Step-Parent Adoption in Florida | Rier Jordan P.A.

Step-Parent Adoption Attorneys in Miami, Florida

For many blended families, a step-parent adoption is more than a legal process — it’s an act of love and commitment.
At Rier Jordan P.A., we help families across Florida navigate the step-parent adoption process to create secure, permanent family relationships recognized by law.

Our experienced Miami family law attorneys ensure every detail — from consent to final judgment — is handled correctly, compassionately, and efficiently.

What Is Step-Parent Adoption?

Step-parent adoption allows a spouse to legally adopt their partner’s child, creating a permanent parent-child relationship under Florida law.

Once finalized, the adopting step-parent gains full parental rights and responsibilities, while the other biological parent’s rights (if applicable) are legally terminated.

This process ensures your family’s bond is protected — giving the child inheritance rights, access to benefits, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Legal Requirements for Step-Parent Adoption in Florida

Florida’s step-parent adoption process is streamlined compared to other types of adoption but still requires careful legal handling.

To qualify:

• The adopting step-parent must be legally married to one of the child’s biological parents.

• The noncustodial parent’s rights must be voluntarily relinquished or legally terminated.

• The child must be under 18 years old (for adult stepchild adoptions, a separate procedure applies).

At Rier Jordan P.A., we ensure every legal prerequisite is met, minimizing the risk of delays or disputes.

The Step-Parent Adoption Process

The process typically includes the following stages:

1️⃣ Filing the Petition for Adoption

Your attorney files a Petition for Step-Parent Adoption in circuit court, detailing your relationship with the child and your spouse.

2️⃣ Consent or Termination of Parental Rights

If the child’s other biological parent is living, their written consent is generally required.
In cases where that parent is absent, unfit, or has abandoned the child, the court may terminate their rights instead.

3️⃣ Home Study (if required)

Many step-parent adoptions in Florida do not require a home study, but the court may order one in certain situations.

4️⃣ Final Hearing

A short hearing is scheduled before a family law judge. If everything is in order, the adoption is approved, and a Final Judgment of Adoption is entered.

5️⃣ Amended Birth Certificate

The child’s birth certificate is updated to list the adoptive parent as the legal parent.

Our attorneys manage each step with attention to detail and deep understanding of Florida’s adoption statutes.

Consent and Termination of Parental Rights

One of the most complex parts of step-parent adoption involves obtaining consent or securing termination of parental rights from the noncustodial biological parent.

We help clients with:

• Drafting and filing consent forms

• Proving abandonment or neglect where consent is withheld

• Representing clients at termination hearings

We handle these delicate cases with sensitivity and respect for all involved — always prioritizing the child’s best interests.

Benefits of Step-Parent Adoption

Adopting a stepchild provides both emotional and legal benefits, including:

• Full legal parenthood and decision-making authority

• Inheritance rights for the child

• Health insurance and benefits eligibility

• Social and emotional security for the child

• A unified family identity under the law

Most importantly, it gives children the reassurance that the parent who has cared for them daily is now their permanent legal parent.

Step-Parent Adoption Without Consent

If the biological parent refuses to consent, you may still be able to proceed with adoption if you can prove:

• Abandonment of the child

• Failure to provide financial support

• Lack of contact or communication for an extended period

• Unfitness due to abuse, neglect, or criminal history

Our attorneys at Rier Jordan P.A. are experienced in contested adoption cases and will guide you through every aspect of the legal process.

Adult Step-Child Adoptions

Florida law also allows adults (18 or older) to be adopted by a step-parent, creating the same legal rights and family recognition.

This process is typically faster and does not require termination of parental rights or home studies.
We help families formalize these lifelong relationships through efficient adult adoption procedures.

If you’re ready to make your parental bond permanent, our attorneys at Rier Jordan P.A. are here to help.

Let us help you bring your family together — legally and permanently.

Why Choose Rier Jordan P.A.

✅ Experienced Miami Adoption & Family Law Attorneys
✅ Compassionate Guidance Through Every Step
✅ Proven Record in Contested and Uncontested Adoptions
✅ Discreet, Client-Focused Representation
✅ Serving Families Throughout South Florida

We take pride in helping families grow stronger through adoption — protecting the bonds that already exist and ensuring they’re legally recognized forever.

Serving Families Across South Florida

We represent families throughout:

• Miami-Dade County

• Broward County

• Palm Beach County

• Monroe County (Florida Keys)

• And throughout the State of Florida