Adoption Law

Clearwater matrimonial lawyers

Serving in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties with law offices also in Largo, Holiday & Palm Harbor

K. Dean Kantaras is Board Certified in Marital and Family Law by the Florida Bar

When you are contemplating an adoption, the insight and counsel of a caring attorney can be invaluable.  At the Law Offices of Kantaras & Andreopoulos, you will find the experience and knowledge you seek in a Clearwater matrimonial lawyer.

Adoption

Adoption is the court action in which a person becomes the legal parent of someone who is not his or her biological child.  Adoptive parents take on all rights and responsibilities relating to the adopted adult or child.

To be eligible to adopt in Florida, you must be a single or married heterosexual adult of good character who has the physical and financial ability to nurture and to provide for a child.  Everyone who decides to pursue an adoption must undergo a home study process.  This is a screening process to make sure the potential living situation is suitable.

Before the adoption of a minor can begin, the presiding court must receive proof that the biological parents consent to the adoption, that they lack the parental right to object to the adoption or that they abandoned the child.

Adoption categories

Following are the types of adoption that exist in Florida:

• Stepparent adoption:
  • A stepparent adopts the children of his or her spouse when the other biological parent gives up parental rights.
  • Adoptive parent may finalize the adoption upon the termination of birth parent rights.
  • If the child is twelve years of age or older, he or she must consent to the adoption.

• Close relative adoption:
  • Adoptive parents, related to the birth parents, may finalize the adoption upon the termination of birth parent rights.
  • If the child is twelve years of age or older, he or she must consent to the adoption.

• Adult adoption:
  • Biological parents need not give consent but the petitioner must provide them notice.
  • Adoptive parents may finalize the adoption with the consent of the adult adoptee.

• Entity adoption:
  • A licensed private adoption agency, attorney, or the Department of Children and Families facilitates the adoption.
  • Adoptive parents may not finalize the adoption until 30 days after termination of birth parent rights or 90 days after placement of the child in their home.
  • If the child is twelve years of age or older, he or she must consent to the adoption.
  • An entity adoption falls into one of the following categories:

• Domestic infant adoption
• Domestic older child or special needs adoption
• International adoption

Contact a matrimonial lawyer in Clearwater

K. Dean Kantaras is board certified in marital and family law by the Florida Bar

It is crucial to consult an attorney when contemplating any type of adoption.  Contact the Law Offices of Kantaras & Andreopoulos for guidance from experienced adoption lawyers in Clearwater. Serving in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties with law offices also in Largo, Holiday & Palm Harbor.