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

Adoption Attorney in Pensacola, Florida

Adoption Services for the Florida Panhandle

Pensacola is a cornerstone of Northwest Florida. With a strong military presence, multigenerational families, and many residents relocating from other states, adoption needs here can be especially varied. Some families are exploring private adoption, others are seeking permanency for a child they already care for, and many want a steady legal plan that doesn’t add stress to an already emotional season.

Our firm supports clients in Pensacola through virtual consultations and statewide travel. Even without a physical office in Escambia County, you can still receive high-level representation from a Florida adoption law team that understands the court process and the human stakes involved.

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 Steady Hand Through a Sensitive Process

Adoption requires strict legal compliance, including filings, consents, hearings, and coordination with agencies or professionals. But it also requires trust. We approach each case with respect for everyone involved, including birth parents, adoptive families, and the children at the center of it all. From first consultation through finalization, we focus on clarity, responsiveness, and careful case management.

Adoption Legal Services in Pensacola

Private Infant Adoption

Private adoption involves critical legal steps designed to protect all parties. We assist with required documents, consent procedures, notice requirements when applicable, and court preparation. Our goal is to help your adoption move forward ethically and securely—without confusion or avoidable setbacks.

Stepparent and Relative Adoption

Many adoptions begin with an existing bond: a stepparent raising a child, a grandparent stepping in, or a relative providing stability. We help families formalize that relationship through court proceedings that support long-term security and peace of mind.

Foster Care and DCF Pathways

If you are fostering or caring for a child involved with the dependency system, you may need guidance on intervention rights, permanency options, and the legal steps that lead to adoption. We help caregivers and relatives understand how dependency court works and how to pursue a permanent outcome.

LGBTQ+ Adoptions

Our firm proudly supports LGBTQ+ individuals and couples seeking to build families in Pensacola and the Panhandle. Whether the path involves second-parent adoption, private placement, or foster care, we provide respectful representation grounded in Florida adoption law.

Agency and Interstate Adoptions

For families working with an agency—or with placement involving another state—legal coordination matters. We help ensure the adoption meets Florida requirements and, when needed, complies with the ICPC process so your timeline stays as predictable as possible.

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

Supporting Military and Relocating Families

Pensacola is home to many military families and individuals with careers that require relocation. Adoption planning can raise questions about residency, interstate considerations, and scheduling flexibility. Our team is experienced in building legal strategies that accommodate these realities while still meeting Florida’s legal requirements.

Serving Pensacola and the Surrounding Region

We represent families across Northwest Florida, including:

Downtown Pensacola and East Hill
Ferry Pass and Ensley
Gulf Breeze and Navarre
Milton, Pace, and the surrounding Santa Rosa County areas

If you live outside the city center, you can still receive attentive support through virtual meetings and organized case planning.

Why Families Choose Tate Healey Webster in Pensacola

Dedicated Adoption Experience

Adoption is not a side practice for us—it is our focus. That translates into deeper knowledge of Florida adoption procedures and court expectations.

Ethical, Professional Approach

Adoption requires careful handling and integrity. Our team is known for respectful representation that prioritizes lawful, ethical outcomes.

Clear Communication

Families often tell us the hardest part of adoption is not knowing what’s next. We work to remove that uncertainty with clear steps, timelines, and proactive updates.

Thorough Case Management

Small details can cause delays. We monitor deadlines, prepare documentation carefully, and coordinate with involved professionals to keep the process moving.

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 Pensacola

Do I have to live in Pensacola to work with your firm?

No. We represent clients across Florida and can support many steps virtually while appearing as needed for court-related milestones.

Can a stepparent adopt if the other parent is absent?

Possibly, but the legal requirements depend on the situation, including consent or termination of parental rights. We can assess your circumstances and explain the process.

What happens if another state is involved?

Interstate adoptions typically require ICPC approval before a child can be placed across state lines. We help manage that compliance.

How long does adoption take in Florida?

It depends on the adoption type and case details. Many cases can be completed within months, but we’ll give you realistic expectations from the beginning.

Contact a Pensacola Adoption Attorney

If you are pursuing adoption in Pensacola or anywhere in the Florida Panhandle, Tate Healey Webster is ready to help. We provide adoption-focused counsel, compassionate support, and statewide experience to guide your family forward.

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 Pensacola, Florida

Adoption Services for the Florida Panhandle

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 Steady Hand Through a Sensitive Process

Adoption Legal Services in Pensacola

Private Infant Adoption

Stepparent and Relative Adoption

Foster Care and DCF Pathways

LGBTQ+ Adoptions

Agency and Interstate 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!

Supporting Military and Relocating Families

Serving Pensacola and the Surrounding Region

Why Families Choose Tate Healey Webster in Pensacola

Dedicated Adoption Experience

Ethical, Professional Approach

Clear Communication

Thorough Case Management

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 Pensacola

Do I have to live in Pensacola to work with your firm?

Can a stepparent adopt if the other parent is absent?

What happens if another state is involved?

How long does adoption take in Florida?

Contact a Pensacola 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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