Compassionate Guidance From Melbourne Stepparent Adoption Attorneys
Choosing to adopt your stepchild is a big decision, but one that can be incredibly rewarding as well. Stepparent adoptions bring your family closer together and offer you certain rights as a parent that you did not have before.
With the help of the stepparent adoption attorneys at Platt Cole Russell & Simpson PLLC, you can navigate this journey with preparation and confidence.
How Do Stepparent Adoptions Work In Florida?
Stepparent adoptions happen when a stepparent adopts their spouse’s child. However, it’s often not as simple as just signing the paperwork. Stepparent adoptions require the consent of both of the child’s birth parents, meaning not just the stepparent’s spouse but the other parent as well. Getting the consent of the other parent means they agree and are willing to terminate their parental rights to their child.
While in some cases, the other parent will give their consent without any trouble, it’s often the case that the other parent will not consent or cannot even be located to give their consent. In this situation, it’s crucial to have a skilled stepparent adoption attorney on your side who can help you take the steps to have the court terminate the other parent’s parental rights. Courts can also terminate the other parent’s parental rights if they are deemed unfit or if they abandoned the child.
Our stepparent adoption attorneys know how to navigate this tricky situation so that your adoption process can continue forward smoothly.
Why Consider A Stepparent Adoption?
While stepparent adoptions allow you to build a stronger bond and relationship with your stepchild, it also provides you with more rights and responsibilities as a legal parent, including:
- Making major decisions on behalf of the child’s medical care, education and religious beliefs.
- Passing on your surname to the child.
- Listed as the child’s parent on an amended birth certificate.
By working with our Brevard County family law attorneys, you can rest assured that your rights will be protected as you move forward with a stepparent adoption. Our stepparent adoption attorneys know how important this step is for your family and will take the utmost care in supporting you every step of the way.
Let Our Stepparent Adoption Attorneys Help Your Family
A stepparent adoption is a beautiful way to bring your family closer together. At Platt Cole Russell & Simpson PLLC, we are experienced and compassionate stepparent adoption attorneys who will fight for your rights during this process.
Call us today at 321-725-5638 or send an email through our website. We proudly serve families throughout Melbourne and Brevard counties.