Guiding Families to Forever: Finalizing Adoptions from Foster Care
At Tate Healey Webster, we are honored to play a pivotal role in transforming temporary placements into permanent families. Each year, our dedicated team finalizes adoptions for approximately 150–200 children transitioning from Florida’s foster care system into loving, permanent homes. We are proud to finalize the adoptions for these children.
Expertise in DCF Adoption Finalizations
Navigating the complexities of the foster care system requires specialized knowledge and unwavering commitment. Our attorneys possess extensive experience in handling DCF finalizations, ensuring that each adoption process is conducted with precision, compassion, and efficiency., and most importantly—as quickly as possible!
In fact, our own board-certified adoption attorney, Erica T. Healey, was chosen to serve on the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Permanency Initiative Workgroup—helping develop a statewide checklist to streamline the finalization process for foster care adoptions across Florida.
State-Covered Legal Representation
Understanding the financial concerns that can accompany adoption, it’s important to note that for families adopting through the Florida foster care system, legal fees associated with the adoption finalization are typically covered by the state. This provision ensures that families can focus on the joy of adoption without the burden of additional legal expenses. In addition, the child will likely receive a subsidy benefit from the state which will continue until he or her turns 18.
Our Comprehensive Services Include:
- Legal Guidance: Providing clear and compassionate legal counsel throughout the adoption process.
- Documentation: Preparing and filing all necessary legal documents to facilitate a smooth finalization.
- Court Representation: Advocating for families in court to secure the legal recognition of the adoptive relationship.
- Post-Adoption Support: Taking care of the paperwork to amend the child(ren)’s birth certificate to reflect his or her new name and adoptive parent(s).
Begin Your Adoption Journey Today
If you’re a foster parent, relative, or non-relative caregiver considering adoption, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact Tate Healey Webster to learn more about how we can assist in finalizing your adoption and turning your temporary placement into a forever family.
For more information on adoption subsidies and legal fee coverage, please refer to Florida Statute 409.166 and consult with our legal team to understand how these provisions may apply to your situation.
