adoption attorney jacksonville fl

Adoption Attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

Adoption is one of the most rewarding paths to building a family, but it also requires navigating a complex legal landscape. At Tate Healey Webster, we provide dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate adoption law services to families throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. Whether you’re an adoptive parent, a birth parent, or a relative seeking custody, we’re here to guide you with personalized legal support grounded in decades of experience.

Our team has handled hundreds of successful adoptions across Florida and understands the unique needs of families in Duval, Clay, and St. Johns counties. From your first consultation to finalization in court, we offer reliable guidance every step of the way. If you are looking for an adoption attorney in Jacksonville, Florida, we are here to help.

Jacksonville Adoption Services: We Provide

At Tate Healey Webster, adoption law isn’t just one of our practice areas—it’s the core of what we do. Our Jacksonville attorneys offer full-service legal representation for a variety of adoption situations:

  • Private Infant Adoptions – We represent adoptive parents and birth parents in private placements, including matching, consents, home studies, and finalization.

  • Stepparent and Relative Adoptions – We help stepparents, grandparents, and other relatives establish permanent legal rights through simplified court processes.

  • Foster Care and DCF Interventions – If a child is in the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families, we assist family members or caregivers in stepping in to adopt or gain custody.

  • Interstate and Agency Adoptions – Our firm ensures compliance with both Florida and federal laws, including the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC).

  • Contested Adoptions and Termination of Parental Rights – We provide experienced advocacy in challenging cases where parental rights may be in dispute or contested.

Serving the Jacksonville Community with Local Insight

Jacksonville’s unique legal environment includes several court systems and local requirements. Our team understands the nuances of working within the Fourth Judicial Circuit, covering Duval, Clay, and Nassau counties. We have deep experience working with the Florida Department of Children and Families, licensed adoption agencies, and local guardians ad litem to ensure smooth, ethical, and timely proceedings.

We proudly serve families throughout the greater Jacksonville area, including:

  • Southside & Mandarin

  • Riverside & Avondale

  • Beaches Area (Atlantic, Neptune, Jacksonville Beach)

  • Orange Park and Middleburg

  • St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra

No matter where you’re located in Northeast Florida, our legal team is ready to support your family’s journey.

Why Choose Tate Healey Webster for Your Jacksonville Adoption?

  • Dedicated Adoption Law Practice – Unlike general family law firms, we focus exclusively on adoption. That specialization means deeper expertise and better outcomes for your family.

  • Nationally Recognized Leadership – Our attorneys, including Jeanne T. Tate, are nationally respected for their work in adoption law.

  • Child-Focused, Family-First Approach – We keep the best interests of the child and the family at the heart of everything we do.

  • Clear, Timely Communication – From intake to final hearing, you’ll always know what’s happening and what comes next.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption in Jacksonville

How long does adoption take in Florida?
Adoption timelines vary, but most private adoptions can be completed within 3–6 months after placement. Stepparent and relative adoptions are often quicker.

Do I need to work with an agency to adopt?
Not necessarily. We handle private (independent) adoptions where birth parents and adoptive families connect directly. We also work closely with agencies when needed.

What if the biological parent won’t consent?
Florida law provides paths to adoption when a parent has abandoned the child or is unfit. We’ll assess your case and help pursue termination of parental rights if appropriate.

Can I adopt a child from another state?
Yes. Our team is well-versed in ICPC regulations and can ensure that interstate adoptions are completed lawfully and efficiently.

Start Your Adoption Journey With a Jacksonville Attorney You Can Trust

If you’re ready to begin the adoption process—or have legal questions about your rights—Tate Healey Webster is here to help. We bring professionalism, compassion, and decades of adoption-specific knowledge to families throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.