Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

my stepson was removed by DCF in 2007 and the case was closed in 2008 and my husband was remanded his child and the mother has no custody or visitation rights. She still has not finished the case plan 3 years later. How can we ourselves not having the money for a lawyer terminate the mothers rights? so me the stepmother can adopt the child. The child is 9 and wants me to adopt him. we have a great relationship and im basically mom in his life. The mother wont sign consent


Asked on 1/14/11, 8:05 pm

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

Without a lawyer, you probably can't. But if you want to give it a shot, you file a petition for termination of parental rights and a petition for step parent adoption. For the latter, you can find standard forms at flcourts.org. For the former, there are no standard forms. But I would strongly advise you to get a lawyer. You talking about a child's life. It's not something you should try on your own.

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Answered on 1/24/11, 1:09 pm


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