Stepparent Adoption Attorney Serving Florida Families
The Law Office of Michael D. Weinstock, P.A., is a family law firm in Niceville, Florida, that handles stepparent adoptions for families across the state. I started this practice in my hometown in 2003 and have spent more than two decades guiding Florida families through sensitive legal matters with a personalized and professional approach. You have already built a family, and I am here to help the law reflect that.
What Is A Stepparent Adoption In Florida?
A stepparent adoption is a legal process in which a stepparent permanently assumes a biological parent’s rights and responsibilities. This creates a full legal parent-child relationship that Florida recognizes. Florida law sets specific requirements for stepparent adoptions. You must meet all of the following:
- Marriage: You must be legally married to the child’s biological parent at the time of the adoption
- Biological parent consent or termination of parental rights: The other biological parent must consent or the court must terminate their rights
- Child’s consent: Florida requires children 12 and older to consent to the adoption, though courts may waive this requirement
- Residency: The child must have lived in Florida for six months before filing
Florida law waives the home study requirement for stepparent adoptions, a significant advantage over other adoption types. The Law Office of Michael D. Weinstock, P.A., also offers virtual legal services throughout Florida, so you can handle your adoption without visiting my office.
How The Stepparent Adoption Process Works In Florida
The stepparent adoption process in Florida follows a clear path. Here is what each step involves:
- File a joint petition for adoption by stepparent: You and your spouse file a joint petition with the court
- Serve notice on the biological parent: The court requires proper legal notice before the case moves forward
- Obtain consent or pursue termination of parental rights: The biological parent must consent or the court must terminate their parental rights
- Attend a final hearing: A judge reviews the petition and grants the adoption
Two common concerns are an uncooperative biological parent and a parent you simply cannot locate. Filing errors and missing documents also delay many adoptions. I review every filing before it reaches the court to catch those issues early, and I will guide you through each step clearly.
Make Your Stepchild’s Place In Your Family Permanent
Your child already belongs in your family. The Law Office of Michael D. Weinstock, P.A., has a strong reputation for responsiveness and deep knowledge of Florida family law. Call my office at 850-999-7497 or reach out to me online to schedule your consultation.