Families can get messy even at the best of times. And as much as we’d like not to intervene, as grandparents, sometimes our hands are tied.

Particularly when the well-being of a grandchild is at stake.

If you’re asking yourself, “Can I adopt my grandchild without a lawyer”, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the answer.

Read on for a quick introduction to this topic.

When Grandparents Answer the Call

Life can take us on unexpected journeys. That’s a thing grandparents know all too well.

Adopting your grandchild is a mammoth undertaking. It’s an act of unconditional love that spans generations. It’s fraught with legal technicalities – but it is doable, and it’s doable without the help of an attorney.

Can I Adopt My Grandchild Without a Lawyer?

According to the state of Florida, it’s legal to adopt a grandchild by filling out the right paperwork and registering with the appropriate authority, as long as the right circumstances are met, of course. It’s called a kinship adoption and can be requested under Florida statutes chapter 13.

As a rule of thumb, all parties must be in agreement. That means the grandparents (you), the biological parents, and the child if the child is over the age of 12.

But what about the edge cases? What if the biological parents aren’t in agreement or, worse still, aren’t around to give their consent?

The law accounts for that, too.

In Florida, where a parent can be shown to have abandoned a child (financially or physically), the need for parental consent falls away. So, as in the case of an absentee parent, for instance, all you need to do to begin the adoption process is to demonstrate that the parent isn’t around anymore.

Proving abandonment can be challenging. The courts will examine evidence of any of the following:

• Poor communication
• Poor financial support
• Imprisonment
• No interest in raising a child
• Not being around to raise a child

Common Reasons for Adopting

The reasons for adopting a child are your own – but you’re not alone.

Most of the time, the desire to adopt is fueled by concern for a child’s well-being. This can stem from things such as substance abuse on the part of a parent or physical abuse of the child. Sometimes, it can involve unexpected pregnancy and an unprepared mother (or absentee father).

Whatever the case, the choice to adopt is yours – yet you may want to seek legal guidance in some cases.

When To Seek Legal Guidance

Hiring an adoption attorney can be expensive, but many family law practices offer free initial consultations. If you’re unsure whether or not you’ll need the help of a lawyer in the adoption process, it’s worth making that first consultation call to know where you stand.

Turn Your Grandchild’s Life Around

Can I adopt my grandchild without a lawyer?

The answer is a resounding “yes”. There’ll be some legwork on your end, but you knew that going in.

Heart of Adoptions Inc. is a licensed adoption agency with offices across the state of Florida. Call us today for an initial consultation free of judgment.