Jeanne T. Tate, a nationally recognized pioneer in adoption law, was recently approached by a senior legislative assistant from Capitol Hill to weigh in on a proposed federal bill that could reshape private adoption practices across the country.
The proposed legislation, known as the Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency (ADOPT) Act, would create a federal standard that prohibits which prohibit unlicensed private adoption intermediaries from operating and placing adoption advertisements. It also introduces safeguards against financial coercion, prohibiting intermediaries from making payment or providing anything of value exceeding $2000 to the placing parent before the parent consults with a private licensed child-placing agency or licensed attorney and impose a penalty of $50,000 per violation and up to 5 years of imprisonment for individuals, and a penalty of $100,000 per violation for an organization.
Given Jeanne’s decades-long leadership in adoption law, federal policymakers sought her insight on the bill before moving forward. This moment highlights the national respect Jeanne has earned through her tireless advocacy for ethical, transparent adoption practices.
A Legacy of Leadership
Jeanne T. Tate is one of the most decorated and respected adoption attorneys in the country. She is board certified in adoption law by The Florida Bar and has devoted over four decades to representing adoptive families, agencies, and professionals in all aspects of adoption, including contested litigation. Her influence stretches from Florida courtrooms to Capitol Hill.
She is the founder of Jeanne T. Tate, P.A., and now a leading attorney at Tate Healey Webster, the largest law firm in Florida dedicated solely to adoption and assisted reproductive technology law. She has served on the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission, the Adoption Law Certification Committee, and the University of Florida Law School Board of Trustees. She has also taught Adoption Law & Procedure as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
Jeanne’s many honors include the Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award (Florida Supreme Court’s highest honor for pro bono service), the Angel in Adoption Award from Congress, and the Florida Adoption Council Lifetime Achievement Award. Her work has been featured nationally on CNN, 20/20, and ESPN.
Why This Matters
Adoption law is largely governed at the state level, but enforcement can be inconsistent. Florida already prohibits facilitators, but bad actors still find ways to operate in the gray areas of the law. The ADOPT Act would provide consistent, enforceable standards at the federal level to protect birth parents and adoptive families alike.
The Federal Trade Commission has also taken note. In September 2024, the FTC sent warning letters to 31 adoption intermediaries, cautioning them against deceptive practices related to placement statistics, suppressed reviews, and misleading advertising.
Moving Forward
Jeanne’s involvement in reviewing and advising on the ADOPT Act reflects her lifelong commitment to protecting families, ensuring ethical practices, and improving the adoption process nationwide. It is yet another example of how her voice continues to influence adoption law at the highest levels.
Tate Healey Webster is proud to be home to leaders like Jeanne who not only practice adoption law at the highest standard but also help shape the future of family creation through legislative and community leadership.