Florida Adult Adoption Process

by Lauren from Panama City, Florida, Bay County

Florida Adult Adoption Process: I believe I've found all the forms I need to initiate the adult adoption process, as I'd like for my stepdad to adopt me. I just want to make sure I have all the correct forms and the correct process before I proceed.



These are the forms I've found:
12.981(c)(1)
12.981(a)(2)
12.981(c)(2)
12.981(a)(1)

Are there any forms I'm missing for the adult adoption process? Also, once all the appropriate forms are completed do I just file them at the courthouse? Thank you for all your help!

Answer to Florida Adoption Question

Dear Lauren, You have found:

• Form 12.981(c)(1) Petition for Adult Adoption by Stepparent;

• Form 12.981(a)(2) Consent of Adoptee;

• Form 12.981(c)(2) Stepparent Adoption: Consent of Adult Adoptee's Spouse; and,

• Form 12.981(a)(1) Consent and Waiver by Parent.

The last form listed, the Consent and Waiver by Parent is not required for Adult Adoptions in Florida.

The biological parent must be served with the Petition for Adult Adoption by Stepparent, but does not need to consent to it. The biological parent is to be served by service of process, using a Summons for Service or Process on an Individual; and a Process Server Memorandum.

This is the actual procedure, however, if a Consent and Waiver by Parent were filed, then, obviously, the parent has been notified of the pending adoption. So the effect is the same.
You will also need to include a Family Law Civil Cover Sheet. And, yes, you file all of these with the clerk of court.

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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.
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