Bradenton Adult Adoption Featured on Ellen DeGeneres Show

This week, a Bradenton adult adoption was featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.  Monyay, 19, appeared with her new adoptive mom, Leah Paskalides.  You can see a video clip below.

An Inspiring Bradenton Adult Adoption Story

Leah and Monyay had an inspiring story, as reported by WFLA News Channel 8:

Monyay was placed in a group home at age 11 and spent all her teenage years in foster care. Leah Paskalides had worked as Monyay’s caseworker and mentor with the Safe Children Coalition. But because of her job, Leah wasn’t able to adopt Monyay until she aged out of the foster care system.

Paskalides formally adopted Monyay in April, and Safe Children shared video of the adoption ceremony on Facebook.

“I am so pleased, so honored, to sign this official document. With my signature, it is official,” Judge Teri Dees said.

After the judge declared the adoption official, the two shared a hug for the first time as mother and daughter.

“I made her a promise that I would find her an adoptive family. I just didn’t know that I would be the adoptive family,” Leah Paskalides said.

“Throughout Monyay’s journey in care, they remained in contact and sharing a close connection,” Safe Children posted on Facebook. “We are so happy for them.”

You Can Adopt An Adult?

Many people do not realize that, in Florida, you can adopt an adult.  But the truth is that you can, and it happens all the time.  Whether you are formalizing a parent-child relationship with a caseworker, stepparent, or grandparent, adult adoption may be an option for your family.  Though biological parents are not required to consent to an adoption once a child turns 18, they do have the right to receive notice of an adult adoption proceeding.

An Adult Adoption Lawyer

If you want to learn more about a Bradenton adult adoption, or an adult adoption elsewhere in Florida, we invite you to contact us and set up a time to talk.