Adopting a stepchild is the most common form of adoption. A stepparent who adopts agrees to be fully responsible for his or her spouse's child. After the stepparent adoption occurs, the non-custodial parent (the parent not living with the child) no longer has any rights or responsibilities for the child, including child support.

Step-parent adoptions are among the easiest of adoptions in Florida due to the reduced filing and waiting period requirements. Consent by the Mother and biological Father is necessary or you must have obtained a Final Judgment Terminating Parental Rights or Court approval to avoid the written consent requirement. At Thurman Law Firm, we have completed numerous step-parent adoptions and will look forward to assisting you and you family if you are seeking to proceed with a step-parent adoption.

Issues to consider:

• The process may result in a change of the child's surname. Be sure to get several copies of the finalization document to provide to schools, agencies, and the government (tax forms, Social Security card, etc.) to prove the name change.
• Remember that stepparent adoption not only severs the legal relationship with one biological parent but also with members of that parent's family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Please contact our office to discuss the fees and costs associated with a step-parent adoption by email or call us at (850) 765-9285.