Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
Youngest Adopter's Age
I recently spent some time with a young man from Florida who I have grown to love like a brother of mine. Ever since he was born, this young man has been shafted and made to believe that he should be loved less than the rest of the people in the world. Right now he lives on a ranch type foster institute with several other youth, but he doesn't feel loved and he asked me if I could adopt him. I would love to but I'm not sure about the legality of the situation considering I'm only 18 years old. Would a judge allow me to adopt this young man? And even if I couldn't, what are the laws pertaining to adopting him across states. His ranch is in FL but I live in GA and anyone who I might be able to convince to adopt him lives in GA too. All the help you can give will be much appreciated! Thanks
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Youngest Adopter's Age
For a non-relative to adopt you are going to need the consent of one or both parents. Adoption law is complex and to give you a useful answer I would need a great deal of information. It would be unusual for an 18 year old to adopt but the law does permit it. The key for you is would the mother consent, and possibly would the father.