adoption attorney in st petersburg florida

Adoption Attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida

At Tate Healey Webster, we know that adoption is more than a legal process—it’s a life-changing moment for your family. Our St. Petersburg adoption attorneys are proud to support families across Pinellas County with personalized, professional legal services rooted in compassion and decades of experience. Whether you’re pursuing a private infant adoption, finalizing a stepparent adoption, or seeking to adopt through DCF, we’re here to provide the clear legal guidance and emotional support you deserve.

Our team handles all types of adoption cases throughout St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the greater Tampa Bay area. We offer responsive communication, detailed case management, and a deep commitment to helping you grow your family legally and securely.

Trusted Adoption Legal Services in St. Petersburg

Every family is unique, and so is every adoption. That’s why Tate Healey Webster offers a full range of adoption services, including:

Private and Infant Adoptions

We assist both adoptive parents and birth parents in private placement adoptions. Our attorneys handle all legal filings, consents, home studies, and court hearings to ensure a smooth and ethical process.

Stepparent and Relative Adoptions

When you’re already a central figure in a child’s life, legal adoption can provide stability and peace of mind. We help stepparents, grandparents, and other relatives formalize their relationships through efficient court procedures.

Foster Care and DCF Interventions

If a child you love is in the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families, we can help you intervene in the case and pursue permanent adoption. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating dependency court and advocating for relatives and caregivers.

LGBTQ+ Adoptions

We proudly support St. Petersburg’s diverse community and represent LGBTQ+ individuals and couples seeking to grow their families through adoption. Whether through second-parent adoption, private placement, or foster care, we offer respectful, inclusive representation.

Agency and Interstate Adoptions

Our legal team works seamlessly with licensed agencies in Florida and across the country, ensuring all ICPC (Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children) requirements are met for lawful, timely adoptions across state lines.

Serving Families Throughout Pinellas County

We represent clients across the entire St. Petersburg area, including:

  • Downtown St. Pete, Kenwood, and Old Northeast

  • Tyrone, Jungle Terrace, and Gulfport

  • Clearwater, Largo, and Seminole

  • Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Pinellas Park

Whether you’re adopting locally or across state lines, our attorneys provide legal representation tailored to your goals and your timeline.

Why Choose Tate Healey Webster in St. Petersburg?

  • Decades of Adoption Law Experience
    Our practice is entirely focused on adoption law, giving you access to a team that knows every legal nuance and court requirement.

  • Recognized Statewide for Excellence
    Our attorneys, including Jeanne T. Tate, are known across Florida for ethical leadership and successful outcomes in complex cases.

  • Family-Centered Service
    We understand the emotional side of adoption and make it our mission to guide you with empathy, patience, and professionalism.

  • Efficient, Transparent Process
    From filing to finalization, we communicate clearly and handle your case with precision to avoid unnecessary delays or complications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption in St. Petersburg

Do I need a lawyer to adopt in Florida?
Yes. Adoption involves legal steps that must comply with Florida law. An experienced attorney ensures all documents, consents, and court actions are properly handled.

Can I adopt my partner’s child?
Yes. If you’re a stepparent or domestic partner, you may be eligible to adopt with the appropriate consents or termination of parental rights. We can guide you through this.

How long does the adoption process take?
Timeframes vary depending on the type of adoption, but private and stepparent adoptions in Florida are often completed within 3–6 months.

Is there financial assistance for foster care adoptions?
Yes. Families adopting children through DCF may be eligible for adoption subsidies, Medicaid coverage, and post-adoption support.

Contact a St. Petersburg Adoption Attorney Today

If you’re considering adoption or are already in the process and need legal support, the team at Tate Healey Webster is ready to help. We offer trusted, compassionate legal counsel to families across St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. Let us help you turn your dream of adoption into a reality.