FAMILY & ADULT ADOPTION
FLORIDA PRO SE ADOPTION WITH PRODOCS+
If you are looking to adopt a family member or adult, our team of experienced professionals is here to guide you through the entire process
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If adoption doesn't seem like the right fit for your family, you may want to consider temporary or concurrent custody. This legal arrangement allows third-degree relative, as well as extended family members and fictive kin, to share custody of a child, providing a stable and familiar environment. This can be a temporary solution while deciding on more long-term plans. Read More
Building Families, One Adoption at a Time: Simple and Affordable Pro Se relative, stepparent, and adult adoption with Pro Docs Plus!
Did you know you can file for relative, stepparent, and adult Adoption in Florida without an adoption agency or adoption attorney? Chapter 63 of the Florida Statutes allows for pro se relative and kinship adoptions, meaning that in many cases, individuals can proceed with the adoption process without hiring an attorney, saving them from paying hefty legal and adoption fees.
Building a family and securing a loving and stable home for children and adults is a deeply personal and transformative experience, and we believe it should be accessible and affordable to everyone. At ProDocs+, we understand the unique challenges and rewards of both family and adult adoptions, and with our extensive experience in Florida Adoption Law, we're dedicated to providing you with the support and resources you need to achieve your adoption goals.
Through Family and Kinship adoption, we can help children remain with their loving relatives during challenging times. Our mission is to assist families in ensuring a secure, permanent home for children in need, while preserving their familiar bonds with their family members. For nearly a decade, we've helped many wonderful Florida families navigate the adoption process, overcome financial obstacles, and achieve their goals. Our team at ProDocs+ is passionate about providing personalized, compassionate, expert guidance every step of the way, turning this journey into a beautiful experience filled with hope.
Whether you're a relative or stepparent seeking to adopt a child or an adult looking to establish a new family relationship, our team of experienced professionals is here to guide you through the legal process. We offer comprehensive services, including:
Accurate and complete document preparation: Ensuring your paperwork meets all legal requirements, including eligibility criteria, court forms, and any necessary affidavits or consents.
Court filing assistance: Help with handling the submission of your documents to the appropriate court, following local procedures and deadlines.
Procedural guidance: Providing expert advice and support throughout the adoption process, including understanding court timelines, and addressing any potential challenges at your direction.
Key considerations for family and adult adoptions:
Eligibility requirements: There may be specific criteria for both the adoptive parents and the child or adult being adopted.
Steps Involved: The adoption process involves filing paperwork with the court, handling procedural tasks, and potentially attending hearings.
Parental rights: The biological parent's parental rights and responsibilities will be terminated as part of the adoption being granted. This allows the adoptive parents to assume full legal and parental authority over the child.
Emotional considerations: Adoption can be a deeply emotional experience for both the adoptive parents and the child or adult being adopted. It's important to consider the emotional impact and potential challenges involved.
By choosing ProDocs+, you can:
With ProDocs+ as your partner, you can focus on the emotional aspects of adoption while we handle the legal complexities. Let's work together to create a brighter future for your family.
Simplify the process: Let us handle the complexities of the legal paperwork, saving you time and reducing stress.
Increase your chances of success: Benefit from our expertise and experience in Florida adoption law, ensuring your paperwork is accurate and complete.
Achieve your family-building goals: Receive the support you need to create a loving and lasting family.
Adoption without legal representation can be a challenging journey and feel impossible, but with the right guidance and support, your dreams of building a family can become a reality. Contact ProDocs+ today to learn more about how we can help you on your path to parenthood.
RELATIVE AND KINSHIP ADOPTION
Relative adoption (also known as family adoption or kinship adoption) offers a unique opportunity to strengthen family bonds and provide a loving home for a child in need. By adopting a relative, you're creating a lasting connection and ensuring the child has a stable and supportive family environment.
Why does someone adopt a relative?
Death of a parent: If a parent passes away, a relative may step in to adopt their child or children.
Parental incapacitation: If a parent becomes unable to care for their children due to illness, disability, or other circumstances, a relative might adopt them.
Parental abandonment or neglect: If a parent abandons or neglects their children, a relative may be the best option to provide a stable and loving home.
Parental drug use: If a parent's drug use is endangering the child's safety or well-being, a relative may need to intervene to protect the child. This could involve seeking custody or adoption.
Temporary Custody transition: If a relative was already granted temporary custody of a child due to a crisis or emergency, they may decide to pursue adoption later to provide a permanent home.
Eligibility Requirements:
The adoptive relative must be a Third Degree Relative, which is a close family member, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, or great-grandparent (see chart below).
The relative adopting and their spouse (of married) must be of legal age and have the capacity to consent to the adoption.
The child must be under the age of 18.
Consent and Approval:
Parental Consent: The biological parent(s) and/or guardian(s) must consent to the adoption or be served formal notice (there are a few exceptions to this).
Child's Consent: Depending on the child's age and jurisdiction, their consent may also be required.
Court Approval: The court must approve the adoption after reviewing the case and ensuring the child's best interests are being served.
Necessary Documents:
Marriage certificate of the biological parent and stepparent
Birth certificate of the child
Proof of residency
Financial information (e.g., income, assets)
Steps Involved:
Petition for Adoption: File a petition with the appropriate court, outlining the reasons for the adoption and requesting court approval.
Court Hearings: Attend court hearings to provide testimony and answer questions from the judge.
Home Study (Optional): While home studies are generally not required for relative adoptions in Florida, it's advisable to gather information about your living situation, family dynamics, and ability to provide a nurturing environment. This can help strengthen your case and demonstrate your commitment to the child's well-being.
Adoption Decree/Final Judgment:
If the court approves the adoption, a final decree/judgment will be issued, legally recognizing the adoptive relative as the child's adoptive and legal parent.
Benefits of Relative Adoption
Preserving Family Connections: Maintains existing family ties and provides a sense of continuity for the child.
Emotional Security: Provides the child with a sense of stability and belonging in a familiar home environment.
Legal Rights: Grants the adoptive relative legal rights and responsibilities, such as custody, visitation, and child support.
NEWBORN RELATIVE ADOPTION
Welcoming a New Life into Your Family and Home!
Bringing home a newborn is a precious moment, but there are circumstances when a relative must consider adoption to ensure a stable future that the birth parents cannot. Florida law offers streamlined options for grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings to adopt a newborn relative in the third degree. Pro Docs Plus can guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth transition for both you and the baby.
Benefits of Newborn Adoption
Building a Family from the Beginning: Experience the joy of raising a child from infancy.
Stronger Bonds: Develop a deep and lasting connection with your adopted child.
Providing a Loving Home: Offer a child a stable and supportive environment.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELATIVE ADOPTION?: CHECK OUT THESE BLOGS
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STEPPARENT ADOPTION
Stepparent adoption offers a powerful way to solidify your relationship with your stepchild and create a legally binding family connection. By formalizing your role, you're providing your stepchild with a sense of stability, security, and belonging.
Eligibility Requirements:
Typically, the stepparent must be married to the biological parent for a specific period (often six months or more).
Both the biological parent and stepparent must be of legal age and have the capacity to consent to the adoption.
The child must be under the age of 18.
Consent and Approval:
Parental Consent: The biological parent must consent to the adoption or be served formal notice.
Child's Consent: Depending on the child's age and jurisdiction, their consent may also be required.
Court Approval: The court must approve the adoption after reviewing the case and ensuring the child's best interests are being served.
Necessary Documents:
Marriage certificate of the biological parent and stepparent
Birth certificate of the child
Proof of residency
Financial information (e.g., income, assets)
Adoption Decree/Final Judgment:
If the court approves the adoption, a final decree/judgment will be issued, legally recognizing the stepparent as the child's adoptive and legal parent.
Benefits of Stepparent Adoption
Legal Recognition: Formalizes the relationship between the stepparent and child.
Emotional Security: Provides the child with a sense of stability and belonging.
Legal Rights: Grants the stepparent's legal rights and responsibilities, such as custody, visitation, and child support.
Steps Involved:
Petition for Adoption: File a petition with the appropriate court, outlining the reasons for the adoption and requesting court approval.
Court Hearings: Attend court hearings to provide testimony and answer questions from the judge.
Home Study (Optional): While home studies are generally not required for pro se stepparent adoptions in Florida, it's advisable to gather information about your living situation, family dynamics, and ability to provide a nurturing environment for your stepchild. This can help strengthen your case and demonstrate your commitment to the child's well-being.
SECOND PARENT ADOPTION
Second-parent adoption in Florida is a legal process that allows one partner in an unmarried couple to adopt their partner's child. This is a particularly beneficial option for same-sex couples who want to establish a legal relationship between both parents and the child.
Benefits of Second-Parent Adoption
Gives the adoptive parent legal rights and responsibilities
Provides the child with a sense of security and belonging
Strengthens family bonds
Additional Things to Consider
Time: The process of second-parent adoption can take several months longer to complete, than other family adoptions.
Parent Rights: Both partners may need to establish parental rights before proceeding with second-parent adoption. This may involve additional legal steps, such as paternity establishment or joint custody agreements
Steps Involved
The process of second-parent adoption in Florida can vary, but it generally involves the following steps:
Gather the necessary paperwork. This may include things like birth certificates, proof of relationship, and proof of income.
Complete a home study. While not always required, a home study may be necessary in some cases. If required, the cost can range from approximately $1,000 to $3,000 in Florida.
Attend a court hearing. The court will review the paperwork, home study (if applicable), and make a decision on whether to grant the adoption.
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ADULT ADOPTION
Adult adoption can formalize a lifelong connection and provide peace of mind. Whether you're looking to establish legal rights or simply deepen your family bond, Florida allows adults to adopt other adults. Pro Docs Plus can guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Why does someone adopt an adult?
There are various reasons why an adult might choose to be adopted:
Strengthening family bonds: Adult adoption can provide a formal way to recognize and strengthen existing family relationships.
Establishing legal rights and responsibilities: Adoption can grant the adoptive parent(s) legal rights and responsibilities, such as the right to make medical decisions or inherit property.
Obtaining benefits: In some cases, adult adoption can provide the adoptee with certain benefits, such as eligibility for inheritance or health insurance coverage.
Personal fulfillment: For some individuals, adult adoption can be a deeply personal and fulfilling experience that allows them to create a new family bond.
Eligibility Requirements
Age of the adoptee: The adult must be at least 18 years old.
Consent of the adoptee: The adult must freely consent to the adoption.
Relationship between the parties: There is no specific requirement for a pre-existing relationship between the adoptive parent(s) and the adoptee, but a positive and supportive relationship is generally beneficial.
Parental Rights: If the adult adoptee has living biological parents, they must either sign an acceptance form or be served formal notice. If they do not respond within a specified time period, their parental rights may be terminated.
Steps Involved
Gather Required Documents: In addition to the petition for adoption, you may need to provide the following documents:
Birth certificates of the adoptee and adoptive parent(s)
Proof of residency for the adoptive parent(s)
Consent form from the adult adoptee
Acceptance form or proof of service for biological parents (if applicable)
File the Petition: Submit the completed petition and supporting documents to the appropriate Florida court.
Court Hearings: Court hearings may be conducted in person or via Zoom. In some cases, court hearings may not be required at all, especially if there are no objections to the adoption.
Adoption Decree/Final Judgment: If the court approves the adoption, a final decree/judgment will be issued, legally recognizing the adoptive parent(s) as the legal parent(s) of the adult.
By Relative
Single female adopts her 18 year old cousin after both her parents pass in a car accident.
By Fictive Kin
Single widow adopts her neighbor who she helped raise while her parents were absent.
By Stepparent
Stepfather adopts his 23 year old stepdaughter along with her biological mother.
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TESTIMONIALS
Florida Adoption FAQs
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Pro se means that you are representing yourself in a legal case. You are not being represented by an attorney or legal aid. In other words, you are acting as your own lawyer, as a self-represented litigant. This means you are responsible for your own case.
In Florida, you can hire a non-lawyer to prepare all your legal documents and provide procedural guidance, saving you lots of money in legal fees. -
A non-lawyer is someone who does not have a law degree and cannot practice law. A non-lawyer cannot provide legal advice or represent clients in court. However, in Florida, they can use their expertise to provide legal document preparation and procedural guidance to self-represented individuals. This is a great alternative to those looking for a convenient and affordable option for their legal matters.
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No, it is not legally required to have an attorney for a family or adult adoption in Florida. You can choose to represent yourself in the adoption process.
However, if your case becomes complex or legal issues arise, such as arguing abandonment, it may be beneficial to consider legal representation for the final hearing.
In addition, if your adopting a non-relative or adopting through DCF, a lawyer or adoption agency may be necessary. -
In Florida, a third-degree family relationship includes grandparents, grandchildren, great-grandparents, great-grandchildren, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. This close familial bond allows these individuals to adopt one another under state law.
Also known as third-degree consanguinity, relative adoptions are a common practice in Florida. Unlike many other legal proceedings, these adoptions can often be completed without the assistance of an attorney, making them a more accessible option for families.
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No, you do not need to be married to adopt in Florida. The adoption process and requirements are generally the same as for couples or single petitioners.
The exception would be for stepparent adoptions. In Florida, only married couples can initiate stepparent adoption proceedings. A long-term partner that is not the spouse cannot adopt a child through this process. However, they could consider second-parent adoption instead.
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While it is generally required to obtain written consent from both biological parents for adoption in Florida, there are some exceptions:
Deceased or Unknown Parent: If one parent is deceased or if the biological father’s identity is unknown, consent from that parent is not required.
Termination of Parental Rights: If one parent's rights have been previously terminated by court order due to abandonment, neglect, or other reasons, consent from that parent is not necessary.
Important Considerations:
Specific Documents Required: It’s important to haveall required documents for biological parents' consents, prepared accurately and in accordance with Florida law. Biological mother and biological father require different documents.
Written Consent: The consents must be signed in the presence of two witnesses and a notary public. It's essential to ensure that the notary is knowledgeable about the specific requirements for adoption consent documents for the court to accept them with your case.
Non-Consenting Birth Parent: If a birth parent refuses to consent to the adoption, they must be served with formal notice. This ensures that they are aware of the proceedings and have an opportunity to defend their parental rights. The court will typically order personal service or, if unsuccessful, alternative methods like publication or mailing. Failure to respond to the notice may result in a default judgment and the termination of their parental rights. Learn More about Service of Process
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Generally, pro se family and adult adoption in Florida can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months. However, this timeframe can vary significantly based on several factors:
Complexity of the case: If there are disputes about parental rights, child custody, or other legal issues, the process can be lengthier.
Court backlogs: Delays in the court system can impact the timeline. Sometimes they can be short staffed, or holidays can slow things down.
Court and judge specifications and requirements: Specific County court rules and judge preferences can also contribute to delays. For example, some judges may require additional documentation or hearings, while others may be more efficient in processing cases.
Cooperation of all parties involved: If everyone involved is cooperative, the process can be expedited.
Relative Adoption vs. Stepparent Adoption: While similar, there are key differences between the two. Using the wrong forms can lead to delays or even dismissal of your case.
Termination of Parental Rights: This is often a crucial step in relative adoptions, and it can be complex if the biological parent contests it.
Your own schedule: How quickly you can provide necessary information, paperwork and complete procedural tasks can also play a big part in how quickly your case moves along.
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The costs of family adoptions in Florida can vary depending on specific circumstances. Working with an adoption agency or attorney in Florida can typically cost between $5,000 and $20,000 or more. In addition, you generally should expect to incur fees for court filing and court processes as well that are required for adoption.
To help streamline the process and provide a more predictable cost structure, Pro Docs Plus offers a flat-rate full service packages for pro se relative, stepparent, and adult adoptions in Florida, saving you thousands in legal fees. We provide nonlawyer legal document preparation, court filing assistance, and procedural guidance, allowing you to focus on building your family.
Please note that some families may qualify for waiver of court filing fees, especially if they are adopting a relative or have limited financial resources.
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Yes, same-sex couples can adopt in Florida. The adoption process is the same as for any other couple or individual seeking to adopt a child. For couples who are not married, they can consider looking into second-parent adoption.
Florida allows joint adoption: This means that both partners in a same-sex couple can be listed as parents on the child's birth certificate.
There are no legal restrictions based on sexual orientation: Florida law does not discriminate against same-sex couples in the adoption process.
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In Florida, biological parents generally have a limited time period after giving consent to an adoption to change their minds. This period is known as the "grace period."
For children under 6 months old: The grace period is typically 24 hours.
For children over 6 months old: The grace period is 3 days or until the child has been placed with the prospective adoptive parents, whichever is later.
After the grace period expires, it is generally difficult for biological parents to revoke their consent. To do so, they would need to prove that the consent was obtained through fraud or duress.
As an adoptive parent, it's important to be aware of the grace period and to ensure that the consent process is conducted legally and ethically. This can help to protect your rights and the child's well-being.
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The Putative Father Registry (PFR) is a state-administered database that protects the rights of men who claim to be the biological father of a child born outside of marriage. By registering with the PFR, these men preserve their right to be notified of any adoption proceedings involving their child, granting them the opportunity to consent or object to the adoption.
Obtaining a Putative Father Registry certificate is often a necessary step in most adoption proceedings, especially when the child's biological father's identity is unknown or in question. This certificate can provide evidence of paternity and help to ensure that all parties involved in the adoption have been notified and have the opportunity to exercise their rights. Learn More
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If you cannot locate the biological parents, you may still be able to proceed with the adoption. However, the court will require you to demonstrate a good-faith effort to find them. This may involve placing public notices or conducting a diligent search.
Pro Docs Plus can assist you with the entire process, including:
Diligent search: We can connect you with a licensed private investigator to conduct the required search.
Document preparation: Our team can help you prepare the necessary legal documents for the adoption.
Procedural guidance: We can provide expert guidance on the service of process, publication requirements, and court filing assistance.
By working with Pro Docs Plus, you can streamline the adoption process and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
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While most standard adoptions in Florida require a home study, adoptions involving grandparents and other relatives are typically exempt from the home study requirement. This simplifies the adoption process for individuals seeking to adopt their relatives.
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1. Finalize the Adoption Decree/Final Judgment
2. Update Legal Documents
3. Inform Relevant Parties
4. Seek Post-Adoption Support
