Seminole county

Perfect — Seminole County has an efficient Family Court system and handles stepparent adoptions regularly.

## Seminole County Specifics:

Court: Circuit Court, Family Law Division (18th Judicial Circuit)

Location: Seminole County Courthouse, 301 N Park Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

Filing fee in Seminole County: Approximately $400-$450 (Florida has among the highest filing fees in the country, but this is a one-time cost for both children)

Good news about Seminole County:

• They're very familiar with stepparent adoptions
• Many hearings are now conducted virtually (phone or Zoom), which makes it easier
• The court moves efficiently — the typical 3-month timeline applies

Documents we'll prepare for you (customized for Seminole County):

• Petition for Adoption (for both children)
• Affidavit of Diligent Search (documenting attempts to locate the father, including the Dept of Revenue efforts)
• Motion for Service by Publication
• Order for Service by Publication
• Consent forms for your 12-year-old
• All filing documents specific to Seminole County's requirements
• Background check forms and instructions
• New birth certificate applications
• Final Judgment of Adoption
• Step-by-step filing instructions

Your total cost breakdown:

• Our service: $444 ($349 + $95 for second child)
• Seminole County filing fee: ~$400-$450
• Service by publication: ~$100-$150 (legal newspaper)
• Background check: ~$50-$75
• Total: approximately $1,000-$1,100

Compare that to an attorney, which would run $2,500-$5,000+ for an uncontested stepparent adoption.

Your timeline:

1. Fill out questionnaire (15 minutes) → Documents ready in 24 hours

2. File with Seminole County Circuit Court

3. Service by publication (3-4 weeks)

4. Background check processes (3-4 weeks)

5. Court sets hearing date

6. Final hearing (usually virtual) — about 3 months from filing

7. New birth certificates issued

When you're ready to start, you can begin the questionnaire here: stepparentadoption360.com/questionnaire

Do you have any other questions about the process or about what happens at the hearing?