Step-Parent Adoption and Child Last Name Change in Florida

by Jessica from Orlando, Florida, Orange County

Step-Parent Adoption and Child Last Name Change in Florida:
Hello I have a 8yr old daughter whose biological father left us when she was 6 months old. He has never been there financially and i don't even know where he is or lives.

She has his last name but I would like to remove it because he is not in her life.

My current husband who I married 3yrs ago has been the one raising my daughter and wants to adopt her.

My daughter doesn't know that her step father is not her real father. Can you please help in telling me what are the legal forms and procedures I need to proceed with this type of case?

Answer to Florida Court Forms Adoption Question

Dear Jessica,

You need to petition the court for a Florida Stepparent Adoption: Consent and Waiver by Parent, and the related forms. All forms are available on the Florida Supreme Court's website.

Since you don't know the whereabouts of your child's father, you first must complete a Diligent Search and Inquiry, which is a list of places to look for him.

The list is long and includes, inquiring at places like, hospitals, his relatives, the military, prisons, utility companies, his last address, etc.

Once you have completed searching for him you then file an Affidavit of Diligent Search with the clerk of court, and then you are allowed to advertise for his whereabouts; and of your intention.

The court clerks have specific information as to the wording for the advertisement, and for the places and way you may advertise.

This is called constructive service of process.

A mechanism for name change is included on the forms.

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.
Free Family Lawyer Referral

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

See These Related Florida Adoption Pages

Back to Top

Back to Florida Adoptions

Back to Florida Adoption FAQs

Back to Florida Adoption Forms

Go to Florida Stepparent Adoption

Go to Florida Grandparent Adoption

Back to Florida Court Forms from Step-Parent Adoption and Child Last Name Change in Florida

---

Top | Home | Search Site | Site Blog | Legal Resources | Contact Us | Ask the Staff

---