Adoptions and Guardianships

Experienced Miami, Florida, International Adoption Lawyer

If you are a step-parent, grandparent, or foster parent, going through the legal process of formal adoption can make all the difference to the child and to your family. Clayton-Johnston, P.A., is one of north central Florida's oldest and most well-respected family law firms. In more than eight decades of family law practice, we have provided a full range of domestic adoption, international adoption, and step-parent adoption legal services for our clients. You can confidently rely upon our ability to handle any of the following:

International adoptions

Domestic adoptions

Step-parent adoptions

Guardianships

We know that no child adoptions are ever the same because no two families are the same. We take the time to understand your family's needs and goal, and won't rush you into making decisions that are not right for your situation. Our attorneys understand the rules and regulations affecting family adoptions, international adoptions, and the complexities of the interstate adoption compact. We can help you move ahead with your adoption with confidence.

Adoption confers the following legal rights on the adopted child:

• The right of financial support
• The right to enjoy the benefits of planned distribution of assets
• The right to receive social security upon the parent's death or incapacitation

Step-parent adoption

A step-parent adoption generally is not a difficult process when custodial and non-custodial parents agree. Even when a non-custodial parent agrees to the adoption, however, the adopting parent and step-parent will be required to go through a home-study process, to ensure that the child's needs are being fully met. Clayton-Johnston, P.A., can help you understand what will be included in the home study, as well as help you prepare for a successful completion. We handle all parts of the step-parent adoption process.

Extended family adoptions

In order for a grandparent, uncles, or other members of an extended family to be approved for adoption, both parents must give up parental rights and agree to the adoption. Clayton-Johnston, P.A., will handle all details involving gathering records and necessary approval. We also help the adopting family member through the home study process that is necessary.

Guardianship

Legal guardianship confers on the adult the right to make decisions regarding the child's education, medical care, religious upbringing, and all other areas of the child's life necessary to a healthy upbringing. Guardianships are not permanent arrangements. Unlike the legal permanence of adoption, guardianships end when the child reaches eighteen years and the parents lose decision-making control over the child. Obtaining guardianship over a minor-age child does not confer on that child the legal rights of adoption. Clayton-Johnston will fully explain the benefits of becoming a legal guardian over a child whose biological parents are incapacitated or dead. We handle every aspect of the guardianship process, including initial record gathering, the application process, preparing the adult for the hearing, and representation at the guardianship hearing.

Contact the child adoption and guardianship law offices of Clayton-Johnston today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced child adoption lawyers. We provide confidential, ethical solutions to your family law needs.