The Florida Senate

63.142  Hearing; judgment of adoption.--

(1)  The petitioner and the person to be adopted shall appear at the hearing on the petition, unless:

(a)  The person is a minor under 12 years of age, or

(b)  The presence of either is excused by the court for good cause.

(2)  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)(a)  If the petition is dismissed, the court shall determine the person that is to have custody of the minor.

(b)  If the petition is dismissed, the court shall state with specificity the reasons for the dismissal.

(4)  At the conclusion of the hearing, when the court determines that all necessary consents have been obtained and that the adoption is in the best interest of the person to be adopted, a judgment of adoption shall be entered.

History.--s. 14, ch. 73-159; s. 3, ch. 77-140.