Buckmaster & Ellzey Buckmaster & Ellzey

Adoption

We are dedicated to helping our clients understand state adoptions laws and ensure you are prepared to become a new parent to a child.

Daytona Beach Adoption Lawyers

Let Our Experienced Legal Team Help You Start or Build Your Family

Adopting a child can be an amazing event and an opportunity to start or increase the size of your family. However, the adoption process in Florida has many complexities. If you are interested in adoption, it is imperative to know your rights and obligations prior to filing for adoption.

At Buckmaster & Ellzey, our Daytona Beach family law attorneys are dedicated to helping our clients understand state adoptions laws and ensure you are prepared to become a new parent to a child. Throughout the legal process, we will ensure your rights and best interests are protected from beginning to end. Do not hesitate to let us help you provide a child with the best life possible.

Florida Adoptions Laws

Any person—whether it’s a minor child or adult—is eligible for adoption. Adoption court judges must take into consideration the child’s best interests when deciding on adoption matters. State law requires interested parties must be a Florida resident for at least 90 days.

Married couples and unmarried individuals can adopt a child in Florida. While LGBT individuals can adopt, same-sex couples are not allowed.

There are two types of adoptions: open adoption and closed adoption. Open adoptions occur when the adoptive parents establish a relationship with the birth mother or father, while closed adoptions happen when the adoptive parents do not wish to contact or meet the birth parent(s). Interested parties can adopt a child directly from the birth parents, through an agency, or engage in stepparent or close relative adoption.

Relative adoption in Florida is when a child is adopted by a grandparent, sibling, aunt, or uncle. Relative adoptions can happen with the parent's permission or without if a judge finds the parents unfit

Interested parties need to undergo a comprehensive screening process, which can consist of the following steps:

  • Criminal background check
  • Home visits by one or several adoption officials
  • Interviews by one or several adoption officials
  • Financial and medical reviews
  • References
  • Counseling

Request a Consultation Today!

Our Daytona Beach family lawyers can guide you through the intricacies of the adoption process to ensure you get the results you want. No matter what legal obstacle you face, we will do our best to overcome them. Do not hesitate to let us help you bring a child the joy of being part of a family.

For more information, contact us and discuss your case with our firm.

 

Adoption

At Buckmaster & Ellzey, we have the skills and experience you deserve. Get to know our team by scrolling down and select the staff you would like to learn more about.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: If I’ve Been Arrested, What Rights Do I Have?
    A: In our country, being arrested does not deprive you of the many rights you have as a citizen. When you were arrested, you should have been informed of your Miranda Rights. You may ask the police officer why you are being arrested and can refuse to answer questions regarding the charges. You have the right to an attorney and the right to a fair and speedy trial. Using a qualified and experienced Daytona Beach criminal defense attorney will work to your advantage in ensuring your rights are protected.
  • Why Should I Hire an Attorney to Represent Me?

    In the case of Buckmaster & Ellzey, we have prosecuted thousands of cases as an Assistant State Attorney. On the side of criminal defense, we have defended hundreds of individuals, such as you, that have faced charges for criminal offenses. Having served on both sides gives us a unique opportunity to fight for our clients.

    We understand how prosecutors operate, the types of evidence that they will bring forth and what arguments they are likely to pursue in a criminal case. This first-hand knowledge allows us to better prepare and successfully resolve cases.

  • What Are the Differences Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
    Generally, misdemeanors are considered minor offenses. The fines for them will be relatively small and any time spent in jail will be in terms of weeks or months, not years. A felony conviction can result in steep fines, probation, parole and prison sentences for years. They can remain on your permanent record and may adversely affect future educational and employment opportunities. With the assistance of an attorney who is willing to aggressively defend your rights, felony charges can sometimes be reduced to misdemeanors.
  • What Happens Now That I’ve Been Charged With an Offense?
    The first step will be what is known as an arraignment. A judge will tell you the charges against you and there are many decisions that will need to be made at this time, such as how you will plea to the charges, what bail will be set at and others. We understand that facing criminal charges can be tough and would like you to take advantage of our experience to help you successfully navigate through the criminal justice system.
  • What Is the Difference Between Contested and Uncontested Divorce?
    There are two types of divorce in Daytona Beach: contested and uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce is typically preferred because they can usually be completed with far less hassle and in far less time. However, to go through the uncontested divorce process, the couple must reach an agreement on all significant divorce-related issues. These issues include: • Property division • Debt allocation • Alimony • Child support • Child custody • Visitation When there is disagreement over one or more of these issues, the couple will need to go through the contested divorce process. In such cases, the couple will either need to hire a divorce mediator to help them through the negotiation process or have the family court decide for them.

Client Testimonials

Read What Our Past Clients Had to Say
  • Well-Versed in the Legal Process and Protocols

    “He is well-versed in the legal process and protocols. Fortunately, the criminal complaint made against me was frivolous and without merit. Even so, I was able to sleep much better knowing that Jeremy was in my corner.”

  • They Had My Back

    “Not every case works in your favor but knowing you have the right attorney to fight on your behalf is vital. Thankfully having Buckmaster & Ellzey have my back was a success.”

  • Diligently and Highly Professionally

    “Mr. Buckmaster was thorough in explaining legal jargon and procedures that were very alien to me. He was able to suggest my best courses of action and get my charges to a more manageable place so I could have a shot at a good future in society.”

  • Professional & Responsive

    “They were knowledgeable, prompt, professional, and courteous. They took what could be a potentially confusing situation and guided me with stress-free assistance.”

  • Gets the Best Results

    “Jeremy worked hard and smart to get only the best results. Another thing that stood out and was most appreciated was the excellent communication, by phone, email, regular mail, and in person. I always knew what was going on in a timely and efficient manner”

Why Hire B&E?
Here are Five Reasons

  • Client-Focused Representation
  • A Team of Compassionate Advocates on Your Side
  • Former State Prosecutor
  • 40+ Years of Collective Experience
  • Dedicated Attorneys

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