Stepparent Adoptions In Fort Lauderdale Protect The Relationship Between You And Your Stepchild
Classic fairy tales and old cartoons tended to villainize stepparents as mean and uncaring. That characterization couldn’t be further from the truth. Stepparents often form loving, close bonds with their stepchildren and can play an important role in their lives. However, they have no legal rights in court.
A divorce, the death of a spouse, or other unfortunate situations can put your relationship with your stepchild at risk. Stepparent adoptions prevent that from happening. Our Fort Lauderdale stepparent adoption attorney explains how stepparent adoption in Broward County works and how it protects you and your stepchild.
The Benefits Of Fort Lauderdale Stepparent Adoption
Fostering a close relationship with a stepchild is not easy, but it offers immense rewards. Unfortunately, no matter how close you and your stepchild are, you are not their actual parent and have little to no legal standing in the Broward County Family Court.
Stepparent adoptions help to protect you in legal proceedings that arise as a result of your partner’s death or divorce. It helps ensure you get included in Fort Lauderdale parenting plans and any child time-sharing orders issued by the court. Other benefits stepparent adoptions offer include:
- It cements the relationship between the stepparent and stepchild, providing them both with a greater sense of stability and security;
- It allows stepparents to take a more active role in the child’s education and other activities;
- It enables the stepparent to make important decisions on behalf of the child in the event of an emergency;
- It provides your stepchild with the same benefits birth children receive, including Social Security and Veterans benefits and the right to inherit from your estate.
How Does Stepparent Adoption In Fort Lauderdale Work?
Regardless of the child’s age, stepparent adoption is always an option. However, in the case of an adult child, the process is much easier, particularly if the other parent has not previously played a role in their lives. All that is required is that you file a stepparent adoption petition and have each party request approval from the court.
Stepparent adoptions are more difficult when the stepchild is a minor. Under the Florida Statutes, in addition to filing a petition, you will need to take the following additional steps:
- Obtain consent from the birth parent, which is often the most difficult part;
- If they refuse, present evidence as to why their parental rights should be terminated;
- Provide evidence in support of the adoption, such as details regarding your role in raising the child and statements from family and friends involved;
- Appear in court with your spouse and child to request that the judge approve the adoption and issue a final order.
To Find Out More About Stepparent Adoption, Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Family Attorney
Stepparents and stepchildren often form a close, loving bond with one another. Stepparent adoptions help to protect their relationship. To find out more about the process and whether it is an option in your case, contact Fort Lauderdale family attorney Sandra Bonfiglio. Request a confidential consultation today.
Sources:
browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family#General
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0063/Sections/0063.102.html
