Adoption
Miami Adoption Attorney
Adoption makes a family legally official. Attorney Ada M. Barreto guides families throughout South Florida through stepparent, relative and adult adoptions, from the first consultation to the final hearing.
How We Can Help
What Florida Law Says
Adoption in Florida is governed by Chapter 63 of the Florida Statutes. After an adoption, the adoptive parent has the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent.
In most cases, the biological parents must consent to the adoption, or the court must terminate their parental rights for reasons allowed by law, such as abandonment.
In stepparent and relative adoptions, a home study is generally not required unless the court orders one. Adults can also be adopted with their consent.
The Process
Consultation
We review your family's situation and the type of adoption.
Consents
We obtain the required consents or explain the options if a parent does not consent.
Petition
A petition for adoption is filed with the court.
Final hearing
The judge reviews the case and enters the final judgment of adoption.
New birth certificate
A new birth certificate is issued with the adoptive parent's name.