Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Affordable Florida Stepparent, Relative, and Grandparent Adoption Document Services

Big on Love but Short On Money? You're Not Alone

Life can be unpredictable, and when children are involved, the stakes are even higher. Achieving a positive outcome in complex family situations often takes planning, perseverance, and—above all—the steady support of a loving family.

If you’re pursuing adoption as a stepparent, relative, or grandparent in Florida, we understand how emotionally and financially overwhelming the process can feel. While we’re not attorneys and do not provide legal advice, we offer affordable clerical support to help you type your Florida adoption paperwork using the information you provide.

To assist with this, we offer adoption form packets available for purchase and download directly from our website. These packets are provided strictly as a convenience. We do not recommend which packet to use or evaluate the legal sufficiency of any forms. After you make your own selection, our team will carefully type your information into the documents and guide you through the procedural next steps—such as notarization and filing—without offering legal advice or strategy.

Our goal is to provide Florida families with a reliable, affordable path to get their paperwork typed correctly—so you can focus on what matters most: building a safe and permanent home for a child already in your heart.

Get Started! – Questionnaires for Florida Adoptions

Relatives & Grandchildren
Stepparent Adoption
Florida Adult Adoption

Embracing Adoption: Our Pledge to Your Family From Ours

At Florida Family Adoptions, adoption is more than a service—it’s our calling. As a family-owned Florida business, we’re proud to support relatives, stepparents, and grandparents pursuing adoption through Florida’s private adoption process.

We understand that adoption can feel overwhelming. That’s why our mission is to provide affordable, nonlawyer clerical support to help Florida families type the necessary paperwork based on the information you provide. While we are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice or evaluate the legal sufficiency of your documents, we are committed to helping you move through the document process with clarity and confidence.

Grandparent Adoption Orange County
Our assistance facilitated the finalization of this grandparent adoption in Orange County back in August 2019. Grandparents adopting their grandchildren is the most frequent adoption scenario we encounter. There are a significant number of grandparents taking on the role of raising their grandchildren in Florida.

We offer form packets as a convenience for common types of Florida adoptions, including:

  • Stepparent Adoption

  • Relative & Grandparent Adoption

  • Adult Adoption

All of our services are for private adoptions under Florida Statutes Chapter 63. We do not assist with adoptions involving the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

When you’re ready to begin, you may choose the appropriate packet from our website and upload it along with your information. From there, we will type your forms exactly as provided and help guide you through the non-legal steps such as notarization and filing—always within the boundaries of clerical support.

Our pledge is simple: to help families like yours complete this important journey with integrity, care, and respect—just as we would for our own.

Comprehensive Clerical Support for Florida Family Adoptions

At Florida Family Adoptions, we go beyond simply typing forms. Our goal is to provide full-service clerical and procedural assistance to support families pursuing private adoptions under Florida law—whether you’re adopting a grandchild, stepchild, or other close relative.

Once you’ve selected and provided the appropriate adoption form packet, our team will assist by typing the necessary documents using the information you provide. From there, we help coordinate the procedural steps that follow, including:

  • Coordinating with Birth Parents for Consent – When applicable, we’ll assist in facilitating the communication and signature process for adoption consents, including notarization and scheduling.

  • Electronic Court Filing – We handle the eFiling of your typed adoption documents through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.

  • Service of Process Coordination – If legal notice must be given to a party, we’ll help coordinate the appropriate method of service using licensed professionals.

  • Diligent Search Services – If a birth parent cannot be located, our licensed private investigator can conduct a thorough search that meets the statutory requirements for diligent effort under Florida law.

Because we are not attorneys, we do not provide legal advice or evaluate the legal sufficiency of any adoption documents. However, our experience in Florida family adoptions allows us to offer clear, reliable support for each step in the process—from document typing to court procedures—always within a nonlawyer clerical role.

Our all-inclusive, flat-fee family adoption service is designed specifically for pro se (self-represented) families and is available statewide. Whether you’re in Pensacola or Key West, we’re here to help you navigate this meaningful journey with confidence and care.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Adopt a Relative, Grandchild, or Stepchild in Florida?

Florida Grandparent Adoption
Another Florida Family Adoptions success story. We loved working with this lovely family as they gained permanency through a grandparent adoption.

In many cases, no. For private adoptions involving a grandparent, stepparent, adult, or other close relative—often called kinship adoptions—Florida law does not require you to hire an attorney or go through an agency, provided certain conditions are met.

While legal counsel may be appropriate in some circumstances, many families choose to represent themselves (pro se) in these types of cases.

Our role is to provide clerical and procedural support—typing the adoption documents you select using the information you provide, and helping you navigate the process through eFiling, service of process coordination, and more.

This option can significantly reduce costs while still achieving the same legal outcome. However, because we are not attorneys, we always encourage you to consult with one if you have legal questions or uncertainties about your case.

Am I Eligible and Qualified to Adopt?

In many Florida cases, relatives and stepparents can complete an adoption when certain conditions are met. For example, if you’re a close relative—such as a grandparent, great-grandparent, sibling, aunt, or uncle—and you have the cooperation and consent of the child’s legal parents, Florida courts generally allow these adoptions to move forward with relative ease. Many are finalized after a short, scheduled hearing before a judge.

Stepparents may also adopt their stepchildren, often with the written consent of the child’s other biological parent. When consent is available, these adoptions are usually processed as uncontested cases and can be completed without lengthy court proceedings.

In some situations, it may be possible to proceed without written consent. While we cannot advise on legal strategy, we do provide access to helpful information—such as our blog post on adoption without parental consents—that may assist you in better understanding the process.

Because we are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice, we encourage you to review the legal qualifications for adoption in Florida or speak with a licensed attorney if you have specific questions about your eligibility.

Adopting grandchildren without a lawyer in Florida.
Life can be unpredictable, and when children are involved, the stakes are high. Reaching a positive outcome in challenging family situations often demands substantial effort, careful planning, and the unwavering dedication of a loving family. Florida Family Adoptions helped make this family's dreams come true.

Do Both Birth Parents Need to Consent to Adoption?

In Florida, it is possible to petition for a relative, grandparent, or stepparent adoption even if one or both birth parents do not provide written consent. While we cannot offer legal advice, we have assisted many families with the clerical preparation of adoption documents in situations where one or both parents did not sign a consent form. In our experience, many of these cases are ultimately resolved through the court process.

That said, cases involving non-consenting parents can be more complex. In these situations, individuals proceeding without an attorney (pro se) may find it helpful or necessary to seek legal representation as their case progresses—especially if the non-consenting parent appears or challenges the adoption.

If you’re exploring your legal options in a contested case, we suggest reading our post on proving abandonment by non-consenting birth parents. For those who choose to work with an attorney, we recommend considering a board-certified adoption attorney. Adoption law is a highly specialized area, and experience matters.

As a reminder, Florida Document Specialists is not a law firm. We are not attorneys, and we do not provide legal advice or representation. Our role is to assist with document typing and procedural support based on the information you provide.

When the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is Involved with Your Children

Involvement with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) can significantly complicate your adoption plans. If DCF is currently involved—or if you anticipate that they may become involved—it’s critical to understand your options and act quickly.

We strongly recommend reading our blog post: When DCF Is Involved in a Family Adoption, which provides important context and guidance. Time may be limited, and understanding your rights and the adoption process in this scenario is essential.

You may also find this additional article helpful: DCF and Private Adoptions – What You Need to Know.

Starting Your Adoption Process Pro Se in Florida: Your Options

If you’ve decided to begin your adoption process pro se—without an attorney—Florida Family Adoptions offers a range of services designed to support you every step of the way. We type all the necessary legal documents and forms for your case based on the information you provide through our secure online questionnaires.

From start to finish, we guide you through the clerical process, including electronically filing your case and providing step-by-step procedural and practical support until your adoption is finalized. Our team is here to help simplify the journey and reduce the stress that can often come with filing on your own.

No other document typing service in Florida offers the depth of support, experience, and value that we do. Discover what sets us apart.

Please remember that we are not a law firm. Florida Family Adoptions cannot represent you, advocate for you, or appear in court. It’s essential that you read our disclosure from nonlawyers before getting started.

A Legacy of Successful Adoptions Since Our Inception in 2014

Since our founding in 2014, we’ve been honored to help countless Florida families navigate the adoption process—often despite limited financial resources. There’s nothing quite like hearing from a customer that their case has been approved and scheduled for a final hearing without issue. Helping bring families together is deeply rewarding, and we take pride in contributing to a process that gives children the security of a permanent, loving home.

We would be delighted to support you in reaching your adoption goals. Please contact us to learn more about the nonlawyer document typing services offered by Florida Family Adoptions.

Florida Relative Adoption Forms
Mari and John of Florida Family Adoptions share a joyful moment with a Seminole County family following their successful adoption. We’re honored to assist loving families in welcoming newborns home—often straight from the hospital. Our experience with the procedural side of Florida relative adoptions and coordination with hospital staff helps make this meaningful transition as smooth as possible

Flat-Fee Services

We offer a comprehensive flat-fee package for Florida grandchild/relative, stepparent, or adult adoption that includes:

✅ Typing a complete set of adoption documents based on the information you provide
📝 Typing additional documents upon your written request, based solely on the information you provide
👨‍👩‍👧 Coordination of meetings with birth parents, if needed to facilitate consent
🔍 Assistance obtaining Florida Putative Father Registry Search Certificates
🕵️ Assistance coordinating a diligent search for unlocated or absent individuals
📤 Electronically filing your case with the appropriate Florida circuit court
📬 Coordination of service of process in Florida or out of state (summons delivery)
📰 Coordination of service by publication if required by the court
📑 Typing of all documents and proposed orders needed to finalize your adoption
💻 Discounted rates for remote online notarization (RON) for petitioners and consenting birth parents
📞 Unlimited phone support for procedural and clerical questions throughout your case

💡 Please note: Our flat fee does not include court filing fees or any costs related to service of process. Most Florida courts charge approximately $400 to file a private adoption, though you may be eligible to apply for a waiver of those fees.

Not Ready for Adoption? Florida Temporary or Concurrent Custody by Extended Family May Be the Answer

If adoption doesn’t align with your current circumstances—or you’re simply not prepared to take that significant step—obtaining a court order for Temporary or Concurrent Custody by Extended Family might be a more appropriate and flexible solution.

Many grandparents and relatives in Florida choose this route as a legal way to provide stability and care for a child while maintaining important family relationships. This option grants legal authority to make decisions regarding a child’s education, healthcare, and day-to-day wellbeing—without permanently severing parental rights.

We provide pro se assistance for families seeking to obtain temporary or concurrent custody under Florida law. As with our adoption services, we’ll prepare the necessary documents based on the information you provide, assist with filing, and offer continued clerical support through the process.

Learn more about Florida Temporary and Concurrent Custody by Extended Family on our dedicated service page.

Florida Temporary Custody by Extended Family Members
Sometimes life takes a turn and puts you in situations that you did not anticipate.

Meet Mari – A Friendly and Familiar Face Behind the Process

Florida Relative Adoption Low Cost
Marilsa Bayne

Hi, I’m Marilsa Bayne—most people call me Mari. As a co-founder of Florida Family Adoptions, I’ve personally helped guide hundreds of Florida families through the adoption document process since we began in 2014. I work closely with our small team to ensure your paperwork is typed accurately from the information you provide and filed properly with the court.

I’m here to support you with kindness, care, and attention to detail every step of the way. I look forward to learning more about your family and helping you move forward with confidence.

My goal is to provide affordable, nonlawyer document typing services for Florida residents pursuing relative, stepparent, or adult adoptions on their own. I have a special place in my heart for grandparents raising grandchildren, and I’m proud that our family business serves families across the state with care and respect.

While I am not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice, I’ve spent many years in administrative roles within adoption-related programs. My husband and I founded Florida Family Adoptions in 2014 to help customers prepare their own adoption documents by typing the information they provide into the appropriate forms. We’re here to support you with clerical services throughout the process, within the bounds of what nonlawyers are permitted to do in Florida.

I was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras. My career in legal services began in 1982 in Connecticut and continued in New York before I relocated to Florida in 1997. Over the past 35+ years, I’ve worked in various administrative and support roles within the legal community.

Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to supporting children and families—especially in the area of adoption. From 2005 to 2010, I served as the Program Director on the Board of Jeremiah’s Child, a foster care ministry. I also served on the Board of Directors of Mary’s Shelter, a maternity home in Altamonte Springs, from 2003 to 2009. These experiences continue to inspire my work with Florida Family Adoptions, where we assist customers with the clerical side of preparing their adoption forms.

This Orange County family's adoption was made possible with the assistance of Florida Family Adoptions. We've been directly involved with hundreds of Florida relative and stepparent adoptions since 2014.

From 2009 to 2011, I served as a Director-at-Large for the Florida Adoption Council (FAC), and from 2007 to 2011, I chaired the committee responsible for organizing the Council’s annual statewide adoption conference.

I’ve also had the honor of being invited on multiple occasions by an adjunct professor at Barry University School of Law in Orlando, Florida, to speak to law students enrolled in the Florida adoption law course. My guest lectures focused on the practical procedures involved in the Florida adoption process.

Throughout my career, I’ve provided informational training sessions on adoption procedures to staff at hospitals and Clerk of Court offices. I’ve also given community presentations on adoption for organizations such as Head Start.

Pictured: Mari celebrates with new adoptive parents at the hospital. We are experienced with newborn private adoptions in hospital settings.

From 2006 to 2010, I served as the Director of Program Development for a prominent Florida adoption agency, where I had the opportunity to present adoption-themed training programs throughout Central Florida.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, weekend getaways, and spending time with our beloved pets—we now share our home with four dogs and two cats. I’m passionate about animal welfare and strongly support pet adoptions through rescue organizations and no-kill shelters.

Final Thoughts: Partner with Florida Family Adoptions for your Pro se Adoption Journey

At Florida Family Adoptions, we know that adoption is a life-changing experience—and often an emotional one. Our mission is to offer reliable, nonlawyer support services for Florida families pursuing relative, grandparent, stepparent, or adult adoptions on a pro se basis.

As a family-owned business, we’re committed to providing thoughtful, hands-on clerical assistance at every step. Our services are designed to help you manage the document-related requirements of your adoption, including the preparation of necessary forms using the information you provide, coordination of document signing and consents, filing your case electronically with the court, and assisting with procedural steps like service of process—all at a flat fee with no hidden costs.

While we are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice, we take pride in helping Florida families complete their adoption paperwork with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

If you’re ready to get started, just complete the short questionnaire near the top of this page—and we’ll take it from there.

John Bayne, the co-owner of Florida Family Adoptions, is also a heartwarming client success story! At 58 years old in 2022, John learned that he was adopted at birth, and his birth mother, Jacqueline, was still living in the same town. They built a strong, loving bond and, in March 2023, Jacqueline adopted John back as her legal son. We are planning a blog post to share their incredible story. This photo captures John, Jacqueline, and Judge Warren after the adult adoption hearing in Daytona Beach.

Just a Reminder Before You Read the FAQs
The information below is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Because we are not attorneys, we cannot tell you which forms to use, review your case for legal sufficiency, or advise you on how to proceed. If you need legal advice for your specific situation, please consult a licensed Florida adoption attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is relative adoption?

    Relative adoption, also known as kinship adoption, is the process where a child is legally adopted by a family member.

    In Florida, relative adoption enables an individual to adopt a grandchild, niece, nephew, or sibling. The process employs simplified court rules and procedures, making it faster and more cost-effective. Relative adoptions, also referred to as kinship adoptions, are common in Florida, with grandparent adoption being the most prevalent form.

    The state of Florida has established streamlined and more accessible procedures for adoptions involving relatives, which are comparable to the processes for stepparent adoptions. These relative adoptions are regulated under Chapter 63 of the Florida Statutes.

    A private relative adoption under Florida Statutes Chapter 63 generally does not require the services of an attorney.

    This type of adoption can conclude with or without the consent of one, or both birth parents depending on the circumstances.

    Florida Consanquinity Relationship Chart

  • Is the consent of one or both parents required for a relative adoption in Florida?

    Not always.  To pursue a relative adoption in Florida, it is generally necessary to obtain written consent from both biological parents, unless one parent’s rights have been terminated or they are deceased. The consents must be signed in the presence of two witnesses and a notary public, with the adoption consents needing to be signed in an extremely specific way. It is important to note that not all notaries are proficient in handling adoption consents correctly.

    However, if one (or both) biological parent has abandoned the child or has not had any contact or support with the child for a significant period, the court may terminate their parental rights, making consent unnecessary.

    If one parent is deceased or their parental rights have been terminated, the remaining biological parent’s consent is still required. In some cases, the court may waive the requirement for the consent of the remaining parent if it is in the best interests of the child.

    We have written a blog post on adoption without parental consent.

  • What is a nonlawyer adoption document preparation service?

    A nonlawyer document preparation service, like Florida Family Adoptions, is a company that helps individuals and families with the preparation of legal documents for adopting their grandchildren and other close family members.  These services do not provide legal advice or representation, but they can help you navigate the paperwork and requirements for completing the adoption process.

  • What types of family adoptions do you specialize in?

    We specialize in family adoptions, including grandparents adopting grandchildren, families adopting other family members within the 3rd degree of relationship, stepparent adoption, and adult adoption.

  • What is the process for grandparents adopting grandchildren in Florida?

    In Florida, grandparents adopting their grandchildren do not need to undergo a home study or background checks under Florida Statute 63. The process involves filing a petition for adoption with the court, obtaining consent from the biological parents (if required), and attending a court hearing to finalize the adoption.

     

  • What is a 3rd-degree family relationship?

    A 3rd-degree family relationship in Florida includes grandparents, grandchildren, great-grandparents, great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. This means that family members within this degree of relationship can adopt each other under Florida law.

    This is also referred to as being within the third degree of consanguinity.

    Relative adoptions are popular in Florida, as they can be successfully completed without an attorney.

     

  • How long does the adoption process take in Florida?

    The adoption process can vary in length depending on the specific circumstances of each case.

    If the birth parents provide consent for the relative adoption, the entire process usually takes no longer than a few months. Most of this duration is spent awaiting the scheduling of a hearing with the judge presiding over the specific relative adoption case.

    Unlike other cases, in relative adoptions, the termination of the current parent's rights is not a separate issue. This allows for the entire process, encompassing both termination and adoption, to be addressed within a single proceeding and hearing.

  • What are the costs associated with family adoptions in Florida?

    The costs associated with family adoptions in Florida can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the services required.

    Court fees, document preparation fees, and potential legal fees should be considered. Additionally, while not always required, some families may choose to enlist the help of an adoption attorney.

    Florida Family Adoptions offers a flat-fee service for their customers pursuing a private family adoption.

  • How do I initiate the adoption process in Florida?

    To initiate the adoption process, you will need to file a petition for adoption with the appropriate court. Our document preparation service can help you with the necessary paperwork to ensure the process goes smoothly.

  • What are the requirements for consent in Florida family adoptions?

    In Florida, consent to adoption is generally required from both biological parents, unless their parental rights have been terminated by a court or under specific circumstances outlined in Florida Statute 63.

    Consent from the biological parents can be waived if the court finds that the child has been emotionally or financially abandoned.   Read our blog on this topic for more information.

  • Can the biological parents change their mind after consenting to the adoption?

    In Florida, biological parents have a very limited window to change their mind after consenting to the adoption. Outside of this window, adoption consents are generally irrevocable, and fraud must be proven to revoke the consent.

     

  • Do I need an attorney for a family adoption in Florida?

    No, it is not legally required to have an attorney for a family adoption in Florida.

    If the petitioners must argue abandonment to the court at the final hearing, many opt to seek representation to help present the argument.

  • What happens if the biological parents cannot be located?

    If the biological parents cannot be located, you may still proceed with the adoption.

    The court will require additional steps to demonstrate a good-faith effort to locate them, such as public notices or conducting a diligent search. It is essential to follow the court's guidelines to ensure a successful adoption.

    Florida Family Adoptions retains a licensed private investigator to assist with find birthparents.

  • Can same-sex couples adopt in Florida?

    Yes, same-sex couples can adopt in Florida. The adoption process is the same as for any other couple or individual seeking to adopt a child.

  • Can single individuals adopt in Florida?

    Yes, single individuals can adopt in Florida. The adoption process and requirements are the same as for couples or families.

    For stepparent adoptions, the petitioners must be married.  A 'boyfriend" or "girlfriend" cannot adopt you child using a Florida stepparent adoption.

  • What are the reasons for relative adoption in Florida?

    At times, a child's biological parents may not be the most suitable or available caregivers for various reasons. For instance, the child might have a stronger bond with their extended family while their relationship with their parents is disrupted by death or another circumstance that renders the parents unable to care for the child.

    In such cases, the child's family members can intervene and adopt the child. Through grandparent or relative adoption, these family members obtain complete legal parental rights.

  • Do I need a home study for a Florida relative adoption?

    In Florida, the majority of standard adoptions necessitate a home study. However, adoptions involving grandparents and other relatives are exempt from this requirement. This exclusion from the typical home study obligation is the primary method by which Florida law simplifies the process for individuals seeking to adopt their relatives.

  • Do birth parents have to consent to a grandparent or relative adoption in Florida?

    It is not always required for the child's current parents to consent to the adoption. In cases of grandparent adoption or relative/kinship adoption in Florida, the state law might permit the adoption even if the existing parent opposes it or declines to provide consent.

     

    Such exceptions are typically based on the parent emotionally or financially abandoning the child, or when the parent is otherwise deemed unfit to care for the child.

    You may find our blog article on the subject informative.

  • Where can I find the forms needed to file a relative or kinship adoption?

    In Florida, counties supply free forms specifically for stepparent adoptions. However, the majority of Florida counties do not provide ready-made adoption forms for relative adoptions. Without an attorney, you will have to manage the process on your own.

     

    Established in 2014, Florida Family Adoptions was created to help pro se parties in Florida achieve their goal of uniting as one family, offering assistance throughout the process.