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

Adoption is a life-changing decision, one that deserves experienced legal guidance and compassionate support. Our board-certified adoption attorneys in Orlando help families navigate every stage of the adoption process with clarity, care, and confidence.

About Us
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Industry Leadership

Helped shape Florida adoption law, leaders on numerous state committees, and the only firm in FL with Assisted Reproductive Technology & ADOPT Fellow of Distinction.

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Board-Certified, Specialized Attorneys

Five board certified adoption attorneys out of 28 in the entire state, with each attorney specializing in a specific area of family formation law.

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120+ Years of Combined Experience

Over 5,000 families successfully helped with six offices across the state of Florida.

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Helping the Most Vulnerable

Finalize adoptions for 150+ children each year pro bono, moving them from Foster Care into permanent homes.

Adoption Services Available in Orlando

Adoption law is the core of our practice. We represent adoptive parents, birth parents, relatives, caregivers, and agencies in a wide range of adoption matters, including private and agency adoptions, foster care and DCF adoptions, stepparent and relative adoptions, adult adoption, and contested termination of parental rights cases. We also assist families with international adoption recognition, name changes, and adoption-related court proceedings. Because adoption is all we do, our Orlando adoption lawyers are equipped to manage both straightforward and highly complex cases with care and precision. Florida’s adoption laws are governed by state statutes available on the Florida Legislature's website and require close attention at every step.

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

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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

Liza Roth's Story

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

The Maly Family

The Maly Family's Story

Does My Situation Require an Adoption Lawyer?

Legal representation is strongly recommended for anyone involved in an adoption in Orlando or Central Florida. Legal representation is recommended for adoptive parents, birth parents creating an adoption plan, relatives seeking to adopt, and foster parents pursuing permanency through DCF. Adoption law can be especially complex when consent is contested, when a child has lived in multiple states, or when a case involves the Florida Department of Children and Families. Even in cases that appear straightforward, having an experienced adoption attorney helps ensure all legal requirements are met, and your family’s future is protected.

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Family Formation Specialists Meet Our Team

At Tate Healey Webster, our attorneys focus exclusively on specific areas of family formation law. This allows you to work with a lawyer who brings deep, relevant experience to your unique situation—whether you are pursuing adoption, surrogacy, or another family-building path.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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What to Expect: The Adoption Process in Orlando

1. Initial Consultation and Case Review

The process begins with a confidential consultation to understand your goals and circumstances. We explain how Florida adoption law applies to your situation and outline available paths forward.

2. Legal Preparation and Coordination

Our team prepares and reviews all required legal documents, coordinates with agencies or DCF when applicable, and ensures compliance with Florida law and local court requirements.

3. Court Proceedings and Finalization

Adoption cases in Orlando are handled within the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which serves Orange and Osceola Counties. We represent you in court and guide you through the finalization process.

4. Ongoing Guidance and Support

If additional legal steps are needed after finalization, such as name changes or record updates, we remain available to support your family. General court information is available through Florida Courts Help.

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Why Choose Tate Healey Webster?

Choosing the right adoption attorney can shape your entire experience. Tate Healey Webster offers trusted adoption representation to families across Orlando and Central Florida.

  • Dedicated Adoption Law Experience: Our firm is devoted exclusively to adoption and assisted reproductive law, with multiple board-certified adoption attorneys and decades of combined experience.
  • Ethical, Team-Based Representation: We do not cut corners. Our collaborative structure ensures continuity, responsiveness, and careful oversight, so your case never stalls due to timing or availability.
  • Trusted by Courts and Colleagues: Judges, agencies, and attorneys across Florida trust our firm with complex, high-stakes adoption matters because of our reputation for excellence and integrity.

Speak With an Orlando Adoption Attorney

Schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced adoption attorneys to discuss your situation and take the next step toward building or protecting your family in Orlando.

Frequently Asked Questions Adoption Attorneys in Orlando, FL

How long does adoption take in Florida?

Timelines vary based on the type of adoption. Some stepparent or relative adoptions move quickly, while private or contested cases may take longer.

Do I need to work with an adoption agency?

Not always. Florida allows private adoptions, and we also work closely with licensed agencies when appropriate.

What if a birth parent does not consent?

Florida law allows adoption to proceed in certain circumstances, such as abandonment. An attorney can evaluate whether termination of parental rights is appropriate.

Can LGBTQ+ individuals and couples adopt in Orlando?

Yes. Florida law permits adoption by individuals and couples regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Can I adopt a child from another state or country?

Yes. Interstate and international adoptions require additional legal compliance, which our firm regularly handles.

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...

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 and excited to be a part of our son’s story. They were very prompt, responsive, and even after adoption was finalized were still there to answer questions we had. I can’t recommend them enough!

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...

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 wrong. This all happened before I got in touch with THW law firm. I started my professional relationship with them when I emailed them in a complete panic. Everyone at the law firm went out of their way for me, and at that time, I wasn’t even a client. Then I was assigned the dynamic duo, Erica and Meredith. My case took a long time due to COVID and strategic maneuvers on our part. I finally was able to officially adopt my grandson on May 12,2025. 
This law firm is not cheap, but you get what you pay for with attorneys, so you don’t want the cheapest one. Also, remember to trust the process. They are the experts and know what they’re doing even if it may not seem so in your layman’s eyes.

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...

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 adoption day and both the attorney and Judge were just   as excited as we were, making it a memorable experience and many happy tears! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making this dream come true for our family!!

Jodi F.
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Speak With Us Today

Your Trusted Partner in the Adoption & Surrogacy Process

With years of experience and a commitment to personalized service, Tate Healey Webster Adoption Attorneys is proud to be a trusted partner in adoption throughout the state. We understand that every adoption is unique, which is why we offer tailored legal solutions and support. If you’re ready to begin your adoption journey, contact us today. Let us help you bring your family closer together through the miracle of adoption.

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