Orlando Grandparent Adoptions Lawyer

Helping Grandparents Provide Stability, Love, and Legal Permanence for Their Grandchildren

The Donna Hung Law Group practices family law in Orlando to support families during some of the most meaningful and transformative moments of their lives. Grandparent adoption is one of the most powerful ways grandparents can step in to protect and nurture their grandchildren when the child’s parents are unable or unwilling to provide a safe and stable home. This legal process gives grandparents full parental rights and responsibilities, allowing them to safeguard their grandchild’s well-being, provide long-term stability, and make essential decisions regarding the child’s future.

Our Orlando grandparent adoptions lawyers provide compassionate guidance, clear communication, and strong legal advocacy throughout the entire adoption process. We understand the emotional complexity these cases often involve, and we work hard to ensure that grandparents receive the support, respect, and legal protection they deserve.

Understanding Grandparent Adoption in Florida

Grandparent adoption legally transfers parental rights from the child’s biological parents to the grandparents. Once finalized, grandparents become the child’s legal parents with all decision-making authority.

Florida allows grandparent adoption in specific circumstances, often when the child’s parents are unable to meet their parental responsibilities. Grandparent adoption may occur through:

• Consent adoption
• Dependency or foster care adoption
• Termination of parental rights (TPR) due to abandonment, neglect, or unfitness

Our attorneys guide grandparents through each step with precision and care.

When Grandparent Adoption May Be Appropriate

Grandparents may seek adoption for many reasons. Common situations include:

• Parents struggling with substance abuse
• Incarceration of one or both parents
• Abandonment or long-term absence
• Domestic violence in the home
• Exposure to unsafe people or environments
• Serious mental health challenges
• Chronic instability such as homelessness
• Neglect or inability to provide basic care
• Death of one or both parents

No matter the circumstance, our firm helps grandparents pursue the legal authority needed to protect their grandchild’s safety and stability.

Benefits of Grandparent Adoption

Grandparent adoption creates significant legal, financial, and emotional benefits. Some include:

• Full legal authority over the child’s education, healthcare, and daily needs
• Long-term stability and a permanent home
• Access to medical care and school records
• Eligibility for health insurance, benefits, and support programs
• Ability to make decisions without interference from unfit parents
• Protection from future custody disputes
• Emotional and psychological security for the child

Once the adoption is finalized, grandparents have the same rights and responsibilities as biological parents.

The Role of Consent in Grandparent Adoption

Grandparent adoption is easier when the biological parents voluntarily consent. However, many cases involve parents who refuse, cannot be found, or are legally unfit.

Consent may be waived when:

• A parent has abandoned the child
• A parent has not supported or contacted the child
• A parent’s rights have been terminated
• A parent is incarcerated for certain offenses
• A parent is deemed unfit due to abuse, neglect, or addiction

Our attorneys help grandparents pursue adoption with or without parental consent.

Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)

If the biological parents do not consent, the court must terminate their parental rights before the adoption can proceed. Grounds for TPR include:

• Abuse or chronic neglect
• Abandonment
• Failure to provide financial support
• Failure to maintain a relationship with the child
• Substance abuse affecting the child’s safety
• Severe mental health issues
• Long-term incarceration
• Previous involuntary TPR of another child

TPR cases are sensitive and complex. We handle these matters with diligence, respect, and strong legal advocacy.

Home Studies and Background Checks

Depending on the circumstances, grandparents may need to complete a home study, background checks, and other evaluations. These may include:

• A home inspection
• Interviews with family members
• Criminal background checks
• Medical records
• Financial stability review
• Parenting ability assessment

Grandparents who have been primary caregivers for a long time may qualify for certain exceptions. Our firm helps determine what requirements apply to your case.

Adoption Through Dependency Court

If the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has removed the child from the home, grandparents may be able to adopt through dependency court. This often involves:

• Becoming a relative caregiver
• Participating in case plans
• Attending hearings
• Pursuing adoption once reunification efforts fail

Our attorneys help grandparents navigate the dependency process and secure permanent custody through adoption when appropriate.

Step-by-Step Grandparent Adoption Process

The grandparent adoption process may involve several stages.

Filing the Adoption Petition

The case begins with filing a petition for adoption, supported by required documents, affidavits, and background checks.

Termination of Parental Rights

If necessary, TPR is addressed through consent or court proceedings.

Home Study (If Required)

An approved agency or social worker evaluates the grandparents’ home and caregiving abilities.

Court Hearings

Multiple hearings may be required to address:

• TPR
• Best interests of the child
• Adoption readiness

Finalization

Once approved, the judge signs the final judgment of adoption, legally establishing the grandparents as the child’s parents.

Challenges Grandparents May Face

Grandparent adoption is deeply meaningful but can involve obstacles such as:

• Parental refusal to consent
• Substance abuse or instability complicating the case
• Interstate or out-of-state issues
• Delays from dependency proceedings
• Conflicting family opinions
• Legal disputes with extended relatives
• High-conflict TPR hearings

Our attorneys guide families through every challenge with compassion and strength.

When Grandparents Should Seek Legal Support

Grandparents should consult an attorney if:

• They have been caring for the child long-term
• The child is living in unsafe conditions
• A parent is absent, unfit, or unstable
• DCF becomes involved
• They want to prevent custody disputes
• They need legal authority to make decisions for the child
• They want to provide long-term stability through adoption

Experienced legal representation is critical in adoption cases to avoid delays and prevent future legal challenges.

Comprehensive Orlando Family Law Practice

The Donna Hung Law Group handles a wide range of adoption and family law matters. In addition to grandparent adoption, our attorneys assist clients with:

• Stepparent adoptions
• Relative adoptions
• Termination of parental rights
• Paternity and custody cases
• Parenting plans and time-sharing
• Child support establishment and enforcement
• Domestic violence injunctions
• Dependency and DCF matters
• Guardianship and long-term custody

We provide strategic, compassionate representation focused on the child’s safety and best interests.

Orlando Family Courthouse Information

Grandparent adoptions are processed through the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

Orange County Courthouse
425 N. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 836-2000
Website: www.ninthcircuit.org

These cases may be heard in family court or dependency court, depending on the circumstances.

Orlando Grandparent Adoption FAQs

Do I need parental consent to adopt my grandchild?

Not always. Consent may be waived if the parent is absent, unfit, or legally deemed to have abandoned the child.

How long does grandparent adoption take?

Timelines vary based on whether TPR is required and whether the case involves dependency or private adoption.

Will I need a home study?

Some grandparents qualify for home study exemptions, but background checks and evaluations may still apply.

Can the biological parents regain custody after adoption?

No. Adoption permanently terminates parental rights.

Can I adopt my grandchild if DCF is involved?

Yes. Grandparents often receive priority placement and may adopt through the dependency system.

Serving Throughout Orlando

• Baldwin Park
• College Park
• Lake Nona
• Winter Park
• Thornton Park
• Dr. Phillips
• MetroWest
• Hunters Creek
• Avalon Park
• Windermere
• Celebration
• Waterford Lakes
• Mills 50 District
• Audubon Park
• Conway
• South Eola
• Bay Hill
• Lake Como
• Lake Mary
• Vista Lakes

Orlando Grandparent Adoptions Lawyers Here for You When You Need Us

At the Donna Hung Law Group, we understand the extraordinary love and dedication grandparents bring to their grandchildren. When you are ready to take the legal steps necessary to secure your grandchild’s safety, stability, and future, our attorneys are here to guide you with compassion and strength. Whether your case is straightforward or involves complex family dynamics, we are committed to helping you achieve a favorable and lasting outcome.

Call the Donna Hung Law Group at 407-999-0099 to schedule a confidential consultation and begin your grandparent adoption journey.