Erica: A Rising Star in Adoption Law

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.…

Florida’s Surrendered Infant Law Gets a Big Heart: How HB 775 Benefits Mothers, Children, and Prospective Adoptive Families

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…

A Change in International Adoption:

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…

Adoption Subsidies for “Special Needs” and “Difficult to Place” Children in PRIVATE Adoptive Placements

Adoption is beautiful and emotional and, in some cases, arises from heart-breaking situations. We are often contacted when a custodial birth mother passes away, the father is not involved/has no interest in the child, and a relative/family friend agrees to adopt the child but is in dire need of financial…
Pregnant woman packing for hospital and taking notes

Hospital Packing List for Adoptive Parents

Hospital Packing List for Adoptive Parents So, you are adopting an infant, and you get that much-awaited call telling you that your baby is on the way! Whether you have expected the call for months because of a lengthy match period or whether the call was completely unexpected and out…

Federal Adoption Tax Credit Increases To $15,950

Federal Adoption Tax Credit Increases To $15,950 The IRS issued Rev. Proc. 2022-38 on October 18, 2022, and the details of the Federal Adoption Tax Credit for adoptions finalized in 2023 are as follows: For adoptions finalized in 2023 the maximum credit will be $15,950 and the maximum credit will…

Is It Too Late To Adopt? The Adoptee Is An Adult.

IS IT TOO LATE TO ADOPT? THE ADOPTEE IS AN ADULT. Often times, we are contacted by individuals who are concerned their ability to adopt has expired by virtue of the proposed adoptee having reached the age of majority. We love to bring joy and hope when we explain that…

Pregnant or Parenting: 5 Questions You MUST Ask an Adoption Lawyer

Are you pregnant and considering adoption? Are you an adoptive parent looking to start an adoption journey?  If the answer to either of those questions is yes, you will need an adoption lawyer. Why Do I Need to Consult an Adoption Attorney? Although many adoptions go through seamlessly, others hit a…

Navigating the Cost of Adoption

Navigating the Cost of Adoption Adoption costs in the U.S. vary widely and can cost anywhere from $0 to $50,000 or more, depending on the type of adoption.  Money to help defray the cost of adoption is available from both governmental and private-sector sources. These are the major ones: Federal…