Relative adoption

Relative adoptions in Florida

In Florida, many relatives have taken over the responsibility for raising another family member’s child. The adoption process varies depending on your family relationship to the child.

One of our adoption specialists will help you evaluate the facts of your situation at no charge.

Some of the benefits and features of the relative adoption process include:

You’ll become the legal parent(s) of the child. You (and your spouse, if married) will have the sole right to make all major decisions for the child.
The child becomes your legal heir with all rights and privileges and subject to all obligations as if the child were born to you.
During the adoption process you have the option of changing the child’s name.
At the end of the adoption, a new birth certificate will be issued, listing you and your spouse as the child’s birth parents. The new birth certificate will show the child’s new name, if one was chosen, and it will include the child’s original date of birth.
Relative adoption procedures allow for expedited processing of adoption papers to quickly finalize the adoption. In some cases, the adoption hearing may be held immediately after filing the adoption petition. We will evaluate your adoption and advise whether you qualify for an expedited adoption process. There is no charge for this evaluation.
An adoption agency home study is not required for a relative adoption.
You may not need the birth parent’s consent to complete the adoption. One of our specialists will evaluate your circumstances and advise you on this issue at no charge.

With more than 30 years of relative adoption experience, our board-certified adoption experts can walk you through the process of adopting a related child in Florida. If you decide to move forward, we can make it happen for you.

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Contact Us for a free initial consultation.

What is a relative adoption?

In Florida, a relative adoption allows for the adoption of a niece, nephew, sibling, or great grandchild. If you are adopting a grandchild, it is referred to as a grandparent adoption. Adopting a stepchild is a stepparent adoption.

How to start the process of a relative adoption?

The process for relative adoption in Florida is straightforward:

Consult with an adoption attorney
Determine your eligibility
Obtain consent of parties
File the adoption petition
Finalize the adoption

Relative adoptions can be handled on an expedited basis. No home study is required. Most final hearings occur via Zoom. The Judge will issue a final adoption decree at this hearing, legally establishing the adoptive relationship between you and the child. Afterward, we obtain an amended birth certificate for the child reflecting their new legal name and your name as the parent

What is the cost of a relative adoption in Florida?

The prices can vary depending on the circumstances. But typically, some expenses are attorney fees, court filing fees, birth certificate costs, vital statistics costs and, possibly, service of process fees.

How long does a relative adoption take in Florida?

When the parents’ consent, relative adoption can be completed in as little as 3-6 months. The bulk of this period entails waiting for several administrative and governmental processes to be completed.

Are parents required to consent to relative adoptions?

No. In certain situations, the parents’ consent may not be required for adoption. If a parent is provided notice and fails to respond, the parent’s consent would not be required. Also, if a parent is found to have abandoned the child, consent may be waived or excused. There are other exceptions to parental consent – contact us to evaluate your situation.

Choosing adoption is a courageous and loving decision that requires support and guidance. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or are considering adoption.

Disclaimer

The information provided above is based on Florida’s adoption law. This is not a complete summary of the law, and it is not tailored to a specific case. This information may change based on your specific situation. If you have questions regarding your adoption plan, please give us a call for a free consultation.

Get in touch

Shorstein & Kelly Adoption Attorneys

Offering Services Statewide. Offices in Jacksonville and Daytona Beach.

Mailing address: 3821 Atlantic Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32207

Relative adoption