Navarre Stepparent Adoption Lawyers
Helping Stepparents and Stepchildren Cement Bonds
For many stepparents, adopting a stepchild is a monumental moment, signifying the bond they have with their child. However, adoptions are legally complex. If you're a stepparent, it can be difficult to know where to start if you want to adopt a stepchild in Florida.
At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our Navarre adoption attorneys can help you understand stepparent adoption laws more thoroughly and identify the best way to adopt a stepchild in Navarre.
To schedule a consultation with our team, contact us online or via phone at (800) 822-5170.
How Does Stepparent Adoption Work in Navarre?
The stepparent adoption process in Florida is relatively simple. Stepparent adoptions in Florida involve several steps:
- The petition for adoption. First, the stepparent and biological parent who wish to finalize the adoption must file a petition for stepparent adoption with the court. The petition includes information relevant to the case, like the child's birth date and age, their name, how long the stepparent has been involved in their life, and why the parents agree the adoption should be legalized.
- After filing the petition, a third party (like a law enforcement officer) will serve the child's other biological parent with a notice of the petition. At this point, the other parent has the opportunity to oppose the adoption.
- If the other parent opposes the adoption, both parties must appear in court, either self-represented or with an attorney. They then present their cases to the court for why the adoption should or should not occur, and the judge presiding over the case decides to accept or reject the adoption.
- If the other parent agrees to the adoption, the court will finalize it. Even if the other parent consents to the adoption, the court will hold a short hearing with all the parties (including the child) to verify the legitimacy of the adoption.
Once the adoption is finalized, the court will issue a new birth certificate for the child. If the child's name was changed, the certificate will show the new name. Otherwise, it will simply contain the stepparent's name on the certificate, making them a legal parent.
Why Would I want to Adopt my Stepchild?
Adopting a stepchild has several benefits for stepparents:
- It makes it easier to deal with a problem parent. If your stepchild's other biological parent regularly presents issues for the family, adopting your stepchild can help you minimize their influence.
- You'll have more rights. Being a legal parent gives you the right to make decisions for your stepchild, such as what kind of medical care or education they receive. If you want to be a more active participant in your stepchild's life, adoption is a great way to achieve that goal.
- It strengthens the bond with your stepchild. Many stepparents find that formally adopting their stepchild strengthens their bond. It shows your child that you care about them and see yourself, for all intents and purposes, as being their biological parent. That can be tremendously reaffirming for a child.
At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our Navarre stepparent adoption lawyers help clients finalize their adoptions.
To schedule a consultation with our team or learn more about how a stepparent adoption could benefit you, contact us online or via phone at (800) 822-5170.
Our Core Values
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The Client Comes First and All Else Will FollowWe take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
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Authenticity and TransparencyWe believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
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Relentless Pursuit of the WinWe achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
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Growth MindsetWe continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
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OwnershipWe take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
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Results DrivenWe focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
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Respect and Celebration for One AnotherWe support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
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Unquestionable IntegrityWe stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
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We are in it TogetherWe are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
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ReputationReputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
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Community StewardshipWe embody the concept of giving back to the community. The Virga Law Firm is committed to supporting and improving the community through responsible and caring actions, setting an example of character.
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