Orlando Step-Parent Adoption Lawyer
Adoption is a great way to add to a family, and it is also a good way to provide a home to a helpless child. At Anderson and Ferrin, we serve Central Florida with adoption legal services and guardianship. We are dedicated and passionate about helping families settle adoption cases by offering ethical and honest legal representation.
If you are looking to adopt or if you are a parent interested in placing your child in a loving family-oriented environment, we can help. At our law firm, you will work hand in hand with an Orlando adoption lawyer who will guide you through the process. We will discuss your needs and expectations and provide you with sound legal advice to achieve your goals.
The adoption process can be stressful, complicated and confusing. Our Orlando adoption lawyers can help.
Home studies, interviews, background checks, consent for adoption, termination of biological parental rights… There are many steps (and many costs) involved in securing an adoption in the state of Florida. With so much time, money and emotion poured into the process, it can be heartbreaking to watch the process fall apart and see the adoption fail. The Orlando adoption attorneys Anderson & Ferrin understand the many important legal factors to consider, negotiate and implement to complete a successful adoption. Our family lawyers will help in any type of Florida adoption, including:
Step-Parent Adoption – Taking the step to adopt your spouse’s kids helps solidify the new family unit and form important bonds. You’ll also be ensuring they are supported financially and have valuable rights to inheritance, health insurance and other benefits. Finalizing a stepparent adoption may involve obtaining consent from the biological parent or terminating parental rights based on applicable legal grounds. We’ll help you through the process for a smooth and successful adoption.
Close Relative – Parents are usually presumed to be the best caretakers for their children, but not always. If a parent has been declared unfit, is on drugs, in jail or an institution, now may be the time for a grandparent or other close relative to step in and adopt the child. Our experienced and compassionate Orlando family law attorneys can help you understand your options such as seeking a guardianship or adopting an adjudicated dependent, and we’ll represent you for your best chances at success.
Independent/Entity Adoption – Adoption agencies have the capability and resources to place you with a child and facilitate the adoption, but they are often tragically expensive and involve lengthy, complicated procedures. You may prefer instead to deal directly with the birth mother or birth parents, where you can custom tailor the adoption to meet your needs and those of the other parties. Important legal rights are being dealt with in this process, and it is essential to proceed with the advice and representation of an experienced adoption lawyer to make sure your rights are protected, and that the adoption proceeds correctly.
DCF Adoption – Another option to consider is adopting via foster care through Florida Department of Children and Families. Not only is a DCF adoption less costly than a private or agency adoption, but you can even receive financial assistance from the state to help with child health care, college tuition and monthly living expenses. Our experienced and compassionate juvenile dependency lawyers are well-versed in the DCF system and can help you through the procedures for foster care and adoption.
Adult Adoption – Are you part of an existing parent/child relationship that you want to formally and legally recognize? Are you looking for a way to leave property to another person by establishing inheritance rights? We can counsel you on the pros and cons of adult adoption and pave the way for a solution that meets your needs.
Orlando adoption lawyers dedicated to serving Central Florida families
Our dedication to serving families in Central Florida is evident through our accomplishments and the recognitions that we have received, such as Attorney Anderson’s nomination for the 2012 Girl Scouts of Central Florida’s Women of Distinction Award as well as the Legal Aid Society’s New Attorney of the Year Award of Excellence, is on the board of directors for Boys Town and a guardian ad litem. Mr. Ferrin and Mrs. Anderson are also the recipients of the Legal Aid Society’s Bronze Pro Bono Award for their commitment to the community. The firm was also honored with the 100% Club Award from the Legal Aid Society for its role in helping the community and providing pro bono assistance to the needy.
Our family of attorneys is ready to help your family grow through adoption. Our Orlando adoption lawyers are prepared to handle your adoption and any distinct legal needs that may arise, including interpreting the laws of other states, the federal government or other countries; adopting sibling groups or a child with special needs; or negotiating, drafting and reviewing a gestational surrogacy agreement in compliance with Florida law. Call Anderson & Ferrin, Attorneys at Law, P.A. for a free consultation about your needs and desires for adoption in Orlando.
