There are a lot of steps involved in the adoption process, and it can be daunting to try to figure out everything on your own. That's why hiring a family law attorney is such a good idea. They can help you with all the paperwork and make sure that everything is done correctly. If you're wondering if your stepparent can adopt you as an adult, the answer is yes. In Florida, any adult may be adopted by another adult, as long as they meet certain requirements.
What Are the Requirements for Stepparents to Adopt Their Adult Children in Florida?
As a stepparent, you may have questions about whether you can adopt your adult children in the state of Florida. The good news is that yes, you can.
To successfully adopt your adult child in the state of Florida, there are a few requirements that must be met. These requirements pertain to your physical and legal relationship with your stepchild, as well as the completion of necessary forms and paperwork.
The requirements for stepparents to adopt their adult children in Florida include but are not limited to the following:
- First, the adult stepchild must have lived with their stepparent for at least six months prior to filing for adoption. During this time, the courts may make routine check-ins or visits to ensure that the two parties reside under one roof and share a parent-child relationship.
- Second, the adult stepchild must be over 18 years old and cannot be married or in a domestic partnership at the time of the adoption.
If an adult stepchild meets these requirements, then their stepparent can begin the process of adopting them by filing a petition with the court. This can be a complex process, so it is important to hire a family law attorney with experience in stepparent adoption. An experienced family law attorney can walk you through each step of the journey.
Adopting an adult child is full of rewards and challenges, but with support and guidance from a qualified family law attorney, it doesn't have to be overwhelming.
For more information about stepparent adoption in Florida, or to discuss your situation with our experienced family law attorneys in Miami-Dade, call Orshan, Spann & Fernandez-Mesa at (305) 853-9161 or get in touch with us online today to schedule a consultation.