How Old Can a Child be to Place Them for Adoption?

Most parents intend to raise their children to adulthood. Unfortunately, however, some parents face challenges that render them unable to properly care for their children. While most children are placed for adoption when they are infants, older children can be placed for adoption as well. If you are dealing with circumstances that might leave you incapable of parenting your child and you are wondering how old a child can be when they are placed for adoption, it is in your best interest to talk to a knowledgeable Pensacola adoption attorney. 

At What Ages Can Children be Placed for Adoption?

Pursuant to Florida Statute 63.042, any person, whether they are a minor or adult, can be adopted. People that may adopt include a married couple jointly, an unmarried adult, and a married person without their spouse joining as a petitioner if the child being adopted is the adopting parent’s stepchild or a court finds that there is good cause or it is in the best interest of the child for the petitioner’s spouse to not join in the petition for adoption. In other words, adoption is not limited to infants, as children up through the age of eighteen can be adopted.

Reasons a parent may need to place an older child for adoption include poor parental health, incapacity and homelessness. Parents who are currently or will soon be incarcerated and those dealing with addiction may determine that placing their children for adoption is in the best interest of their child.

Types of Adoption

There are multiple types of adoption parents looking to place their older children can choose from, including private, identified, and relative adoption. For many parents, relative adoption is the best choice. As the name indicates, relative adoption is when a family member legally adopts a child. Generally, this allows the birth parent to maintain contact with their child and receive regular updates about them. If relative adoption is not an option, a parent may choose private adoption.

In private adoptions, parents can hand select the adoptive parents without involving an adoption agency or the state. They may find the adoptive parents through an adoption attorney, they may be friends, or they may meet them through mutual acquaintances. As with relative adoptions, in private adoptions, birth parents can choose to have an open relationship with the adoptive parents so that they can stay involved in their children’s lives.

Confer with a Dedicated Pensacola Adoption Lawyer

Sometimes the best decision a parent can make for a child is to place them for adoption. If you are wondering whether adoption is an appropriate choice for your child, you should confer with an attorney. Clay H. Whittaker of Gulf Coast Adoptions is a dedicated Florida adoption lawyer who can advise you of your options and help you make the decision that is best for you and your child. Gulf Coast Adoptions handles adoptions throughout the state of Florida and Alabama. You can contact Attorney Whittaker by calling or texting 850-999-7977 to set up a confidential and free conference.