Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

63.192 Recognition of foreign judgment affecting adoption

What is the step-by-step process for obtaining the judgment addressed in the above listed Florida Statute?

I have all the forms (Petition for Re-adoption, Notice of Hearing-General & Final Judgement of Parent for Re-adoption-not completed).

I need to know:

1) Do I file all the forms at once?

2) Who do I contact in the Broward Circuit family court to schedule hearing?

3)Does it matter who signs the forms (both of us or is just the mother ''ok''?)

4) Do I receive the case and division #'s after scheduling the hearing?

5)Do I complete the personal information sections of the final judgement form before or after the filing and scheduling of hearing.

We have already spent $30,000 adopting our precious daughter from China (who is already a US Citizen). We are trying to avoid further debt by doing this Pro Se. Any help is very much appreciated!!!


Asked on 6/09/08, 3:59 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Brent Rose The Orsini & Rose Law Firm

Re: 63.192 Recognition of foreign judgment affecting adoption

1) You don't file all the forms at once. In fact, you can't file the notice of hearing until you have a date for the hearing. You just need to file the petition for readoption and the cover sheet. It may be wise to file a UCCJEA, which is a listing of where the child has lived, but your form petition may include that already. I always make sure to file my certified translation and copy of foreign judgment as well. Sometimes, I'll file a copy of the immigration paperwork and statement of psychologist within a day or two, depending on which judge I draw.

2) You can schedule through the case manager if they have those in Broward. If not, you have to call the Judicial Assistant for the judge it gets assigned to.

3) Either parent or both may sign the form. It's best if both sign because that alleviates the requirement of proving that the other parent agrees to the name change.

4) You'll get the case number and division (and the judge's name) when you file with the clerk.

5) You can complete the final judgment just before you go see the judge, but it's always wise to complete and file it ahead of time.

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Answered on 6/09/08, 5:15 pm


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