Stepparent and Relative Adoption Attorney
Adopting a child is a joyful event and when considering if stepparent and relative adoption is right for your child, turn to Central Florida’s trusted stepparent and relative adoption attorney Christopher A. Doty. Attorney Doty is an experienced adoption attorney helping stepparents, as well as other relatives, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings who wish to adopt. As Florida’s family laws have changed over the years, knowledge and experience have become more and more important especially when it comes to legal barriers and the relational dynamics between the stepparent/relative, the child, and the biological parents. Attorney Doty will make sure you understand any adoption issues, he will prepare the necessary filings, and Attorney Doty will represent you at any required hearings.
Stepparent and Relative Adoption in Florida
Stepparent and relative adoptions are governed by Chapter 63 of the Florida Statutes and are initiated by filing a petition with the Florida family court. Additionally, there are requirements for each of these.
Requirements for Stepparent and Relative Adoption
The stepparent or relative must be able to support the child morally and financially.
A petition to adopt the child must be filed.
The petition must include the child’s birth date and place of birth, the name that will be given to the child if there is going to be a name change, a statement of how long the child has lived with the stepparent or relative, and if applicable, the biological father’s consent to the adoption. Or there must be a reason stated on the petition as to why the biological father’s consent is not needed.
Benefits of Stepparent Adoptions
- Legal rights in child time sharing and support proceedings.
- The right to be informed and to be included in decision making regarding emergency situations and medical care.
- The right to claim government benefits, such as Social Security and military benefits.
- The right of the child to be registered on the stepparents’ insurance benefits.
- The right to legally inherit from the child’s or the stepparent’s property in the event of their passing
Benefits of Relative Adoptions
- Provides the relative with full legal parental rights of the child.
- Reduces shame and suffering of separation from family and parents.
- Can be a more positive experience for a child due to familiarity and pre-existing relationships.
- Offers ability to maintain family traditions and culture.
- Provides the most stable placement with the least behavioral, educational, and mental health problems.
- Keeps children out of the foster care.
Contact Our Florida Adoption Attorney Today
The Law Offices of Christopher A. Doty has been handling family law matters in Florida since 2004. With a proven insight and a sincere desire to help families through their legal matters, Attorney Doty is recognized in the legal community and among clients as a strong and caring advocate who provides the highest quality representation. If you are ready to start the adoption process, get in touch with our office today.
I understand the meaning of service and demand justice…
My clients appreciate the level of personal attention I provide in their representation. As a former Marine, I understand the meaning of the word service, and will provide an aggressive, results-driven approach to your specific case. Regardless of your legal matter, I understand the anxiety and stress that any legal issue can cause my clients. That’s why I never hesitate to represent your case with the level of intensity that it deserves as the opposition and the situation requires. Whether your legal matter involves strenuous and vigorous negotiation, mediation, or aggressive representation at trial, The Law Offices of Christopher A. Doty will produce the results you deserve.
We offer payment options and military discounts
As a former Marine, it is my honor to continue to protect your rights. I truly believe that regardless of the circumstances, everyone deserves the right to the highest level of personal attention, advocacy, and legal representation.
I meet personally with all prospective clients. If you are in need of legal services, call or contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
See What Our Clients are Saying
Christopher Doty helped our family when we needed it most! Grateful for his hard work.
Takes care of their people! Grateful for Christopher and his team.
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The Law Offices of Christopher Alan Doty, P.A.
proudly offers services in the following areas:
Ocala
Dunnellon
Summerfield
McIntosh
Marion Oaks
Inverness
Beverly HIlls
Sugarmill Woods
Orlando
Belleview
Silver Springs
Oxford
Reddick
Fort McCoy
Crystal River
Lecanto
Black Diamond
Tampa
The Villages
Lady Lake
Weirsdale
Top of the World
Candler Hills
Homosassa Springs
Hernando
Citrus Hills
Jacksonville