Florida Adult Adoption Process

by Lauren from Panama City, Florida, Bay County

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 Adult Adoption Question

Dear Lauren,

These are the forms 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 of 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 Cover Sheet, form 12.928, or you can use our free PDF fillable cover sheet form. See our fillable forms page to download a free copy.

And, yes, you file all of these with the clerk of court at any of the 14th Circuit courts. The main courthouse in Bay county is located at 300 East 4th Street, Panama City.

Reader Comments

Adult Adoption Missing Father
by: Kimberly

Hi, I too am seeking too have my step father adopt me as adult. However, I have no way to contact my birth father.

His parents have passed and I have never had any contact, even before my birth. How does the procedure differ?

--Have a look at the answer we provided to another visitor asking basically the same question here. --Staff

Prevent an Adult Adoption
by: Anonymous

My child is an adult living in FL and wants to be adopted by two other adults living in FL.

I realize it is not required that the birth parents consent to this process but my husband (birth father) and I have raised him his entire life and it doesn't feel right that FL doesn't even ask me if I care to have my parental rights revoked and given to someone else for no cause.

Is there ANYTHING that can be done to prevent this from occurring?

--An unfortunate situation. I don't think anything can be done by you to prevent the adult adoption from proceeding. The only requirement I am aware of is that the biological parents must be notified of the proceeding, but their consents are not required. I suggest talking to a family law attorney for legal advice. See our recommended referral service below. --Staff

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Answer provided by Kenneth Diaz, (800) 868-3010, Florida-Court-Forms.net © 2015

Kenneth has been a Florida Legal Document Preparer since 1998. Currently, he publishes and writes content for legal websites and does freelance paralegal work through referrals only.

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Page last updated 03/04/2015
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