Florida Florida Statutes
§ 63.142 — Hearing; judgment of adoption
FS § 63.142Ch. 63
Statute text
View on source(1)APPEARANCE.—The petitioner and the person to be adopted shall appear either in person or, with the permission of the court, telephonically before a person authorized to administer an oath at the hearing on the petition for adoption, unless:(a) The person is a minor under 12 years of age; or
(b)The appearance of either is excused by the court for good cause.
(2)CONTINUANCE.—The court may continue the hearing from time to time to permit further observation, investigation, or consideration of any facts or circumstances affecting the granting of the petition.
(3)DISMISSAL.—(a) If the petition is dismissed, further proceedings, if any, regarding the minor must be brought in a separate custody action under chapter 61, a dependency action under chapter 39, or a paternity action under chapter 742.
(b)If the petition is dismissed, the court shall state with specificity the reasons for the dismissal.
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Legislative history
s. 16, ch. 73-159; s. 10, ch. 75-226; s. 2, ch. 77-140; s. 22, ch. 77-147; s. 2, ch. 77-446; s. 3, ch. 78-190; s. 5, ch. 80-296; s. 4, ch. 82-166; s. 3, ch. 84-101; s. 2, ch. 85-189; s. 2, ch. 87-16; s. 19, ch. 90-360; s. 16, ch. 92-96; s. 341, ch. 95-147; s. 23, ch. 96-406; s. 25, ch. 99-2; s. 27, ch. 2001-3; s. 30, ch. 2003-58; s. 20, ch. 2012-81; s. 1, ch. 2020-42.