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Orlando Divorce Lawyer > Orlando Stepparent Adoptions Lawyer

Orlando Stepparent Adoptions Lawyer

Helping Families Formalize Bonds Through Stepparent Adoption

The Donna Hung Law Group practices family law in Orlando to help families strengthen and legally formalize the relationships that already exist in their lives. Stepparent adoption is one of the most meaningful and life-changing legal actions a family can take. It provides children with security, stability, and a legally recognized parental relationship, while giving stepparents full parental rights and responsibilities. Our attorneys guide families through the adoption process with compassion, clarity, and skilled legal support.

Clients of the Donna Hung Law Group receive personal attention, practical advice, and consistent communication throughout their case. Our Orlando stepparent adoptions lawyers take a careful, solution-focused approach that honors your family’s unique circumstances and ensures that every step of the adoption process is handled properly and efficiently.

Understanding Stepparent Adoption in Florida

Stepparent adoption occurs when a stepparent legally adopts their spouse’s child, creating a permanent and legally enforceable parent-child relationship. It provides the child with:

  • A legally recognized second parent
  • Emotional and financial stability
  • Inheritance rights
  • Rights to benefits such as insurance or Social Security
  • Protection if something happens to the biological parent

Stepparent adoption is typically smoother than other forms of adoption, but important legal procedures and requirements must still be followed.

Requirements for Stepparent Adoption

Florida law imposes specific requirements for stepparent adoption, including:

  • The stepparent must be married to the biological parent
  • The adopting parent must file a petition for adoption
  • The other biological parent’s rights must be terminated or legally relinquished

Because termination of parental rights is a significant legal matter, our firm ensures that all statutory requirements are met.

When Consent of the Other Parent Is Needed

In most cases, the consent of the non-custodial biological parent is required for a stepparent adoption. Consent may be needed when:

  • The biological parent is alive
  • The biological parent retains parental rights
  • The biological parent has a meaningful relationship with the child

If the biological parent agrees, the process is usually straightforward.

When Consent Is Not Required

Under Florida law, consent may not be required if:

  • The parent has abandoned the child
  • The parent has failed to communicate or provide support
  • The parent’s identity is unknown
  • The parent is declared incompetent
  • The parent’s rights have already been terminated
  • Abuse, neglect, or endangerment has occurred

Proving these circumstances requires strong evidence and careful legal presentation. We help families navigate these complex issues.

Termination of Parental Rights

Termination of parental rights (TPR) is often the most challenging step in stepparent adoption. TPR may occur:

  • Voluntarily, if the parent signs a consent
  • Involuntarily, if the court determines the parent is unfit or has abandoned the child

Grounds for involuntary termination include:

  • Abandonment
  • Chronic substance abuse
  • Severe or repeated abuse
  • Neglect
  • Incarceration under certain conditions

Our attorneys handle TPR proceedings with diligence, sensitivity, and strong legal advocacy.

Home Study Requirements

Unlike other forms of adoption, stepparent adoptions typically do not require a home study unless:

  • The court specifically orders one
  • Special circumstances exist

This makes stepparent adoption less invasive and faster than agency or private adoption.

Background Checks

Some courts may require background checks for adopting stepparents. These checks help ensure:

  • The safety and well-being of the child
  • The suitability of the adopting parent

We assist in completing all required checks quickly and correctly.

Benefits of Stepparent Adoption

Stepparent adoption provides significant emotional and legal benefits, including:

  • Full parental rights for the stepparent
  • Legal recognition of the family unit
  • Ability to make medical and educational decisions
  • Inheritance rights
  • Eligibility for benefits under health insurance and Social Security
  • Clarity in emergency situations
  • Protection for the child if the biological parent dies

Stepparent adoption provides lasting stability and security for the child’s future.

Stepparent Adoption and Name Changes

Many children choose to change their last name as part of the adoption. Courts may approve a name change when:

  • Both parents agree
  • It serves the child’s best interests

We help families include the name change request in the adoption petition.

What Happens After the Adoption Is Final

Once the adoption is finalized:

  • The adopting stepparent becomes a full legal parent
  • The child receives a new birth certificate listing the adoptive parent
  • All legal ties with the former parent (if applicable) are severed
  • The stepparent’s rights become equal to those of any biological parent

The family now has full legal recognition and protection.

Special Circumstances in Stepparent Adoption

Some cases may involve unique legal challenges, such as:

  • Uncooperative biological parents
  • Children born out of wedlock
  • Paternity disputes
  • Missing or incarcerated parents
  • International considerations
  • Older children who must consent to adoption

Our attorneys have experience navigating even the most complex stepparent adoption cases.

What to Do If You Are Considering Stepparent Adoption

If you are thinking about adopting your spouse’s child, you can strengthen your case by:

  • Gathering documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificates
  • Maintaining records of parenting involvement
  • Documenting any abandonment or lack of support by the other parent
  • Avoiding conflict or negative communication with the other parent
  • Speaking with an attorney before discussing adoption with the non-custodial parent

Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth process.

The Stepparent Adoption Process in Florida

While every case is unique, the process generally follows these steps.

Filing the Petition for Adoption

Your attorney drafts and files:

  • The adoption petition
  • Required consents (if applicable)
  • Requests for termination of parental rights

Serving the Other Parent

If rights must be terminated, the other parent is properly served.

Termination of Parental Rights Hearing

The judge decides whether the other parent’s rights will be terminated.

Adoption Finalization Hearing

Once parental rights are terminated or consent is given, the judge finalizes the adoption.

Issuance of New Birth Certificate

The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics issues a new birth certificate listing the adoptive parent.

Comprehensive Orlando Family Law Practice

The Donna Hung Law Group supports families in all adoption and child-related matters, including:

  • Stepparent adoptions
  • Grandparent and relative adoptions
  • Termination of parental rights
  • Paternity and custody disputes
  • Parenting plan creation
  • Child support
  • Domestic violence injunctions
  • Divorce and modification cases

We provide sensitive, informed, and dedicated representation to families building stronger futures.

Orlando Family Courthouse Information

Stepparent adoptions are finalized at 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

Adoption hearings are typically private and celebratory proceedings.

Orlando Stepparent Adoption FAQs

How long does a stepparent adoption take?

Most cases take a few months, depending on consent and court scheduling.

Does the biological parent have to consent?

Not always. Consent may be waived in cases of abandonment or unfitness.

Will we need a home study?

Usually not, unless special circumstances require it.

Can the child change their last name?

Yes. The name change can be included in the adoption petition.

Can the biological parent regain rights after adoption?

No. Termination of parental rights is permanent.

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 Stepparent Adoptions Lawyers Here for You When You Need Us

At the Donna Hung Law Group, we know that stepparent adoption is one of the most meaningful steps a family can take. Our attorneys are committed to making the process smooth, efficient, and joyful. Whether your case is straightforward or requires overcoming significant legal challenges, we offer unwavering support and skilled advocacy every step of the way.

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