On June 13, 2024, the Senate voted on the Right to IVF Act, which did not pass, falling short at 48-47. In a nutshell, the Senate decided not to advance the bill that would have established federal protections for in vitro fertilization (“IVF”). At Tate Healey Webster, we understand how…
Thank you to Governor DeSantis for signing House Bill 1083 into law which expands adoption benefits payable to public employees who adopt a foster care child. Here are the pivotal changes to Florida Statutes 409.1664 which goes into effect July 1, 2024: * A $25,000 per child lump sum payment…
Board-certified adoption attorney Erica T. Healey’s dedication to building families through adoption law has been recognized with the prestigious Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star award, an honor she’s received every year since 2015. This award acknowledges exceptional legal minds under 40, placing Erica among the top 2.5% of Florida attorneys.…
Tate Healey Webster is proud to represent adoption agencies across the state. We keep our finger on the pulse of evolving adoption and ART laws and issues, and always provide our firm clients with important updates and practical advice on how it affects their practice. Below is a brief summary…
Exciting news for Florida families! House Bill 775, taking effect July 1, 2024, brings significant changes to our state’s law regarding surrendered infants. At Tate Healey Webster, we applaud these advancements that prioritize the well-being of birth parents and children and are proud that lawmakers consulted with one of our attorneys, Jeanne T. Tate, in…
Insights & Guidance At Tate Healey Webster, we are not just witnesses to the evolution of international adoption—we’re dedicated participants in the journey that brings families together. With international adoptions becoming more infrequent, the importance of each family’s story grows. In 2022, we saw 1,517 such stories unfold, and although…
Many children in foster care qualify for social security benefits; however, what happens to the benefits received by the Title IV-E agency (foster care agency) as payee can vary state-to-state. Over the past couple of years, there have been numerous articles about states that collect social security checks for children…
Except in close relative placements, if you are adopting a child from another state, you must receive approval from the Interstate Compact Office in your state of residence and the child’s state of residence (or place of birth) before traveling home with the child. Failure to do so can result…
California has outlawed the use of unlicensed facilitators to broker adoptions or match prospective parents with pregnant mothers. Advocates of the new law allege many facilitators operate with little oversight, charge exorbitant rates to potential adoptive parents, and take advantage of poor and struggling pregnant women. Opponents of the law…
In a world where the definition of family is continually evolving, the fight for equal parental rights remains a critical battle for justice and inclusivity. As advocates in this realm, The Law Office of Jeanne T Tate P.A. has witnessed firsthand the profound impact that outdated legal frameworks can have…