This is the first post in my series on handling step-parent adoptions in Melbourne, Florida. Blended families consider step-parent adoptions for a variety of reasons. As you weigh this life-changing decision, it is essential to understand the legal process and the potential impact on your rights and responsibilities in the future. The goal of this series is to provide information about these important issues. Consulting with a knowledgeable family law attorney can help you understand your options. If you are considering adoption, contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
This series will focus on several key topics, including:
- The rights of all parties involved in a step-parent adoption
- The process for a step-parent adoption when the birth parent consents
- The process for a step-parent adoption when the birth parent opposes the adoption
It is important to understand these issues for multiple reasons. First, the rights and obligations of step-parents and birth parents will be permanently altered by the adoption process. A birth parent whose parental rights are terminated by the adoption will have no obligations to the child in the future. The adoptive step-parent will be taking on those responsibilities in his place. This includes an obligation to support the child financially even if the birth parent and step-parent divorce in the future. Second, the legal process to complete the adoption will be different depending upon whether the parent whose rights are being terminated consents to or opposes the adoption. Understanding the different options will be essential for the families involved.
Adoption can be an exciting and happy step for many families. Retaining an experienced family law attorney will help you navigate the process. My office is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to our clients in the cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Orchid.