Adopt Grandchild in Florida

by Patricia from Riverview, Florida, Hillsborough County

Adopt Grandchild in Florida:
My husband and I have raised our grandson for almost 16 years. Our son has primary custody, but was in and out of jail and signed temporary custody to us.

We are retired now and applied to Social Security, but they said we had to legally adopt him to receive the benefits.

I was told it would be thousands of dollars -I can't understand this, since he is 16 and our son does not object.....should be able to just sign forms.

Answer to Florida Court Forms Adoption Question

Dear Patricia,

I think I have good news for you. Contact the Florida Department of Children and Families, 1-800-96-ADOPT (1-800-962-3678) and ask them for help. They should be able to help you fill out the forms for your son's Termination of Parental Rights, and then help you complete a family adoption.

Unfortunately there are no Florida Supreme Court approved forms available for a family adoption, but the process is similar to a step-parent adoption. There is no requirement for an extensive background check or home study in a step-parent adoption or in a family adoption.

Have a look at our Family Adoptions in Florida page for a comprehensive guide on adoptions by extended family members.

Notice: We provide these answers to the general public and our website visitors as a means to further their online legal research. These answers are merely suggestions and should not be regarded as legal advice.

If you need legal advice, we recommend LagalMatch's free Lawyer Referral Service. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations. Get the legal advice you deserve.
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Our Self Help Guide, Florida Family Adoptions, includes updated information, new custom forms, and the processes & procedures you will need to adopt an extended family member in Florida, and much more.
See Florida Family Adoptions

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Back to Florida Court Forms from Adopt Grandchild in Florida

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