How Can a Stepparent Adopt a Child?

Are you considering adopting your stepchild? Adoption, even of a stepchild, is a big step that shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, by adopting your stepchild, you’re assuming legal responsibility for him or her. Adoption of the child means that you are terminating the rights of the biological parent and ending his or her obligation to pay child support. It also means that if you and your current spouse divorce, you will be legally responsible to pay child support for the adopted child and the child will inherit from you when you die. Adoption of a stepchild is a big step, but for many families, it’s the right choice.

Stepparent adoption offers numerous legal benefits. Once you’ve adopted your stepchild, you’ll have the right to participate in major decisions for the child. If your stepchild were ever hospitalized, you’d be able to visit. And if something were to happen to your spouse, adoption would ensure that you wouldn’t be separated from your stepchild.

Plus, with regard to emotional benefits, adoption can make your stepchild feel accepted and included in your new family unit. And, if you’ve been in your stepchild’s life for a number of years, adoption can reinforce your commitment and make your parent-child bond official.

The Stepparent Adoption Process in Florida

The stepparent adoption process in Florida can be complicated, so you should strongly consider hiring an attorney to help you navigate it. First, you and your attorney will need to file a petition with the court. You’ll need to show that either both biological parents consent to the adoption, or the objecting parent’s consent isn’t required (in certain circumstances—such as where a parent abandoned a child, or where a parent’s rights were previously terminated—his or her consent won’t be required for the adoption to proceed). The court will then conduct a hearing and issue a decision.

Offering Help With Stepparent Adoptions in the Tampa Bay Area

As noted above, stepparent adoptions are complicated and having an experienced family law attorney on your side can make all the difference. Fortunately, families throughout the Tampa Bay area can rely on the Law Offices of Audrey A. Jefferis, P.A., for assistance. We’re based in New Port Richey and we also operate a satellite office in Palm Harbor for our clients’ convenience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.