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

Adoption Attorney in Lakeland, Florida

Adoption Representation in the Heart of the I-4 Corridor

Lakeland sits between two major metro areas, yet families here often want legal support that feels accessible, organized, and personal. Adoption should not require you to fight traffic or navigate uncertainty. It should feel steady, guided, and secure.

We represent Lakeland clients through virtual consultations and statewide travel for court needs. Whether your adoption is local to Polk County or involves other parts of Florida, we provide a structured plan and responsive communication throughout the process.

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

Building a Family Requires a Real Legal Strategy

Adoption involves strict requirements and timelines under Florida law. Without careful handling, delays can happen—and delays can feel overwhelming when you’re waiting to become a legal family. Our team supports you with clarity from day one: what documents are needed, how consents work, what to expect in court, and how to move forward confidently.

Adoption Legal Services in Lakeland

Private and Infant Adoption

We help adoptive parents and birth mothers navigate private placements with a focus on ethical, lawful decision-making. Our attorneys manage legal filings, consent documentation, required steps, and court coordination so your case is handled properly and respectfully.

Stepparent Adoption

If you’re already raising a child as your own, adoption can provide legal permanence and protect your role as a parent. We help families pursue stepparent adoption with an efficient court process and clear guidance.

Relative Adoption

Polk County families often include strong extended support systems. When grandparents or relatives step into a parenting role, adoption can provide long-term legal stability. We guide you through the process with care and attention to your circumstances.

Foster Care and DCF Adoptions

Adopting through DCF can involve dependency court procedures and case-specific complexity. We help caregivers and relatives understand permanency pathways and navigate the legal steps toward adoption.

LGBTQ+ Adoptions

We provide inclusive representation for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples growing their families in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and throughout Polk County, including second-parent adoption and other pathways under Florida law.

Interstate and Agency Adoptions

If your adoption involves another state, timing and compliance can become complicated quickly. We help ensure ICPC and agency-related requirements are handled correctly to protect the placement.

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 Polk County Families

We represent clients throughout the region, including:

Lakeland and South Lakeland
Winter Haven and Auburndale
Bartow and Lakeland Highlands
Surrounding Polk County communities

No matter where you live, we make representation accessible and organized.

Why Choose Tate Healey Webster in Lakeland?

Extensive Adoption Experience

Our attorneys focus on adoption law. That experience helps you avoid common pitfalls and move forward with confidence.

Statewide Standing

Families across Florida trust our team for ethical leadership and results-driven adoption representation.

Personal, Compassionate Support

We recognize how emotional adoption can be—whether you’re excited, nervous, or overwhelmed. We guide you with patience and respect.

Transparent, Efficient Handling

We prioritize clear explanations and careful documentation so you understand the process and your case stays on track.

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.

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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.

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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 Lakeland

Do I need a lawyer to complete an adoption in Florida?

Yes. Adoption requires legal filings and court approval. An experienced adoption attorney ensures compliance and protects your family’s long-term security.

How long does a stepparent adoption take?

Many stepparent adoptions can be completed within a few months, depending on consents and court scheduling.

Is there support available for foster care adoptions?

In many cases, yes. Some families may qualify for subsidies, Medicaid coverage, or post-adoption support. We can help you understand what may apply.

What if the other parent cannot be located?

That situation may still be workable, but it requires careful legal steps. We can review your case and explain options.

Contact a Lakeland Adoption Attorney

If you’re planning adoption in Lakeland or anywhere in Polk County, Tate Healey Webster is here to help. We’ll provide the legal clarity and supportive guidance you deserve—so you can focus on your family, not the paperwork.

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 Lakeland, Florida

Adoption Representation in the Heart of the I-4 Corridor

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!

Building a Family Requires a Real Legal Strategy

Adoption Legal Services in Lakeland

Private and Infant Adoption

Stepparent Adoption

Relative Adoption

Foster Care and DCF Adoptions

LGBTQ+ Adoptions

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 Polk County Families

Why Choose Tate Healey Webster in Lakeland?

Extensive Adoption Experience

Statewide Standing

Personal, Compassionate Support

Transparent, Efficient 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 Lakeland

Do I need a lawyer to complete an adoption in Florida?

How long does a stepparent adoption take?

Is there support available for foster care adoptions?

What if the other parent cannot be located?

Contact a Lakeland 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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