise on your case and prepare you for the steps to take so the process is as easy as possible for your family. Call us now at 1 (800) 990-7763 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to get the help you need.
