Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Re: Can my child be adopted by her stepfather -to -be?

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This is a two step procedure. You will first need to file a Petition for Termination of Parental Rights in your local circuit court. In this legal proceeding you will ask the Court to determine that the natural father has been absent from the child's life and not contributed to the development of the minor child. The natural father will have the opprortunity to respond and be heard by the Court. You will have to obtain personal service of the Petition upon him.

Secondly, you will then have to file a Petition for Stepparent Adoption. The Courts generally look very favorably upon these petitions and will readily grant them upon a proper case being made.

These are very complicated legal proceedings and I strongly recommend that you consult and retain a family law attorney in order to commence an action. He/she will know how to handle this case and will provide invaluable guidance.

Scott R. Jay, Esq., 305-249-8000