realizing and understanding that the gift of parenthood is one of the greatest gifts which can be given. To bring a child into your life, whether you are a relative or stepparent, or you’re wishing to adopt internationally, is usually a long process. This process is made easier when there is an experienced adoption lawyer on your side, one like Attorney Stephanie Morrow.
Let’s talk a little bit about some of the most common adoptions. International, relative, and stepparent adoptions are the some of the types of adoption most commonly seen in our offices.
When you want to pursue an international adoption, there are two areas of law which must be addressed. There are the Florida laws for adoption, but there are also the laws for immigration and adoption in the host country. We have worked with several countries to achieve the best results.
In international adoptions, the adoption agency within the country that you’re trying to adopt will handle the travel arrangements and paperwork involved with the adoption. The child, once they come to the United States, should then be made a citizen. On citizenship, there will be an English birth certificate and Social Security number issued, something which will help when enrolling for school, getting a driver’s license, and other areas where identification is necessary. We will help you make sure that everything is legal.
Often, placement with relatives is the first option considered—still, there are unique challenges with this process, too. Our associates will help educate on this type of adoption, what to expect, any potential issues, and life after the adoption is complete.
When a stepparent has taken on all the responsibilities of a parent, a stepparent adoption can help legally cement this relationship. Once a stepparent adoption is complete, the biological parent (male or female) no longer has rights or responsibilities to the child. This adoption requires consent from both the spouse and child’s noncustodial parent (unless they abandoned the child). In Florida, the stepparent wishing to adopt must also receive the consent of adoptees over 12 years of age. At S.G. Morrow & Associates, we can help step-parents navigate this adoption process.
At the Law Office of S. G. Morrow & Associates, our focus is on family law and immigration law. With more than 20 years of experience as Divorce Lawyer, we provide a unique blend of legal services for clients where these fields intersect, such as foreign marriages and divorces. Some of our major practice areas include :
In any case, regardless of what type of adoption you’re looking for, you have questions. The Law Offices of S.G. Morrow & Associates has the answers to help you through the entire adoption process. Adoption Lawyer know the law. We have been an adoption lawyer in the Miami area for the past 20 years, and can help your family face any adoption challenge. Whether you speak English or Spanish, contact us today.