LGBTQ Adoptions In Florida: How Non-Biological Parents Can Protect Their Rights

Having children is a beautiful and life-changing experience. For LGBTQ couples in Florida, particularly non-biological parents, adoption provides a vital way to protect your rights and your relationship with your child.

Our Fort Lauderdale family attorney is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community and has extensive experience helping parents secure the legal protections they deserve. Find out more about LGBTQ adoption options in Florida and why taking this step is so important.

LGBTQ Adoption Options in Florida

The LGBTQ fought hard to get legal rights in Florida. The Florida Statutes now provide important legal protections, both in terms of same-sex marriage and the rights of LGBTQ couples to adopt children.

There are a variety of methods couples can choose from in starting a family, including artificial insemination, hiring a surrogate, or relying on public or private adoption agencies. However, whenever one or both parties are non-biological parents, it is vital to take legal action. The following are LGBTQ adoption options in Florida:

• Joint adoption, where a couple legally adopts together and is recognized as legal parents from the start;
• Stepparent adoption, in cases where you, a non-biological parent, are legally married to the child’s biological parent.;
• Second-parent adoption, allowing you to adopt your spouse’s child from a prior relationship without affecting the other biological parent’s rights.

Equality Florida warns that even if you are on the child’s birth certificate, non-biological parents are not fully protected under the law. Without legal adoption, the courts may not recognize your parental rights in certain situations, particularly if your relationship with the biological parent ends.

Why LGBTQ Adoption In Fort Lauderdale Is Vital For Non-Biological Parents

As a parent, your love and commitment to your child are undeniable. Unfortunately, those things do not necessarily translate into legal rights. Adoption is the only way to ensure you play a role in your child’s life, both now and for years to come. The following are among the many reasons non-biological parent adoption is so important:

• If your relationship with the biological parent ends, adoption ensures you have the same custody and time-sharing rights as they do.
• Adoptive parents have the authority to make important decisions regarding their child’s healthcare, education, and well-being.
• Adoption provides inheritance rights to the child and allows them to receive your benefits, including health insurance or Social Security.
• Without legal adoption, you could face difficulties in maintaining custody or even visitation rights in the event of a separation.

To Protect Yourself As A Non-Biological Parent, Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Family Attorney

Every child deserves the love and security of two legal parents, and every parent deserves the recognition of their rights. For LGBTQ couples in which one or both parties are non-biological parents, adoption helps protect your family’s future.

Sandra Bonfiglio represents clients in these cases, providing the legal expertise needed to navigate an LGBTQ adoption through the Broward County Court. To protect your rights, call or contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale family attorney online and request a consultation today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0063/0063.html

eqfl.org/family_recognition/faq#:~:text=A%20birth%20certificate%20can%20be,50%20states%20for%20all%20purposes.