The Law Firm of Robert D. Stein

When a grandparent adopts their grandchild, their relationship legally becomes that of a parent and child. Since a child cannot legally have more than two parents, this means the child’s biological parents must either consent to the adoption or have had their parental rights terminated.  The Termination of Rights can be done through the adoption proceeding by filing a Petition for Adoption.  A common ground for TPR is abandonment.

Under Florida’s adoption statutes, a final home investigation must occur before the adoption becomes finalized. But, when a child is adopted by a stepparent or a relative “within the third degree of consanguinity,” this requirement can be waived. This rule allows a child’s grandparents, an aunt or uncle, or even an adult sibling to adopt them without a home study, saving the parents thousands of dollars.