If you have married someone who already has children, you may feel that you should adopt your new kids. Stepparent adoptions offer a way to blend your family into one in the eyes of the law and the community. Adopting a stepchild (or children) is noble, but it...
family law
You should talk about grandparents in your parenting plan
You and your ex won't be the only ones who care about the parenting plan you create when your relationship ends. Extended family members will care as well, and they can exacerbate the conflict involved in shared custody arrangements. Family members, eager to support...
3 reasons you may want to adopt your stepchild
Being a stepparent is not a glamorous gig. You have all of the daily stress of living with a child without the respect that parents generally receive. It can take a long time to develop a bond with a child who may not trust you or may resent your role in the life of...
Can I terminate my parental rights in Florida?
With a few exemptions, a child’s biological parents automatically assume legal rights over their children. Some of these rights include the freedom to spend time with the child and decide who's involved in their life. Parents also gain the ability to render decisions...
Is relocating with my child an option after I divorce?
Most spouses understand that they'll need to start their life anew after they divorce. Husbands and wives often think long and hard about what the new chapter in their life will look like. For many, it involves relocating to a different area. While the idea of picking...
5 ways to make a divorce easier on children
The way that adults manage their relationships can have a significant impact on children. During a divorce, it is common for parents to act (often unintentionally) in a way that can negatively impact the children. Outlined below are five methods that can potentially...
4 kinds of approval you need for a stepparent adoption in Florida
A stepparent adoption allows someone who already has a positive relationship with a minor child to become a legal parent to that child, with all the rights and responsibilities that commitment entails. Under Florida law, stepparents do have the right to adopt their...
Why is it so important to create a detailed parenting plan?
Most divorced parents in Florida feel a great deal of concern over the well-being of their kids. Whether you're creating a parenting plan for the first time or modifying an existing one, a detailed plan can make a tremendous difference in how well your kids adapt....
The benefits of kinship adoption
Removing a child from their home in Florida is never easy, but it might be the only option for their health and safety. Once the child has been taken from their parents, the court has to figure out where they will stay. Sometimes, the child ends up in the foster care...
Paying for a child’s education after a divorce
A divorce may allow you to end a relationship with your spouse. However, it doesn't absolve you from paying for a portion of your child's educational expenses. For instance, you may be required to cover the cost of private high school tuition or the cost of attending...