Adoption

Considering Adoption in Jacksonville, FL?

Work with an Experienced Adoption Lawyer

Adoption is a frightening concept. Welcoming a new child into your home that might have come from a challenging background requires a significant amount of preparation. At Charles E. Willmott, P.A., I can help you prepare for this situation and assist you as you go through the experience. This is a complex family law matter that requires significant preparation and a level of readiness that can only be reached through the assistance of my team.

Essential Adoption Information for Prospective Parents

The transfer of a child from one set of parents to another is bound to have challenges because it is a legal exchange. At the conclusion of a successful adoption, the new parents have gained complete legal custody of the child. The child's relationship with the biological parents typically ends at the final signing of the adoption.

The biological parents are not required to have physical contact with the child ever again. An open adoption can be conducted if communication is preferred. The biological parent or parents may retain the right to communicate with the child after the divorce has concluded.

Comprehensive Adoption Types We Assist With

I have extensive experience handling various types of adoptions. My legal team is well-versed in the intricacies of each type of adoption and can guide you through the process with care and expertise.

I can help you with:

Domestic Adoption: We assist clients in adopting newborns or older children within the United States. Our attorneys will help you navigate the legal requirements and ensure a smooth and successful adoption.
Stepparent Adoption: If you are a stepparent seeking to adopt your spouse's child, we can help you understand the legal steps involved and guide you through the process to establish a legal parent-child relationship.
Relative Adoption: When a family member, such as a grandparent or aunt/uncle, wishes to adopt a child within their family, our attorneys can provide the necessary legal advice and representation to ensure a legally recognized adoption.
Adult Adoption: Adult adoption allows individuals to establish a legal parent-child relationship with another adult. Whether you're looking to formalize a step-parent relationship or create a bond with a close friend or mentor, we can guide you through the process.

No matter the type of adoption you are pursuing, our dedicated attorneys will work closely with you to understand your unique circumstances and provide personalized legal guidance throughout the entire adoption journey.

Navigating the Adoption Process in Florida

Deciding to pursue adoption is a significant and life-changing decision. It's important to understand the adoption process in Florida and the legal requirements involved. I am dedicated to guiding you through every step of the adoption journey, ensuring that you are well-informed and supported throughout the process.

Key aspects of the adoption process in Florida include:

Understanding the different types of adoption (e.g., domestic, international, stepparent, relative)
Completing a home study and background checks
Obtaining consent from birth parents or terminating parental rights
Navigating the legal paperwork and court proceedings
Finalizing the adoption and obtaining a new birth certificate

My team is committed to advocating for our clients and their families, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the best interests of the child are prioritized throughout the adoption process.

Understanding Your Legal Right to Adopt in Florida

Any adult that the court determines to have the ability to be a responsible parent can adopt. The court bases this determination on the moral character of the individual wishing to adopt and his or her emotional ability to properly parent a child. The individual or couple wishing to adopt must have substantial financial resources to retain the ability to adopt.

The ability to be a strong and loving parent is the primary consideration made by the court on this matter. If you wish to have assistance through this process, I can help you in a variety of legal ways.

Call today for personalized adoption guidance. I am a board-certified attorney with the passion and ability to help you work through your situation. I can be your guide through this process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption in Florida

What are the legal requirements to adopt a child in Florida?

In Florida, any adult that the court determines to have the ability to be a responsible parent can adopt. The court bases this determination on the moral character of the individual wishing to adopt and his or her emotional ability to properly parent a child. The individual or couple wishing to adopt must have substantial financial resources to retain the ability to adopt.

What types of adoptions does your legal team handle?

We handle various types of adoptions, including domestic adoption (newborns or older children within the United States), stepparent adoption, relative adoption (family members within their family), and adult adoption. Our attorneys can provide personalized legal guidance throughout the entire adoption journey.

Do biological parents have any rights after the adoption process is completed?

After a successful adoption, the new parents gain complete legal custody of the child, and the child's relationship with the biological parents typically ends. The biological parents are not required to have physical contact with the child ever again. However, an open adoption can be conducted if communication is preferred, allowing the biological parent or parents to retain the right to communicate with the child after the adoption has concluded.

Can I adopt my stepchild?

If you are a stepparent seeking to adopt your spouse's child, we can help you understand the legal steps involved and guide you through the process to establish a legal parent-child relationship.

What is the primary consideration made by the court when determining the ability to adopt?

The ability to be a strong and loving parent is the primary consideration made by the court. If you wish to have assistance through this process, our legal team can help you in a variety of ways.

See What our Clients Say

Dedicated to Our Clients & Their Families

"Charles Willmott is a dedicated professional who will speak the truth. Mr. Willmott is straightforward with his clients and is willing to listen. He can take what at times can be very messy situations and come up with a clear plan of action."
"I was a mess the first day I met with him; he immediately put my mind at ease and explained the different outcomes my divorce may have had. He's extremely knowledgeable, upfront, and honest."
"I have been a client of Charles for almost nine years, and he has never let me down. He always told me what to expect and has been right every time."