Tampa Adoption Attorney
Adoptions are a way for individuals in the Tampa area to become legal parents, and adoptions occur according to requirements established under Florida family law. There are many different reasons that people decide to adopt. In some cases, adoptive parents have been trying to have a biological child for years but have been unable to do so. Under other circumstances, an adoption of a family member, such as a niece or nephew, or a grandparent, might occur as a result of family issues that arise. No matter what your circumstances are, you should seek advice about adoptions in Florida from a lawyer who can help you. Contact our experienced Tampa adoption attorney today to learn more about the adoption process and your eligibility.
What is Adoption in Tampa?
Adoption is the word that is used under Florida law and in most other states to describe the process through which an adult becomes the legal parent and guardian of a child, and takes on parental rights and responsibilities for the child. Once an adoption occurs in Florida, the adoptive parent is the legal parent of the adopted child, and the new adoptive parent has all of the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. Adoptions are permanent.
There are different types of adoptions that can occur, and varying terms that can be used to describe those adoptions. In general, you should familiarize yourself with the following terms that are often used to discuss the adoption process:
- Stepparent adoption: when a stepparent adopts a stepchild
- Grandparent adoption: when a grandparent adopts a grandchild
- Relative adoption: when a relative of the child becomes the adoptive parent
- Foster care adoption: when a child is adopted through the foster care system, or through the Florida Department of Children and Families
- Adult adoption: when an adoptive parent adopts an adult child
- International adoption: an adoption through which a parent in the U.S. adopts a child from another country
- Agency adoption: when the adoption occurs through an adoption agency
- Open adoption: when information is shared between the biological parent and the adoptive parent and child, and contact may occur between the parties
- Closed adoption: when no information is shared about the biological parent, and no contact occurs between the parties
Requirements for a Tampa Adoption
In order to be eligible to adopt a child in the Tampa, Florida area, you will generally need to go through an adoption process that involves a home study, and in which you will need to show that you are able to provide necessities for a child and to make a permanent commitment to the child. There are no set income requirements, and there are no age requirements for an adoption other than being an adult. There are also no requirements for marital status, which means a single or a married person can legally adopt a child in Florida.
Contact The Law Office of Laura A. Olson, P.A. Today
If you are considering adoption or need assistance with an adoption, you should seek help from a lawyer at The Law Office of Laura A. Olson, P.A. Contact our experienced Tampa adoption attorney today for assistance with your case.
