Adult Adoption Lawyer in Pensacola, FL

Our adult adoption lawyer in Pensacola, FL can help you build and formalize your family relationship through adoption. Contact us now at Gulf Coast Adoptions to begin your case.

Adult Adoption in Florida

  • Florida recognizes adult adoption.
  • The adoptive parent can be any age.
  • Living with an adopted adult child is not required.
  • Financially supporting the adopted adult child is not required.
  • You can have a lawyer represent you in the process.

Adult Adoption Attorney

As an adult adoption lawyer, we can assist you with:

  • Determining if you qualify for adult adoption
  • Understanding what is required to complete the process
  • Discussing the benefits and any drawbacks to consider
  • Preparing your petition for adoption
  • Filing your documents in court
  • Completing service of process on current parents, if required
  • Attending your hearing
  • Making sure the entire process is completed correctly

Adopting an adult is an important and life-changing experience. It is a decision that carries legal significance. Having an attorney can make the process easier and help you avoid mistakes.

At Gulf Coast Adoptions, we are an adoption lawyer in Pensacola, Florida, and the surrounding areas. To learn more about our services and get help today, contact us now.

Why Choose Our Caring Team?

At Gulf Coast Adoptions, we are adoptive parents ourselves. When you choose our law firm, you choose a team that has professional and personal experience with adoption. Attorney Clay H. Whittaker and his wife, Cheryl, are proud to focus on building families through adoption services.

We know that there is no typical adoptive family. We are proud to serve our diverse clients and help them establish parent-child relationships through adoption. Our services are compassionate and supportive.

We answer our phones 24/7. We offer free consultations, and we’re happy to talk as long as you need us to answer all your questions. We encourage you to contact us now.

How much do you charge for an adult adoption lawyer’s services?

We use flat fees. They’re more affordable than hourly, and you don’t have to worry about your costs going up. Contact us to learn how we charge for adult adoption legal services in Pensacola, FL.

Benefits of Adult Adoption in Florida

There are many reasons that families pursue adult adoption. Often, the adoptive parent had an important role in raising the person being adopted. They may have been a stepparent, a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, or a friend who had a parenting role. Sometimes a parental relationship develops when the adopted person is already an adult. Adoption recognizes and honors this relationship.

In addition, adoption creates inheritance rights for the adopted person in the estate of the parent. It may be easier to make decisions regarding medical care and be present if the parent or child is hospitalized. Also, the adopted child may access Social Security survivor benefits or family insurance. If the adoptee chooses, they may change their name.

Adult adoption carries legal and personal benefits. An adoption lawyer in Pensacola can help you understand the legal benefits and consider your options.

Requirements for Adult Adoption in Florida

An adult can legally adopt an adult in Florida. Florida Statutes § 63.042(1) says that any person may be adopted, whether they are a minor or adult. When the adoption is complete, the adopting person and the adoptee have a formal parent-child relationship, recognized by law.

To adopt an adult in Florida you must:

  1. File an adoption petition.
  2. Serve a copy of the adoption petition to legal parents.
  3. Have a court hearing (in rare circumstances, the court may order an investigation into whether the adoption is in the adoptee’s best interests).
  4. Get an amended birth certificate listing the new parent or parents.

Notes: 

  • If the adoptee is married, their spouse must consent, if they have one.
  • There is no waiting period for an adult after filing the petition. The hearing may be held immediately.

What is the law for adult adoption in Florida?

Florida Statutes Chapter 63 governs adoptions, including adult adoptions. Some things are required for the adoption of a minor that does not apply to adult adoptions including the family social and medical history and a separate termination of parental rights proceeding. A home study is required only for a good cause shown.

Talk to an Adult Adoption Lawyer Today

We invite you to talk to an adult adoption lawyer at Gulf Coast Adoptions. See how we help clients in Pensacola, FL, and the surrounding region. We’re taking new cases now.

Call 850-999-7977 or message us online now for your consultation.

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Contact Gulf Coast Adoptions today.