INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW
FORM 12.981(a)(1),
STEPPARENT ADOPTION: CONSENT AND WAIVER BY PARENT (11/15)
When should this form be used?
This form is to be completed and signed by the parent who is giving up all rights to, custody of, and
time- sharing with the minor child to be adopted. This consent shall not be executed before the birth of
the minor child. For more information about consenting to adoption, you should refer to Chapter 63,
Florida Statutes, and sections 63.062-63.082, Florida Statutes, in particular.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. It must be signed in the presence of a notary public or
deputy clerk and two witnesses other than the notary or clerk. You should file this form with the Joint
Petition for Adoption by Stepparent, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(b)(1).
After completing this form, you should hand deliver a copy or duplicate original to the parent giving
consent and have them sign the original saying they received a copy. Then you should file the original
with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the Joint Petition for Adoption by Stepparent,
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(b)(1) is filed and keep a copy for your records.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING
The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be
filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other
pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file
your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of
Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file.
The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-SERVICE ELECTION
After the initial service of process of the petition or supplemental petition by the Sheriff or certified
process server, the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all documents required or
permitted to be served on the other party must be served by electronic mail (e-mail) except in certain
circumstances. You must strictly comply with the format requirements set forth in the Rules of Judicial
Administration. If you elect to participate in electronic service, which means serving or receiving pleadings
by electronic mail (e-mail), or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, you must review Florida Rule of
Judicial Administration 2.516. You may find this rule at www.flcourts.org through the link to the Rules of
Judicial Administration provided under either Family Law Forms: Getting Started, or Rules of Court in the
A-Z Topical Index.
SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS MAY SERVE DOCUMENTS BY E-MAIL; HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT
REQUIRED TO DO SO. If a self-represented litigant elects to serve and receive documents by e-mail, the
procedures must always be followed once the initial election is made.
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(a)(1), Stepparent Adoption: Consent and
Waiver by Parent (11/15)