Nothing gives our firm greater joy than assisting with the establishment of forever families in St. Petersburg through the process of adoption. An adoption attorney at the law firm of Growney, McKeown & Barber, P.A. can assist with step-parent adoptions as well as adopting through Eckerd Community Alternatives, which is contracted with the Department of Children and Families. The Department of Children and Family Services is the state agency charged with ensuring the well-being of children and helping families to be stable and self-sufficient.

Adoption

Welcoming a new child into your family can be an exciting venture. There are so many wonderful children in need of good homes, and as long as you are at least 21 years of age and do not have certain criminal charges or felonies on your record, you are able to adopt. If you are interested in bringing a new family member home, sitting down with an adoption attorney in St. Petersburg to discuss your eligibility, options, and a plan of action is always a smart move.

Stepparent Adoption

Whether for the financial and legal benefits, because you want to solidify your relationship, or both, stepparents may choose to legally adopt their stepchildren in Florida. This process is often more simple than other types of adoptions because a relationship is already established between the child and stepparent through the latter’s marriage. Generally, this established relationship may be reason enough for the court to waive the home visits and hearings, but is not necessarily guaranteed.

The birth parent’s consent is required for the process to be finalized, and while this is often given willingly, sometimes attaining the consent is an issue. Unless the other parent’s rights are terminated, then their consent is required.

Adopting from Foster Care

Growney, McKeown & Barber, P.A. works closely with Eckerd Community Alternatives, which is contracted through the Department of Children and Families. This state agency is entrusted with looking out for the wellbeing of parents and children, encouraging them to develop a stable, healthy life. Eckerd Community Alternatives cares for over 5,000 children in the Tampa Bay area every year, and we work with them to coordinate child placement for adoptive families in St. Petersburg.

According to the Department of Children and Family Services, there are currently about 800 children in foster care that are adoptable and are actively seeking permanent families. A child becomes available to be adopted once parental rights have been terminated by the court.

If you are interested in the adoption process, please visit http://www.adoptflorida.com or http://www.eckerd.org/ or contact us to discuss it with an adoption attorney in St. Petersburg.

How an Adoption Attorney Can Help

Many individuals wonder if they truly need the assistance of an adoption attorney when considering becoming adoptive parents in St. Petersburg.

  • Facilitate the process for a smoother overall experience
  • File necessary forms and paperwork
  • Clarify laws and rules relating to adopting a child in the State of Florida
  • Help you prepare for any necessary hearings

There is a lot that an adoption attorney can assist you with in addition to these, and you do not want to risk the success of bringing a new family member home, so getting their help is a smart option.

When You Need an Adoption Attorney, Call Growney, McKeown & Barber, P.A.

When you are ready to welcome a new member into your family, or you want to officially adopt your stepchild, the law firm of Growney, McKeown & Barber, P.A. can help. Our firm has helped St. Petersburg residents for 35 years with all of their legal needs. We strive to offer compassionate, comprehensive, and effective legal assistance for those who need it. An adoption attorney can assist you in your journey and walk you through the process. If you feel alone or confused, a lawyer can help pave the way for you. Do not hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation at (727) 384-3800.