Adoption Lawyers in Jacksonville, Florida

For the most part, any Florida adult who lives and works in the state and shows the ability to care for a child may be allowed to adopt. While there are few universal requirements for a Florida state adoption, the agency you choose will often have their own rules about who can adopt. There are also many steps involved in any adoption decision, including a comprehensive review of your financial status and a full criminal background check.

Key Requirements for Adoptive Parents:

• You must be a legal adult over the age of 18.
• You must pass a required adoptive parent training class with the appropriate state agency.
• You must complete a 90-day “home study” with a licensed clinical social worker and mental health professional.
• You must pay any court fees and costs during the adoption process.

To learn more about the adoption process, give us a call at (904) 770-3141 or schedule a consultation today.

On average, Florida courts charge between $350 and $450 in filing fees for adoption cases, but be sure to ask your local court for the most up-to-date information. Court fees are an often overlooked part of the adoption process- make sure you know how much the court requires.

A full background check is required for all members of your household over the age of 12, and while being arrested or convicted may not automatically disqualify you from adopting a child, it could present some unique challenges. Additionally, those who have been convicted of child or domestic abuse, child abandonment or neglect, violent crimes, and drug-related offenses may be disqualified from adoption by most agencies.

When working with Owenby Law, P.A., it’s important to share all information about your past arrests or convictions with our attorneys. During your confidential consultation, we will give you an honest assessment of the challenges you may face during the adoption process.

If you are adopting a child within the state of Florida, then the biological parents must have terminated their rights to the child by the time they are put up for adoption. Biological parents also cannot take the child back once the adoption process has been finalized.

No. Any unmarried adult may adopt children, provided they meet all the requirements for adoption. Additionally, both single and married LGBT individuals may now adopt in the state of Florida.