Tampa Adoption Lawyer
Adopting a child can be rewarding. However, it can be a frustrating legal process. There is often a lot of legal red tape to go through, even if you are adopting a stepchild or other family member. In an adoption, there are two main concerns: that the proper process is followed and that the best interests of the child are kept in mind. There’s a lot of paperwork involved in the adoption process but the good news is that you don’t have to handle it on your own. The process of adopting a child can take an emotional, physical, and legal toll on a family. The Tampa adoption lawyer at Faulkner Law Group, PLLC can help you with the adoption process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Types of Adoptions in Florida
There are four types of adoption:
- Stepchild adoption. This is the most common type of adoption. This occurs when a couple marries and one or both spouses have children from previous relationships that the other spouse wants to adopt. This type of adoption can be complicated, as it involves terminating the rights of the other legal parent. This can be done by consent or waiver, depending on the circumstances. If the court finds that adopting the child is in the child’s best interests, the case will proceed and the adult will have the same rights as a biological parent.
- Relative adoptions. These are similar to stepchild adoptions except that close family members can adopt the minor child. These include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings. These types of adoptions often occur when the parents die or are deemed unfit to care for the child. Again, the parent’s rights must be terminated and the adoption will be granted if it is determined to be in the child’s best interests.
- Entity adoptions. These adoptions are facilitated through some sort of adoption agency. They include international adoptions, foster care adoptions, and private adoptions. These can be the most complex, as there are many laws and procedures involved, especially if the child is coming from another country. There are often parenting courses and mountains of paperwork involved.
- Adult adoptions. This may seem weird, but adults can be adopted as well. This may occur if the adult is disabled or if a person wants to ensure the adult’s inheritance. This type of adoption is often easier, as no parental rights need to be terminated. However, the biological parents do need to be given legal notice of the adoption.
Contact Us Today
The adoption process can be complex, but know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. An experienced adoption attorney can review your agreements and ensure that they are fair and enforceable. The Faulkner Law Group, PLLC can advise you of your legal rights and options when it comes to the adoption process. Schedule a consultation with our Tampa adoption lawyer today by filling out the online form or calling (813) 544-3919.
