Relative Adoption

More than 1.3 million American children are being raised by relatives other than their parents. The number of grandparents raising their grandchildren soared more than 40% in the last decade.

Relative adoptions include aunt, uncle, grandparent and in Florida are treated differently that the standard private placement adoption. The cost is greatly reduced due to the removal of the required filings, homestudy and post placement report requirements in addition to waiver of waiting periods that are associated with a traditional private placement adoption.

Relative in-family adoptions can be complicated, changing the dynamics of a family in very dramatic ways. Family members have new legal relationships as an overlay on or substitute for previous, biological relationships. Depending on the age of the child and the continuing relationships among the adults involved, families may wish to seek out counseling before and after the adoption. If the child is over the age of twelve (12), the child’s consent is required for adoption in addition to the Mother and biological Father depending.

The attorneys at Gentry & Thurman realize the importance of providing efficient and cost effective representation to aid in legalizing existing family relationships, such as grand-parent or other relative adoptions.

Additionally, the attorneys at Gentry & Thurman provide cost effective legal services to Florida families finalizing an adoption initiated in another state. After the Florida court issues a Final Judgment of Adoption, a new birth certificate will be issued by the Office of Vital Statistics in the state where the child was born or adopted.

If you are a relative or grand-parent and are interested in seeking additional information or legal advice regarding adopting a child in your care or custody, please contact our office to set up a consultation.