What are the adoption laws in my state?

In Florida, adoption laws are in place to ensure the safety of the adopted child, as well as the rights of the biological parents who are giving up the child for adoption. According to Florida Statute 63.212, a person who wishes to adopt is required to be at least 25 years of age or older and have residency in the state. The petitioner must also have been an adult for at least five years prior to the filing of the adoption petition. The process of adoption begins with the filing of a petition in the circuit court of the county in which the prospective adoptive parent or parents or the child resides. The court will then order an investigation to determine if the adoption is in the best interests of the child. If the court finds the adoption would be in the best interest of the child, the court will enter an order authorizing the adoption. If the child being adopted is from a foreign country, the prospective adoptive parent is required to obtain approval of the adoption through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS will then provide the adoptive parents with an “immigration packet” which contains all the necessary information needed to complete the adoption process. After the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents will be granted all the rights and responsibilities of a parent-child relationship, including the right to make decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, education and healthcare. The adopted child will also receive the same rights and privileges as any other child born in Florida, including the right to inherit from the adoptive parents.

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What are the adoption laws in my state?

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