do all document get submitted at the same time?

Great question — no, not all at once. The documents get filed in stages as the case progresses. Let me walk you through what gets filed when:

## INITIAL FILING (Day 1):

These all go to the Seminole County Clerk together:

• Petition for Adoption (for both children)
• Affidavit of Diligent Search
• Motion for Service by Publication
• Consent of your 12-year-old (signed)
• Consent of the custodial parent (you or your spouse)
• Any financial affidavits required

You'll pay the ~$400-$450 filing fee at this time.

## AFTER THE JUDGE REVIEWS (1-2 weeks later):

The judge will sign:

• Order for Service by Publication

You then take that signed order and arrange for the legal notice to be published in the newspaper.

## AFTER PUBLICATION IS COMPLETE (3-4 weeks):

You file:

• Proof of Publication (affidavit from the newspaper showing the notice ran)

## BEFORE THE HEARING:

You submit:

• Background check results (once you receive them — takes 3-4 weeks)
• Any additional documents the court requests

## AT OR AFTER THE HEARING:

The judge signs:

• Final Judgment of Adoption

## AFTER FINALIZATION:

You submit to the Florida Department of Health (separately, not to the court):

• Application for new birth certificates

We provide you with detailed, step-by-step instructions that tell you exactly what to file, when to file it, and where it goes. We also number the documents in the order they're used, so you're never confused about what comes next.

You're not doing this alone — you have unlimited email support from us throughout the entire process. If you're ever unsure about a next step, just email us at adoption@legalforms360.com and we'll walk you through it.

Does that make the process clearer? Any questions about the publication step or the hearing?