Jan 21, 2026
Not every adoption goes as planned. Sometimes, families reach a point in their journey where things stall or fall apart because the legal support they started with doesn’t know or can’t finish the job.
That’s where we come in.
At Tate Healey Webster, we are often called in when something has gone wrong. When a Florida adoption agency or their attorney isn’t responding. When a family’s chosen firm can’t navigate the legal complexities. When a final hearing seems just out of reach. We don’t just take those calls, we welcome them. We can help with your voluntary or contested termination of parental rights case, or be your adoption finalization lawyer.
Our team includes five board-certified adoption attorneys, the most of any law firm in Florida. We are always here to help, whether that means supporting an existing legal team, stepping in for a specific issue, or taking over entirely.
Here are two recent stories that show what it looks like when we step in.
Client One: “They gave us hope when we truly felt helpless.”
This family’s adoption had hit a wall. Their Florida adoption agency and the agency’s attorney weren’t doing the work they promised, and it was clear the legal side of the case wasn’t being handled properly. That’s when they turned to us.
“We are so thankful for Attorney Robert Webster and Paralegal Meredith. They represented us when our Adoption Agency and their Attorney were not doing their job. They fought for us, listened to us, and were there for any questions we had. They gave us hope when we truly felt helpless. Thanks to Attorney Rob and Meredith we got TPR and finalization!”
We’re often brought in to oversee or support the Florida adoption agency’s legal team, especially when families are worried things are being missed or mishandled. In this case, our team ensured the necessary legal steps, including termination of parental rights, were completed properly, and the adoption was finalized.
Client two: “Erica and Meredith were nothing short of angels.”
In another case, a client was pursuing a relative adoption, one of our favorite types of cases which carry a deeply personal and sometimes legally complicated process. Our client had initially hired a large, well-known law firm to guide her, but the case had stalled. The firm simply didn’t have the experience needed to resolve the legal complexities.
She found her way to us based on the recommendation of her first attorney. Here is what she said about working with our team:
“Erica T. Healey and Meredith were nothing short of angels during our adoption journey. Their kindness, understanding, and professionalism made an incredibly complex process feel effortless. They were always available to answer our questions, address our concerns, and guide us through each step.”
“If you’re considering adoption, no matter the circumstances, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to Tate Healey Webster. They will go above and beyond to help you bring your dream of family to life.”
“Erica and Meredith, we will forever be grateful for your invaluable support. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
With care and precision, our team re-drafted her case, provided the required notices, brought her in compliance with several court orders, and provided the court with the required statutory documents, allowing her to finally finalize her relative adoption of her little sister.
No Matter Where You Are in the Process—We Can Help
Sometimes families come to us early, before a Florida adoption agency is even chosen. Other times, they find us mid-journey, and when they feel stuck, confused, or let down by a previous team. Tate Healey Webster receives calls from families in these unfortunate situations weekly.
We want you to know that you’re never too far along to ask for help.
We’re here to guide, support, and—if needed—step in and take over. Whether we’re providing behind-the-scenes strategy, representing you in a contested termination of parental rights hearing, or walking you through finalization, we are always happy to help and lend our expertise to the situation.
At Tate Healey Webster, we don’t just believe in safe adoptions. We believe in standing beside you to make them happen.
Five board-certified adoption attorney. Decades of experience. Statewide support. And the heart to keep showing up.
If your adoption journey isn’t going as planned, or if you just want to make sure you’re protected from the start, reach out. We’re here for you.
