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Stepparent Adoption Helping People Move Forward with Their Life

Stepparent Adoption in Panama City Beach, FL

Our Panama Beach City Adoption Lawyers Have 100+ years of Combined Experience

Adoption is a fulfilling legal process that formally brings families together. However, there are many procedural challenges and regulations to overcome before you can legally adopt your stepchild. The best way to secure a positive case result is to retain experienced legal representation as soon as possible. At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our Panama Beach City adoption lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of the laws and legal barriers commonly associated with the adoption process. Whether you’re a parent or a stepparent, you can rely on our team to protect your interests and guide you through each step of your legal journey.

Contact our Panama Beach City adoption lawyers at (800) 822-5170 to begin the process today.

Adopting a Stepchild in Florida

Unfortunately, adopting your stepchild requires more than a willing heart. While the process itself is fairly straightforward, families usually have unique emotional hurdles and circumstantial complications to surpass before the adoption can be finalized. Florida courts are very strict about the approval process because their singular priority is to protect the child’s best interests.

To adopt your spouse’s child, you’ll need to complete the following:

  • Petition for Adoption: Your first task as a “petitioner” is to complete and file a petition (Form 12.981(b)(1) with your county’s circuit court. This petition should include: the child’s name and new name (if applicable), birth date, the length of time you’ve been parenting the child, and more. This petition needs to be signed by a notary or an official who can serve in a similar capacity. If you want to adopt more than one child, you’re going to have to fill out a form for each one.
  • Termination of Parental Rights: Legally, a child can only have two parents. For the adoption to proceed, the other biological parent needs to terminate their legal parental rights. For many noncustodial parents, this is the most difficult and emotionally challenging step in the process. However, this scenario may be a nonissue if the birth parent never legally established paternity.
  • Proving Abandonment: You don’t need to obtain consent so long as you can prove that the other birth parent abandoned their child and is an unfit parent. In Florida, this means that the parent has not contacted, supported, or maintained a relationship with their child in over a year.

This legal process can be completed in less than two months if the other parent doesn’t contest the adoption. On the other hand, you may be facing a complicated legal battle if the parent is missing, deployed, or willing to fight against the adoption in court. No matter the simplicity of complexity of your case, you can rely on our legal to help you explore your legal options and stand by your side through the duration of your case.

Discuss Your Case with an Adoption Lawyer Today!

The Panama Beach City adoption attorneys at The Virga Law Firm, P.A. understand that this is an exciting and overwhelming time in your life. Our goal is to make this legal process as straightforward as possible so that you can truly enjoy the benefits associated with this fulfilling family transition.

We provide legal services 24/7. Contact The Virga Law Firm, P.A. at (800) 822-5170 to schedule a consultation.

Our Core Values

  • The Client Comes First and All Else Will Follow
    We 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.
  • Authenticity and Transparency
    We 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.
  • Relentless Pursuit of the Win
    We achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
  • Growth Mindset
    We 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.
  • Ownership
    We 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.
  • Results Driven
    We 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.
  • Respect and Celebration for One Another
    We 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.
  • Unquestionable Integrity
    We 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.
  • We are in it Together
    We 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.
  • Reputation
    Reputation 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.
  • Community Stewardship
    We 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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