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LGBTQ+ Adoption

LGBTQ+ Adoption

Contact Our Fort Walton Beach Adoption Lawyers at 800-822-5170

Florida used to have the only legal statute in the United States explicitly banning adoption for same-sex couples. In 2010, the Florida Supreme Court deemed the statute unconstitutional, opening up adoption to all residents of the state. And, since the legalization of same-sex marriages in 2015, adoption among LGBTQ+ couples is now more common than ever. However, the legal processes are still complex and time-consuming. Our Fort Walton Beach adoption attorneys are here to help.

Contact us in Fort Walton Beach to take the first steps toward growing your family: 800-822-5170.

Types of Adoption for Same-Sex Couples

Depending on your situation, a variety of adoption types are available to the LGBTQ+ community, including:

  • Joint adoption – this type of adoption allows both parties to jointly become legal parents of the child. This is only available to married, same-sex couples and is not currently an option for unmarried couples.
  • Single adoption – single adoption is an option for unmarried couples, or for someone in the LGBTQ+ community to adopt as a single parent, through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) or through a private adoption agency. Applying through DCF requires more paperwork, classes, and questionnaires, but is generally cheaper than private adoption. Additionally, DCF offers a variety of reimbursements and benefits to those who adopt through them. Adopting through a private agency often requires an in-home study, and generally costs thousands of dollars more than a DCF adoption.
  • Stepparent adoption – this type of adoption streamlines the process of becoming a legal parent to your spouse’s child. Reserved for married couples, this process is the same for both heterosexual and homosexual couples. In order to adopt as a stepparent, one of the partners must be the biological parent of the child, and the other biological parent must relinquish all parental rights, as Florida law does not allow a child to have more than 2 legal parents.
  • Second parent adoption – this type of adoption was previously used for those wanting to adopt their spouse’s child. Although more expensive than stepparent adoption, second parent adoption is available for unmarried LGBTQ+ couples, and is usable when the ward is not the biological child of either parent.

Our Fort Walton Beach Adoption Attorneys Are Ready to Help You

LGBTQ+ adoption laws are constantly changing. At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our lawyers stay up to date on all the processes and legalities concerning LGBTQ+ adoption. We are honored to help people grow their families and are eager to assist you through this process.

We are available 24/7 to answer your questions. Contact our adoption lawyers in Fort Walton Beach today.

Our Core Values

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  • Growth Mindset
    We continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
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    We support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
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    We stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
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  • Community Stewardship
    We embody the concept of giving back to the community. The Virga Law Firm is committed to supporting and improving the community through responsible and caring actions, setting an example of character.

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