Growing Families With Heart Florida's Largest Adoption, Surrogacy & Donation Law Firm

Adoption Attorney in Fort Myers, Florida

Adoption Help for a Growing Southwest Florida Community

Fort Myers continues to attract new families every year, and with growth comes increased demand for trusted adoption support. Many residents want an attorney who understands Florida adoption law and can guide them without adding stress, confusion, or delays.

Our firm represents clients in Fort Myers through virtual consultations and travel throughout Florida. You don’t need to be located near a specific office to receive experienced, organized, adoption-focused representation. What matters is having a team that can manage the legal steps with precision while treating your family’s story with care.

Compassionate Support. Unmatched Experience. You’re in the Right Place to Build Your Family

Since 1999, our firm has had the privilege of bringing over 5,000 families together. Individuals, families, and agencies come to us because they know we have more experience in adoption, termination of parental rights, surrogacy, and donor arrangements than any other firm.

About Us

Industry Leadership

Tate Healy Webster has helped shape Florida adoption law, we are leaders on numerous state committees, and are the only firm in FL with Assisted Reproductive Technology & ADOPT Fellow of Distinction.

Board-Certified, Specialized Attorneys

Our team boasts five board-certified adoption attorneys out of 29 in the entire state, with each attorney specializing in a specific area of family formation law.

120+ Years of Combined Experience

With six offices across the state of Florida, we’ve successfully helped over 5,000 families.

Helping the Most Vulnerable

We’ve finalized adoptions for 150+ children each year pro bono, moving them from foster care into permanent homes.

Why We Do What We Do Hear the Stories of Families We've Helped

1/2

If I didn’t have Tate Healey Webster involved, I really don’t think I would have gotten the adoption and I might have actually lost my grandson.

Liza Roth

We were referred to Tate Healey Webster and immediately they were super responsive & really helpful. The firm got it done!

The Maly Family

A Clear, Secure Adoption Process

Adoption requires legal readiness: proper consents, correct filings, careful documentation, and a court process that must be followed exactly. We handle the technical requirements while supporting the people involved with patience and professionalism. Whether you are starting the adoption journey or already mid-process, we help you understand what’s next and what matters most.

Adoption Services in Fort Myers

Private and Infant Adoptions

We represent adoptive families and expectant mothers in private placement adoptions, ensuring compliance with Florida law and ethical standards. Our attorneys coordinate legal documents, consent requirements, and court preparation so the process feels stable and well-managed.

Stepparent Adoptions

When a stepparent is already acting as a day-to-day parent, adoption can provide lasting legal protection and emotional security. We guide families through the steps needed to formalize parental rights through Florida courts.

Relative and Kinship Adoption

Grandparents and relatives often step in during difficult circumstances to provide safety and consistency. We help caregivers establish legal permanency through adoption procedures tailored to the situation and the child’s needs.

Foster Care and DCF Adoption

If you are caring for a child involved with DCF, adoption can involve dependency court procedures, hearings, and permanency planning. Our team understands these systems and helps relatives and caregivers pursue adoption when appropriate.

LGBTQ+ Adoption Representation

We proudly represent LGBTQ+ individuals and couples seeking to grow their families through adoption. Whether pursuing a second-parent adoption, private placement, or foster care pathway, our team provides knowledgeable, respectful guidance aligned with Florida law.

Interstate and Agency Adoptions

Some Fort Myers adoptions involve agencies or cross-state placement. We work with agencies and professionals to satisfy Florida requirements and, when needed, ICPC compliance for interstate placement timelines.

Client Testimonials Words from Families We’ve Helped

A wonderful experience adopting our son

We had a wonderful experience adopting our son from foster care thanks to Tate Healey Webster! Erica Healey and her team were not only knowledgeable, but were also so supportive...

Victoria M.

Everyone at the firm went out of their way for me

I want to let everyone know that I highly recommend this firm. I had an extremely strange case. Just about anything and everything that could’ve went wrong… went wr...

Liza R.

Made this dream come true for our family!

We had the best experience with Tate, Healey, and Webster Adoption attorneys. Briana was extremely helpful, putting us at ease the entire time through the process. Today was ado...

Jodi F.

View All Testimonials

Serving Fort Myers and Lee County

We represent clients throughout the region, including:

Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach
Cape Coral and North Fort Myers
Estero and Bonita Springs
Lehigh Acres and the surrounding Lee County communities

We adapt our approach to your location, schedule, and the court process involved in your adoption.

Why Choose Tate Healey Webster for Tallahassee Adoption Matters?

Adoption requires a firm that does this work every day. Families choose us because we combine focused experience with steady support.

Adoption-Only Focus

Adoption law has its own rules, procedures, and timelines. Our firm focuses on adoption, which means you receive counsel grounded in deep, day-to-day experience.

Statewide Credibility

We are recognized across Florida for ethical leadership and successful outcomes in sensitive adoption matters.

Supportive, Family-Centered Representation

Adoption can bring excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty all at once. Our role is to provide a calm, clear structure while supporting your family with compassion.

Organized, Efficient Case Handling

We manage deadlines, coordinate documentation, and prepare court-ready filings with care, helping reduce unnecessary delays.

Our Full Team

Family Formation Specialists Meet Our Team

At Tate Healey Webster, every team member specializes in a specific area of family formation law. You’ll work with an expert attorney who has deep experience in your particular need, whether it’s adoption, surrogacy, or another practice area.

Attorney Jeanne T. Tate

Jeanne T. Tate is a nationally recognized adoption law pioneer with 40+ years protecting children and families.

Read Bio

Board-Certified Adoption Attorney

AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Recognized as one of the Top 10 Attorneys statewide

Partner Erica T. Healey

Erica Tate Healey is a board certified adoption attorney, serves on the Florida adoption board certification committee, and has been recognized as a Florida Rising Star and Florida Super Lawyer since 2015.

Read Bio

Board-Certified Adoption Attorney

Fellow of the Prestigious AAAA

Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star Every Year Since 2015

Partner Robert L. Webster III

Rob is the Vice President of the Florida Adoption Council and provides board-certified adoption and appellate expertise, guiding agencies, families, and attorneys through high-stakes litigation.

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Board-Certified Adoption Attorney

Awarded the Best in Tampa Award in the Adoption Category

Fellow of the Prestigious AAAA

Attorney Danelle D. Barksdale

Danelle is a board-certified adoption attorney who has guided thousands of families through secure Florida adoptions since 1999. Former Chair of the Florida Bar’s Adoption Law Certification Committee and Fellow of the AAAA, she is widely trusted for her experience, steady guidance, and attention to detail.

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Board-Certified Adoption Attorney

AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Has handled over 2,000 adoptions

Attorney Molly McCarthy

Molly McCarthy protects children and builds families with compassionate adoption advocacy across Northeast Florida.

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Admitted to the Florida Bar

Adoption & Asssisted Reproductive Law Attorney

Of Counsel Kevin J. Healey

Kevin J. Healey brings seasoned trial experience, supporting Tate Healey Webster’s adoption and TPR matters across Florida.

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Litigation Support Attorney

Founder and Operator of a Home Healthcare Company

Of Counsel Martha A. Curtis Boggs

Martha remains Of Counsel; board-certified in adoption law, and handles assisted reproductive law matters.

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Board-Certified Adoption Attorney

Pro Bono Program H.A.V.E A HEART Award

Fellow of the Prestigious AAAA

Frequently Asked Questions Fort Meyers

Do I need a home study?

Many adoptions require a home study, though some (such as certain stepparent adoptions) may be exempt. We can explain what applies to your case.

Can relatives adopt a child they are caring for?

Often, yes. The best path depends on legal and family circumstances. We help you understand options and pursue permanency where appropriate.

Will we have to go to court?

Finalization generally involves a hearing. We prepare you and attend with you, so the process is as smooth and predictable as possible.

How soon can an adoption be finalized?

Timelines vary, but many cases can be completed within several months, depending on the type of adoption and required steps.

Contact a Fort Myers Adoption Attorney

If you’re considering adoption in Fort Myers or anywhere in Southwest Florida, Tate Healey Webster is ready to help. Our team offers adoption-focused legal guidance, clear case management, and compassionate support through every stage of the process.

Our Blog News & Education on Family Formation

Feb 26, 2026

National Endowment For Financial Education

Feb 26, 2026

A Child Waits Foundation

Feb 26, 2026

AdoptTogether “Fundraising Grant”

Feb 26, 2026

Americas Christian CU

Feb 26, 2026

Extend Your Tent

Feb 26, 2026

Family Medical Leave Act

Feb 26, 2026

Forever Home Foundation Grants

Feb 26, 2026

Gift of Adoption Fund

Feb 26, 2026

Hand in Hand Christian Adoption, Inc.

Feb 26, 2026

Help Us Adopt

Feb 26, 2026

Jaya Laxmi Co.

Feb 26, 2026

Jewish Fertility Foundation

Feb 26, 2026

JSC Foundation

Feb 26, 2026

Lifesong International

Feb 26, 2026

Ongoing Adoption Subsidy

Feb 26, 2026

Sacred Selections

Feb 26, 2026

Show Hope

Feb 26, 2026

St. Frances Fund

Feb 26, 2026

The Buescher Foundation

Feb 26, 2026

The Orphan Foundation

Feb 26, 2026

The Tim Tebow Foundation

Feb 26, 2026

Tinina Q. Cade Foundation (TQCF)

Feb 26, 2026

Using a Personal Loan to Finance Adoption Expenses

Feb 26, 2026

We Adopt Too

Jan 20, 2026

Jeanne T. Tate Named a 2026 Top Lawyer in Adoption Law

Legal

Jan 15, 2026

How Adoption Works in Florida: A Step-by-Step Overview for Families

Adoption

Jan 10, 2026

How to Adopt a Baby in Florida: A Clear, Ethical Path to Parenthood

Adoption

Dec 29, 2025

A Milestone of Trust: 300+ Adoptions Finalized in 2025 by Tate Healey Webster

Adoption, Adoption Attorney

Dec 19, 2025

How Finalizing Your Adoption in 2025 Can Maximize Your Adoption Tax Credit

Adoption

Dec 15, 2025

Why Florida’s Top Adoption Team Is the Only Choice for Your Family

Adoption Attorney, Adoption Law

Adoption Attorney in Fort Myers, Florida

Adoption Help for a Growing Southwest Florida Community

Compassionate Support. Unmatched Experience. You’re in the Right Place to Build Your Family

Why We Do What We Do Hear the Stories of Families We've Helped

If I didn’t have Tate Healey Webster involved, I really don’t think I would have gotten the adoption and I might have actually lost my grandson.

We were referred to Tate Healey Webster and immediately they were super responsive & really helpful. The firm got it done!

A Clear, Secure Adoption Process

Adoption Services in Fort Myers

Private and Infant Adoptions

Stepparent Adoptions

Relative and Kinship Adoption

Foster Care and DCF Adoption

LGBTQ+ Adoption Representation

Interstate and Agency Adoptions

Client Testimonials Words from Families We’ve Helped

A wonderful experience adopting our son

Everyone at the firm went out of their way for me

Made this dream come true for our family!

Serving Fort Myers and Lee County

Why Choose Tate Healey Webster for Tallahassee Adoption Matters?

Adoption-Only Focus

Statewide Credibility

Supportive, Family-Centered Representation

Organized, Efficient Case Handling

Family Formation Specialists Meet Our Team

Attorney Jeanne T. Tate

Partner Erica T. Healey

Partner Robert L. Webster III

Attorney Danelle D. Barksdale

Attorney Molly McCarthy

Of Counsel Kevin J. Healey

Of Counsel Martha A. Curtis Boggs

Frequently Asked Questions Fort Meyers

Do I need a home study?

Can relatives adopt a child they are caring for?

Will we have to go to court?

How soon can an adoption be finalized?

Contact a Fort Myers Adoption Attorney

Our Blog News & Education on Family Formation

Statewide Representation Six Offices Serving the Entire State

Speak With Us Today

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