What is the adoption process like?

The adoption process in Florida largely depends on the type of adoption you’re pursuing. All adoptions, however, must go through the Courts. If you’re interested in adopting a stepchild, it’s usually a much simpler process. The biological parent must consent to the adoption and agree to give up their parental rights, and the step-parent must demonstrate that they are a suitable guardian. If you’re interested in adopting through an agency or adoption facilitator, you must go through an extensive screening process that includes home studies, background checks, and criminal history reviews. Social workers will visit your home and evaluate your home environment to make sure it’s appropriate for the child. During the process, you must also provide documentation of your financial status and ability to provide for the child. If you’re considering adopting a child from a foreign country, you’ll have to go through all the same screening processes as above, plus additional evaluations by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. International adoptions typically take the longest time, anywhere from 18 months to several years. Once you’ve completed all the necessary steps, the court will issue a final adoption order. It’s important to have a qualified lawyer to help you through the adoption process, as navigating the system can be difficult and lengthy.

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What is the adoption process like?

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