Orlando, FL asked in Adoption for Florida

Q: We have custody of twin 12 yr old granddaughters. Both parents are deceased. How can we the grandparents adopt?

We have been their sole support since birth. They have lived with us since birth. No support from either parent.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Deborah Annette Carroll
Deborah Annette Carroll
Answered
  • Family Law Lawyer
  • Lakeland, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: Fortunately, Florida has a streamlined approach to relative adoptions. Relative adoptions are designated as an adoption occurring when the person/people adopting are related within three bloodlines to the child/children they are adopting. Florida Statutes do not require a home study for relative adoptions, which keeps your cost significantly lower. Additionally, under most circumstances, a relative adoption can be finalized with only one hearing rather than two as in non relative adoptions. A petition is filed asking the court to terminate the legal rights of the biological parents (obviously death certificates will be provided to the court in your instance) and to finalize the adoption. Adoptions are very statute specific. Please consult with an adoption attorney in your area. If you would like a free consultation, please feel free to contact me at 863-937-9100.

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