Jacksonville Adoption Lawyers
Expertly Guiding Families Through Adoption in Florida
Adoption is a powerful way to grow your family and form a lasting legal bond with a child, giving you the same rights and responsibilities as biological parents under Florida law.
A Jacksonville adoption lawyer can help you meet all legal requirements, handle court filings, and guide you through the process with confidence – so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, we’ve helped countless families navigate adoption in Florida. We offer experienced representation for all types of adoption, including private, stepparent, and contested matters.
Call (904) 619-1386 to speak with a Jacksonville adoption attorney at any of our three office locations and take the first step toward a successful adoption!
How an Adoption Attorney Can Help
A skilled adoption attorney ensures all requirements are met and that your parental rights are secured under Florida law. They handle everything from consent issues to court filings, so you don’t have to face the system alone. Having legal support gives you peace of mind during the beautiful and life-changing process of adoption!
Types of Adoption We Handle
Florida offers several legal pathways to adoption, each with its own process and requirements. Whether you’re adopting a stepchild, relative, or adult, our attorneys will guide you through the steps with clarity and care.
- Stepparent Adoption – Allows a stepparent to adopt their spouse’s child, often without a home study if uncontested.
- Relative Adoption – Enables close relatives like grandparents or siblings to adopt through an expedited legal process.
- Private Adoption – Involves direct arrangements between birth and adoptive parents, with required home studies and court approval.
- Agency Adoption – Follows a structured process through a licensed agency, including training and post-placement supervision.
- Adult Adoption – A straightforward process to legally formalize a parent-child relationship between consenting adults.
- LGBT Adoptions – Florida law permits adoption by LGBT individuals and couples, with the same legal protections and requirements as any other adoption path.
Every adoption is different, and our Jacksonville adoption lawyers tailor their approach to fit your situation. At Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, we provide steady legal support from start to finish so you can move forward with confidence.
Legal Requirements for Adoption Eligibility
Who Can Adopt in Florida?
In Florida, any adult 18 or older who is mentally and physically capable of parenting may adopt. You do not need to be married, but if you are, your spouse may need to join the adoption petition unless legally excused. Florida residency is not required but often helps simplify jurisdiction and paperwork.
Termination of Parental Rights
Before a child can be adopted, the legal rights of the biological parents must be ended. This can happen voluntarily through signed consent or involuntarily by court order based on abandonment, neglect, or other qualifying grounds. This step ensures there is no legal conflict over custody once the adoption is finalized.
Jacksonville Child Custody Attorneys ➔
Special Consent Rules
Consent is typically required from both biological parents. Children 12 or older must also consent to the adoption unless waived by the court. All consent must be freely given, and any fraud or coercion may result in legal delays or invalidation.
Why Choose Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite
Adopting a child is a big step, and having the right legal support matters. Two of our firm’s partners, Christie Guerrero and Jay Henderlite, have grown their families through adoption. We know what it takes to get through the process – not just legally, but emotionally. That firsthand insight helps us provide the practical support and peace of mind you need to move forward.
The Jacksonville adoption lawyers at Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite help make the process clear, efficient, and stress-free. Our three board-certified family law attorneys are experts in Florida law relating to all kinds of adoptions, with years of experience in Duval, St. Johns, and Clay county courts.
We’ve helped families across Northeast Florida and are ready to help you, too.
Call today at (904) 619-1386 or visit us at any of our three Jacksonville-area office locations to get started.
The Adoption Process in Florida
Step 1: Legal Consultation & Planning
Every adoption starts with a consultation to review your situation and goals. Your attorney will explain your options, outline timelines, and create a personalized legal strategy to guide the process from start to finish.
Step 2: Home Study & Background Checks
In most non-relative adoptions, Florida law requires a home study by a licensed professional. This includes interviews, a review of your living environment, and an evaluation of your readiness to adopt.
Background checks are also required for all adult household members to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
Step 3: Filing & Hearings
Once requirements are met, your attorney files a petition for adoption with the court. If parental rights haven’t been terminated, this may involve a separate proceeding.
The court will review the case, including all reports and consents, before setting a final hearing. At this hearing, the judge confirms that adoption is in the child’s best interest and issues a final adoption decree, making the child legally part of your family.
Contested Adoptions
A contested adoption occurs when a biological parent refuses to consent or disputes the termination of their parental rights. In Florida, these cases are resolved in court, where the judge considers evidence of abandonment, neglect, or unfitness. The petitioner must prove that adoption serves the child’s best interests under Florida law.
These cases can be complex, but experienced legal representation is key to navigating the process and protecting both the child’s welfare and your legal position.
Florida Adoption Laws FAQ
Do I need to be married to adopt in Florida?
No. Florida allows both single and married individuals to adopt. You do not need to be in a relationship or have children already to qualify as an adoptive parent.
Can LGBT individuals adopt in Florida?
Yes. Sexual orientation is not a barrier to adoption in Florida. Both single and married LGBT individuals can adopt under the same requirements as anyone else.
Lawyers for LGBTQ+ Cases in Florida ➔
What is a home study?
A home study is a required assessment for most non-relative adoptions. It includes background checks, interviews, and an evaluation of your home and lifestyle to ensure a safe environment for the child.
How long does the adoption process take?
It depends on the type of adoption. Most take a few months to over a year, depending on court timelines, required consents, and home study results.
Can a biological parent stop the adoption?
Only if they still hold legal parental rights. Once rights are voluntarily or legally terminated, they cannot reverse the adoption.
What does an adoption lawyer do?
Your lawyer handles legal filings, court representation, consent procedures, and ensures everything meets Florida law.
Start your adoption journey with confidence.
Reach out to Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite to schedule a private consultation with an experienced Jacksonville adoption attorney.
Our team offers clear, compassionate guidance from start to finish. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward growing your family.
Call (904) 619-1386 or visit any of our three Jacksonville offices to get started.