I’ve seen the following scenario hundreds of times in my practice throughout the years. A potential client has been caring for their grandchild, or niece or nephew for an extended period. The child’s parents have …
Continue readingAdoption Expenses: What’s allowed? What’s not?
When adopting a child in Florida who is not related to you by blood or marriage, there are certain expenditures that are permitted by law and others that aren’t (Florida Statutes section 63.097). Knowing the …
Continue reading3 Ways to Save Money on Adoption
The number one reason people choose not to adopt a child is cost. If the price tag is holding you back, read on to learn a few ways to significantly trim adoption costs. 1. Become …
Continue readingAre you raising a relative’s child?
We all know someone who is raising a grandchild or niece or nephew because the child’s parents are unable or unwilling to parent the child. Though such relatives provide needed stability in the child’s otherwise …
Continue readingMyth: You Need an Adoption Agency
Did you know that an adoption agency is not required in Florida adoptions? Whether you are planning to adopt a non-related child, a related child (grandchild, niece, sibling, etc.), a stepchild, or an adult, you …
Continue readingGot Home Study?
In Florida, prospective adoptive parents need a favorable preliminary home study before a child can be placed in their home.1 If you are considering adoption, you shouldn’t delay getting a home study. It’s not unheard …
Continue readingAdoptive Parents’ Fear of Adoption Reversal is Unwarranted.
As with politics, religion and movie stars, news and entertainment shows exploit conflict. Overturned adoptions are no exception. As a result, otherwise prospective adoptive parents shy away from adoption believing that any parent-child relationship formed …
Continue readingAdopting an Out-of-State Child Can Increase Adoption Expenses.
Adopting a child outside of the state in which you live, assuming the child is not a relative or stepchild, will likely be more expensive than adopting a child residing within your state. The main …
Continue readingLegal Father Trumps Biological Father, Sometimes.
It’s not uncommon for a married woman who is separated from her spouse to find herself pregnant, and her spouse is not the biological father. Naturally, questions arise of who is the baby’s father, and …
Continue readingWhat is an Unmarried Biological Father?
In Florida, a father is an unmarried biological father if he is not married to the mother at the time of the conception or birth of the child; and (a) he has not been adjudicated …
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