TRUST • COMMITMENT • INTEGRITY
TRUST • COMMITMENT • INTEGRITY
Step-Parent Adoption
You’ve been acting like a parent every day—showing up for the pickups, the bedtime routines, and the hard conversations.
What Is Step-Parent Adoption and What Rights Does It Grant?
Step-parent adoption is a legal process that replaces the parental rights of one biological parent with those of a step-parent. Once finalized, the adopting parent receives full legal authority, including custody, decision-making power, and inheritance rights. The child’s legal records, including their birth certificate, are updated to reflect the change. This new status is permanent, enforceable, and carries the same legal weight as birth parenthood. Florida law treats you as the child’s parent in every legal scenario from that moment forward.
Do I Need Consent from the Other Biological Parent?
In most cases, the biological parent whose rights are being terminated must provide written consent to the adoption. However, if that parent has abandoned the child for at least one year, failed to provide financial support, or cannot be located, the court may waive consent. Florida courts require documented proof of abandonment or absence before granting this waiver. Judges will not rely on hearsay or emotional claims without clear, legal evidence. We assist Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples clients in gathering and organizing this documentation to meet Florida’s legal standards.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Step-Parent Adoption?
To qualify, the step-parent must be legally married to the child’s biological parent, and the child must be a minor under Florida law. A background check is required, although a home study is generally waived in step-parent cases. If the child is 12 or older, they must provide written consent for the adoption to proceed. The petition must be filed with the family court in the county of residence and follow Florida’s formal procedure. Bergermann Law Firm ensures every step of this process is done correctly and on schedule.
How Long Does Step-Parent Adoption Take in Florida?
If both parents cooperate and paperwork is complete, the process can be finalized in 60 to 90 days. Delays often happen due to missing consent forms, incomplete documents, or difficulty locating the other biological parent. Florida courts require every detail to be accurate and properly filed before scheduling a final hearing. Our Fort Myers team works closely with clerks and judges in Cape Coral and Naples to keep your case moving forward. A smooth adoption depends more on preparation than paperwork volume.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer for Step-Parent Adoption?
While Florida allows you to file without an attorney, adoption is permanent and requires flawless execution. A single mistake can delay the process or open the door to future legal disputes. We provide legal support that ensures your forms are accurate, your case is fully prepared, and your child’s adoption is finalized without issue. At Bergermann Law Firm, we’ve guided families through step-parent adoptions across Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples with clarity and confidence. Legal parenthood deserves professional protection.
It’s More Than a Signature. It’s a Legacy.
Step-parent adoption is more than a court filing—it’s the moment your place in the family becomes permanent in every legal sense. Whether you’re facing consent complications, timing questions, or form requirements, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Bergermann Law Firm, based in Fort Myers and serving Cape Coral and Naples, is here to help your next step become your most meaningful one. Call (239) 334-0075 today and let us help you turn your daily role into a lifelong legal reality.
