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Grandparent adoption

My son lives in Florida and i live in Minnesota and they want me to adopt my grandson when he is born in Nov. How do we go about starting the process?

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Grandparent adoption across state lines
by: Lorna

Hi,
I'm not an attorney, so please seek legal advice if you feel you need it. And you might. It is my understanding that when a child is adopted across state lines, the laws of both states must be followed. In Florida, family adoption, is usually governed by Florida Statute Chapter 63.

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step parent adoption of spouse's child

by wendy
(avon park florida usa)

i was wondering...what are exact fees in avon park florida for stepparent adoption of spouse's child? also, are there any fee assistance programs for this?

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Stepparent Adoption in Highland County
by: Gary W. Tinsley

I assume you are asking about the filing fees for a stepparent adoption. Avon Park is in Highland County so it is the Highland County Clerk of Court that sets the fee for an adoption proceeding. Their fee schedule can be found at their website, www.hcclerk.org. There is no specific fee listed for adoptions so the fee for a civil proceeding is what would be charged. That is $400. As to fee assistance, I do not know of any programs for assistance with court costs in a stepparent adoption. In general, people can apply for indigency by submitting and Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status together with the paperwork they are submitting to open a civil case as provided for in Florida Statute 58.082.

If you are looking for assistance with the preparation of paperwork for a stepparent adoption so you can file it on your own, that is a service that I, as well as many other legal document preparers provide for a fee. You can contact me at 386-383-4595 or by email at flalegaldocs@gmail.com. You can also visit my website at floridalegaldocs.com.

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stepparent adoption

by Erin Torres
(Jacksonville fl)

Am I allowed to fill out stepparent adoption forms myself? And if the bio dad lives in a different state but is willing to consent do I still use the fl form for consent?

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Yes, you are allowed to complete stepparent adoption forms yourself
by: Staff FALDP

Dear Erin,
ABSOLUTELY! And good for you. Stepparent adoptions are fairly straightforward, and you are most definitely allowed to complete the documents yourself. Forms are available on the Florida Supreme Court's site - www.flcourts.org. Yes, you use the Florida Consent form because your documents will be filed in Florida court. If you need help, many or our member document preparers can help you with the forms.

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Adopting a friends baby

by Julie
(Gulf Breeze,Fl)

Hi I'm trying to find information on the process of adopting a friend's baby without going through a lawyer, is that even possible?

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Who may adopt in Florida
by: Gary Tinsley

You do not have to be related by blood or marriage to adopt a child in Florida. See Section 63.042 of the Florida Statutes. There are certain restrictions that limit who can adopt which are specified in that statute. Generally, if you are married, your spouse must also adopt the child. Of course, both of the parents of the child must consent unless their parental rights have been terminated. If the father is unknown, there are additional steps that need to be taken. I handle adoptions regularly as part of my business. I can be reached at 386-506-8833 or flalegaldocs@gmail.com. Gary Tinsley, Florida Legal Documents.

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