You have made the decision. Whether you are bringing a new child into the family, adopting a close relative or adult, or formalizing the loving relationship between you and your stepchild, you need guidance. What rights do you have at this moment? What factors do the courts look at to determine whether the adoption is appropriate? The attorneys at Richard J. Mockler, P.A. can answer these questions and ensure that the process runs smoothly for you and the adoptee.
Call (813) 443-4634 or (866) 719-7570 to speak with an experienced adoption attorney or contact us by email.
Placement
We can help guide you through the adoption process. You will need to attend a ten-week parenting course and submit to a home study where the state evaluates makes an evaluation of the adoptee's prospective environment. Once you have completed the parenting course and home study, we will help you find the right match.
Parental Termination
In most Florida adoption cases, before a petition for adoption will be heard, you must first obtain a judgment terminating the biological parents' rights. This requires consent from the biological parent(s), an affidavit of non-paternity from the father, or a finding by the court of abandonment. We can help you through the process of terminating parental rights.
Stepparent Adoption, Close Relative Adoption, and Adult Adoption
The state of Florida has several exceptions to expedite the adoption of a stepchild, close relative, or adult. These include:
- Combining the adoption hearing and parental termination hearing;
- Making the home study optional at the court's discretion; and
- Assuming the required consents are attached, finalizing the adoption as soon as the petition has been filed.
The attorneys at Richard J. Mockler, P.A., understand that you want your relationship formalized as swiftly as possible, and we will work diligently towards this end.
Contesting an Adoption
If you object to the adoption of your child or believe that your consent was obtained through fraud or duress, you must take several steps to ensure that your rights are safeguarded. These steps may include maintaining meaningful contact with your child, signing up with Florida's Putative Father Registry, and appearing at a hearing for termination of parental rights. It is important during this time to secure legal counsel to protect your rights.
Contact Richard J. Mockler, P.A. to speak directly with an experienced Tampa, Florida, lawyer regarding the details of your case.
Credit cards accepted • Flat rate options through mediation • Easily accessible • Call (813) 443-4634 or (866) 719-7570 for a consultation or case evaluation.
Please also feel free to schedule a visit to our new, child-friendly office in historic Hyde Park. We are conveniently located at 305 S. Magnolia Ave., Tampa, Florida 33606.
Please also visit our blogs and other sites:
Family Law Rights Blog, Miltary Divorce Law Blog, Tampa Divorce Lawyer Blog, MocklerLaw, and Tampa Family Law Information.
Click here if you need a referral to a Tampa Child Psychologist or Family Psychologist.The Tampa Child Psychology Blog is online here.
