Florida LGBTQ Adoption Attorney
The history of LGBTQ adoption laws is complex in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the laws are always changing. Same-sex adoptions used to be illegal, but that was found to be unconstitutional. These adoptions have now been legal since 2015, drastically changing the options that gay and lesbian couples have to expand their families. This can be a complicated process to navigate on your own.
Here at Mark E. Sawicki, P.A., I bring the experienced guidance you are looking for. I am attorney Mark E. Sawicki, and, after founding my firm in 2010, I have been on the Super Lawyers Florida Rising Stars list since 2018. This is a distinction given to only 2.5% of the attorneys in Florida, so it speaks to my professionalism and track record of results. If you want to learn more about your adoption rights and ensure that the process goes smoothly, contact me today to set up an initial consultation.
Common Types Of LGBTQ Adoptions
There are a few different types of LGBTQ adoptions to consider:
- Pre-planned adoptions: Couples often meet the birth mother in advance, when she agrees to give the child up for adoption.
- Sperm donor & surrogacy agreements: Pre-planned adoptions also include agreements to pay for a sperm donor or hire a surrogate to carry the child.
- Joint adoptions: Same-sex couples in Florida who have already gotten married can adopt a child jointly. Non-married couples cannot under current Florida laws.
- Single-parent adoptions: Single-parent adoptions are often used when an LGBTQ individual wants to become a parent on their own. Being in a relationship is not a requirement for adoption. In some cases, non-married couples will also use single-parent adoptions if they don’t qualify for a joint adoption.
- Second-parent adoption: This is when one individual already has a child, and they enter into a same-sex relationship. The other partner wants to officially become the child’s parent.
I can help you address the unique legal requirements of each type of adoption.
Call For A Consultation
If you want to get started with a consultation, please call now at 954-928-9331 or use the online contact form.