Grandchild Adoption in Florida
No parent expects to be in a position where they need to adopt their grandchild, however, it does happen.
Sometimes the welfare of the child is drawn into question, and this can lead parenting grandparents to wonder whether grandchild adoption may be in the best interest of all family members. In other situations, it may be due to financial issues.
Many may have two or more jobs to make ends meet, especially during this time of high unemployment in response to the coronavirus pandemic; this may lead to reliance on family to assist in child rearing. If this is the situation you are in, it can be difficult to know how to proceed. Here are some things you may want to consider in this event.
Start with a Conversation When Possible
If you and your child have a decent relationship, have an honest conversation about their situation and your grandchild. Focus on the facts including:
- How many days/nights the child spends with you
- Your child’s unstable/unsafe living conditions
- Financial necessities, potentially limiting their ability to advance their situation and parent effectively
- Grandchild’s emotional health influenced by the circumstances
- Alcohol or drug use
During this conversation, you may find that your child is ready to discuss the possibility of grandchild adoption if they also believe their children to be unsafe in the current situation. If this is the case, you will want to work with an adoption attorney to take next steps toward grandparent adoption.
Contact an Adoption Attorney
If the parent of your grandchild is non-communicative, leaves your grandchild with you for long periods of time without discussing when they will return, or engages in unsafe and destructive behaviors, it may be difficult to have an effective conversation. If this is where you find yourself, begin to document the instances where your grandchild was left in your care without explanation or agreement and for how long if it becomes necessary to prove child abandonment. Contact an adoption attorney specializing in familial adoption. They will be able to help you understand the obligations and legal rights that come with grandchild adoption and answer questions to help you move forward.
Wagstaff Law Office has vast experience in grandchild adoption. We will help you decide if this is the best option for your family and your grandchild(ren). Call us today at (727) 584-8182 to schedule your appointment with an adoption attorney.