Adoption

Alper Law helps families throughout Florida with adoptions. The firm handles stepparent adoptions, adult adoptions, kinship adoptions by grandparents and other relatives, second parent adoptions for unmarried couples, and recognition of foreign adoptions completed abroad.

Each type of adoption follows a different process under Chapter 63 of the Florida Statutes. The guides below explain the requirements, steps, cost, and timeline for each.

Types of Adoption

Stepparent Adoption. A married stepparent adopts their spouse’s child. No home study required. Typically costs $2,500 to $4,500 and takes two to three months.

Adult Adoption. Any adult can adopt another adult who is 18 or older. No home study, no biological parent consent, and no residency requirement. Typically costs $3,000 to $3,500 and takes two to three months.

Kinship Adoption. A grandparent, aunt, uncle, or adult sibling adopts a relative’s child. No home study required for relatives within the third degree of consanguinity. Typically costs $2,500 to $3,500 and takes two to three months.

Second Parent Adoption. An unmarried partner adopts their partner’s child without terminating the existing parent’s rights. A home study is required. Typically costs $5,000 to $8,000 and takes three to six months.

Recognition of Foreign Adoption. A Florida court recognizes an adoption completed in another country and issues a Certificate of Foreign Birth. Typically takes one to two months.