Top Riverview, FL Stepparent Adoption Lawyers Near You
1230 S Myrtle Ave, Suite 404, Clearwater, FL 33756
PO Box 173378, Tampa, FL 33672
3111 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33607-6233
501 East Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 700, BMO Harris Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
2909 W Bay to Bay Blvd, Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33629
301 W Platt St, Suite A653, Tampa, FL 33606
23554 FL-54, Lutz, FL 33559
201 N. Franklin Street, Suite 3050, Tampa, FL 33602
13065 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33626
101 East Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1900, Tampa, FL 33602
703 W Bay St, Tampa, FL 33606
18534 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Lutz, FL 33548
29605 US Highway 19 N, Suite 110, Clearwater, FL 33761
412 E. Madison Street, Suite 900, Tampa, FL 33602
100 South Ashley Drive, Suite 1210, Tampa, FL 33602-5313
2701 N Rocky Point Dr, Suite 400, Tampa, FL 33607
777 S Harbour Island Blvd, Suite 255, Tampa, FL 33602
3102 W Waters Ave, Suite #201, Tampa, FL 33614
3714 W Horatio St, Tampa, FL 33609
2260 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 1, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
5030 78th Ave N, Suite 13, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
3104 W. Waters Avenue, Suite 203, Tampa, FL 33614-2401
4055 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
615 Channelside Dr, Suite 207, Tampa, FL 33602
7028 W Waters Ave, PMB 368, Tampa, FL 33634
Riverview Stepparent Adoption Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Riverview
Lead Counsel independently verifies Stepparent Adoption attorneys in Riverview and checks their standing with Florida bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Stepparent Adoption Law?
Stepparents generally have no legal parenting rights over their stepchildren. To become a legal parent, a stepparent can formally adopt their stepchild. Stepparent adoption law also deals with a birth parent giving up their parental rights, which can be an emotionally and legally complex matter.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Stepparent Adoption Lawyer?
As a stepparent, you must legally adopt your stepchild to have any parenting rights. This can include if you have established a strong relationship with your stepchild and their other biological parent is not in their life. Without an adoption, your stepchild will have no inheritance rights, and you will not have any legal decision-making authority.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me With a Stepparent Adoption?
A stepparent adoption lawyer can explain the adoption process and the benefits and responsibilities of adoption. They can help you with any adoption paperwork and court filings and represent you in family court. If there are any problems with getting permission from your stepchild’s other birth parent, your attorney can help you negotiate the adoption.
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire an Adoption Lawyer?
If you don’t hire an adoption lawyer, you run the risk of complications with the adoption process. Adoption involves the legal process of becoming the child’s legal parent. If there are problems with the legal adoption payers, it can cause a delay or disputes over parental rights. Without proper legal review, your adoption case may involve:
- Delays that threaten the adoption
- Problems with international adoptions and immigration
- Return of the birth parents asserting their rights
- An unknown birth parent challenging the adoption
- Having undisclosed physical or mental health issues with the child
What Are the Top Questions When Choosing an Adoption Lawyer in Riverview?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that your adoption attorney has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many adoption lawyers offer an initial consultation so you can understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions include:
- What is your experience in handling adoptions in Florida?
- Have you managed adoption cases like mine?
- What is your approach to handling adoption cases with special needs children?
- What is your record for successful adoption cases?
- How will you communicate with me about the progress of my case?
- What is your fee and billing structure?
Tips for Hiring an Adoption Lawyer
Take the time to find an adoption lawyer who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find a lawyer who understands your adoption needs and goals and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about billing and fees
- Trust your instincts