Adult Adoption Lawyer in Florida

At Tate Healey Webster, we believe that family is defined by love, commitment, and shared life—not just by age or circumstance. That’s why we are proud to offer Adult Adoption services across Florida, helping families formalize meaningful parent-child relationships, even after childhood has passed.

Legalizing Lifelong Bonds: Trusted Adult Adoption Services Across Florida

Adult adoptions are some of the most rewarding and cherished cases we handle. There’s almost never a dry eye in the courtroom when one is finalized—it’s a beautiful moment that honors a bond that’s already felt like family. Our team of adult adoption lawyers in Florida handles a large number of adult adoptions every year, guiding families through this joyful and significant process with care and confidence.

What Is Adult Adoption in Florida?

An adult adoption allows one or two adults (the Petitioner(s)) to legally adopt another adult (the adult adoptee), creating a permanent, legal parent-child relationship. This process is commonly used to:

Solidify a lifelong relationship between a stepparent and adult stepchild.
Provide legal inheritance rights.
Change last names to reflect family unity.
Ensure familial recognition in medical or legal situations.

Key Facts:

The adult adoptee must be over 18 and provide consent.
The biological parents’ rights are terminated. They must receive notice of the hearing on the Petition, but their ability to contest the adoption is limited by Chapter 63 of the Florida Statutes.
Both single individuals and married couples can adopt, with spousal consent or waiver required if married.
There is no residency requirement—neither party needs to live in Florida for a set period.

Why Choose Tate Healey Webster for Adult Adoption?

We are Florida’s largest law firm focused exclusively on adoption and assisted reproductive law, and we handle many adult adoptions every year. Families across the state trust us because we:

Offer deep expertise and personalized guidance.
Manage every step, from the petition to the final hearing and amended birth certificate.
Provide remote services to make the process convenient for you.
Understand the emotional and legal significance of this life-changing step.

Steps to Adult Adoption in Florida

File a Petition for Adult Adoption: The process begins with filing a legal petition in the county where the petitioner or your attorney is based.
Written Notice to Biological Parents: While consent is not needed, Florida law requires that biological parents are notified.
Consent and Final Hearing: Both the petitioner and adult adoptee attend a brief court hearing, often held virtually, to finalize the adoption.
Amend the Birth Certificate: After the adoption is granted, your adult adoption attorney in Florida will apply for an amended birth certificate on behalf of the adult adoptee, reflecting the new legal parent(s) and any name change.

Who Can Be Adopted as an Adult?

Any adult over 18 years old can be adopted in Florida with their consent. There are no restrictions on age differences, marital status, or previous relationships—what matters is the desire to establish a legal, lasting parent-child bond.

Why Families Pursue Adult Adoption

Legal recognition of an emotional parent-child relationship.
Inheritance rights and family medical access.
Protection from toxic biological relationships.
To honor a stepparent, foster parent, guardian, or other trusted adult.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Adoption in Florida

How much does it cost to adopt an adult in Florida?

Tate Healey Webster charges low flat fees to handle an adult adoption, which covers legal fees, court filing fees, and the cost of amending the birth certificate.

Can I adopt someone over 18 in Florida?

Yes. Florida law allows any adult to adopt another adult, provided the adoptee consents.

Do biological parents need to approve?

No. They must receive notice of the adoption hearing, but their consent is not required.

How long does the process take?

On average, adult adoptions take less than 4 months from start to finish.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

If you’re ready to make a lifelong bond legally recognized, we’re here to help. Our team at Tate Healey Webster will guide you through every step of the adult adoption process in Florida—making it smooth, meaningful, and secure. Call us or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Adult Adoption Related Pages

Stepparent Adoption Relative Adoption Infant Adoption Grandparent Adoption LGBTQ+ Adoption Second Parent Adoption Older Child Adoption Adoption Homestudy Qualify for Adoption Subsidy Adoption

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Your Trusted Partner in the Adoption & Surrogacy Process

With years of experience and a commitment to personalized service, Tate Healey Webster Adoption Attorneys is proud to be a trusted partner in adoption throughout the state. We understand that every adoption is unique, which is why we offer tailored legal solutions and support. If you’re ready to begin your adoption journey, contact us today. Let us help you bring your family closer together through the miracle of adoption.