Each state has its own set of adoption laws. Sometimes, trying to decipher everything can be confusing. That’s why we’re starting a blog series, all about adoption law.
Adoption is controlled by state law, and these laws vary considerably from state to state. Today, we’ll begin our blog series by sharing about Florida adoption laws and then move on to the adoption laws in California, Alabama, Texas, and Virginia in the upcoming weeks. But please keep in mind that no matter which state you reside in, Lifetime Adoption is here to help you adopt.
If you are a resident of the state of Florida who is considering adopting a child, here are some details to keep in mind.
Who is eligible to adopt a child in Florida?
Florida adoption laws state that single adults or married couples can adopt a child. A married individual can adopt a child without their spouse, but this would have to be court-approved.
In addition, all potential adoptive parents need to complete an adoption home study that needs to be passed and approved. All adoptions require this important piece, as it helps ensure that the child is being placed in a stable and safe home.
Part of the home study includes undergoing background checks, reference checks, home inspections, one-on-one interviews, and more. Lifetime Adoption is licensed to complete the home study report for adoptive parents in the state of Florida.
Questions? Our team at Lifetime Adoption will answer those so you can be confident about your decision to adopt. Once we are working together, we can complete your home study or provide other qualified referrals.
Your adoption attorney can keep you abreast of the latest news on Florida adoption laws regarding biological parents, termination of parental rights, finalizing the adoption, and more.
What expenses are involved in a Florida adoption?
There is no way around it: Adopting a child costs money. However, it is not something that is reserved only for the wealthy. In other words, it is not something that is completely cost-prohibitive.
In fact, many of the prospective adoptive parents we work with every day at Lifetime Adoption come from all different career backgrounds — nurses, teachers, business owners, daycare workers, truck drivers, and so many more things.
Many times, they are middle-class workers who are hoping to adopt due to infertility. To do this, they have saved and planned for welcoming an adopted child into their home.
There will be fees through the adoption agency, but it’s also important to factor in any other costs or living expenses that could come with traveling or application fees. In general, domestic newborn adoptions can cost between $35,000 and $50,000.
What is the adoption process like?
First, you will need to think about which type of adoption you want. How old do you want the child to be? Many people prefer adopting newborns, while others want to bring a toddler or school-aged child home. Maybe a sibling group is on your heart to adopt.
There are a variety of different adoption scenarios available in Florida. Once you make your choice on the kind of child you are looking to adopt, our adoption coordinators will be able to get the ball rolling.
However, remember that finding the right match isn’t something that happens overnight. Patience is key. Some adoptions naturally take longer than others. Birth parents (birth mothers, birth fathers, and in some cases other family members) typically choose the adoptive parents for their child — so you usually will wait to be chosen.
Lifetime will be by your side throughout the entire journey of adoption.
Adoption Paperwork
There is a lot of adoption paperwork, beginning with our free online application, followed by the home study questionnaire. You will also create a family profile that will be presented to expectant mothers looking to place their children for adoption. Each birth mother is unique, and they have different qualities that they are looking for in a family. If they select you to talk to, you can set up a time to meet and chat.
This process of establishing a connection and getting to know each other will allow both parties to determine if it is a good fit.
If you are ready to pursue the adoption process in Florida, let our experienced and caring team at Lifetime Adoption help get you started. Contact us today for details.
Founder of Lifetime Adoption, adoptive mom, adoption expert, and Certified Open Adoption Practitioner (C.O.A.P).
Since 1986, adoption expert Mardie Caldwell has been dedicated to bringing couples and birth parents together in order to fulfill their dreams.
“Many years ago, I was also searching for a child to adopt. We didn’t know where or how to get started. Through research, determination, and a prayer, our dream of a family became reality. I started with a plan, a notebook, assistance from a caring adoption consultant and a lot of hard work; this was my family I was building. We had a few heartaches along the way, but the pain of not having children was worse!
Within weeks we had three different birth mothers choose us. We were overwhelmed and delighted. Many unsettling events would take place before our adoption would be finalized, many months later. Little did I know that God was training and aligning me for the adoption work I now do today. It is my goal to share with our families the methods and plans which succeed and do not succeed. I believe adoption should be affordable and can be a wonderful “pregnancy” for the adoptive couple.
I have also been on both sides of infertility with the loss of seven pregnancies and then conceiving by new technology, giving birth to a healthy daughter. I have experienced first-hand the emotional pain of infertility and believe my experience allows me to serve your needs better.
It is my hope that for you, the prospective parents, your desire for a child will be fulfilled soon.”
0 Comments