Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
Adopting a family member unborn child.
HELLO, My cousin is 21, and have a two year old, and a one year old. She is not working not in school and her mother is basically taking care of the kids. she recently found out that she is pregnant with her third child. She doesn't know who the father is and she is certain that she can not handle a third child. She was thinking about placing the baby up for adoption, but I decided to take the child as my own when he/she gets here. my question is what are the procedure we need to do to sign over her parental rights? Are there any legal fees or home studies that must be completed?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Adopting a family member unborn child.
She must agree and sign papers giving up her child. If possible the father must be contacted and do the same. A home study must be completed but a family member adoption is relatively simple. If both parents agreee the Adoption should be much less expensive. Depending on the hours needed and court hearing time approximately $2500.
Re: Adopting a family member unborn child.
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If you wish to adopt the child, then you must go through a formal adoption. A Petition for Adoption must be filed together with several other pleadings. The mother will have to give up her parental rights in order for you to adopt the child. A hearing before the court will be required.
My office has handled several adoptions over the years and the process has gotten much more simple in recent years but an attorney is all but required. Fees are capped by Florida statutes.
Scott R. Jay, Esq.
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