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12.981(b)(1)

Joint Petition for Adoption by Stepparent

Florida · Florida Supreme Court · Effective November 1, 2015

This form is a joint request used when a stepparent wants to legally adopt their spouse's child. Both the stepparent and their spouse must sign this petition.

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Where this fits in a case

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Stage: Start a case

This form is used when a stepparent is adopting their spouse's child. Both the stepparent and their spouse must sign it, and necessary consents must be attached.

Either party may file.

Common questions

Who must sign this form?
Both the stepparent and their spouse must sign this petition. You must also attach necessary consents or acknowledgments depending on the case.
Is there a fee mentioned?
The text mentions there is a charge for certified copies of the final judgment, but it does not state a filing fee for this petition.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect November 1, 2015.

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