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Originally Posted By Joe

I recently did my own step parent adpotion. Because my divorce was originally done in Kansas it was a little complicated, but still very simple to accomplish. Everyone at the Court was willing to help and offer assistance, but not legal advise. You can get forms and instructions from http://www.pbcountyclerk.com/ click the Divorce link the self-help center.
in my case I prepared an order in whcih my former wife irrevocably relinquished her parental rights. The order clearly explained that what she was doing. Then she had it signed in front of a notary, I went to the Judge who signed the order without reading it, because it was agreed to and notarized.
At the same time I had went to the Self-Help Center purchased the adoption forms, and filled them out. With all documents in hand and with my wife and children who where old enough to express there deseires I went to the 15th Circut Court in Palm Beach, to the judges chambers prior to the hearing of the day and asked the clerk if the judge had a moment to sign an agreed upon order. She came out looked at the orders asked my wife if she understood what she was agreeing to, the adoption of my children, and signed the orders on the spot.
The key here was that the bio mom agreed to it all. In the course of my divorce I only used an attorny once, to determine child support, as that is an ugly matter and the ex and I wanted no part of it. As part of her relinquishment of rights I agreed to forgive all past due support, and she can still see the kids when she wants to. She is not a bad person, just undermotivated. The poit is that the Judges will sign an agreed order without any hassel because the parents working together is the Holy Grail of what is best for the kids.

Good Luck.