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

Adoption Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida

Adoption Support for Families in Florida’s Capital

Tallahassee is a unique place to build a family. As the state capital and a major university hub, it brings together families from across Florida and the country—many of whom are exploring adoption while navigating busy careers, school schedules, and life transitions. That’s why our approach is structured, clear, and deeply personal.

Tate Healey Webster represents clients throughout Tallahassee via virtual consultations and statewide travel, and we appear where needed to move your case forward. You do not need a local office down the street to receive high-level, Florida-specific adoption representation. What you need is a team that understands the legal details, anticipates hurdles, and treats the people involved with respect.

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

Clear and Compassionate Counsel

Adoption law requires strict compliance with Florida statutes, court procedures, deadlines, and documentation requirements. But it is never “just paperwork.” Whether you are an adoptive family preparing your home and heart, or an expectant mother making an incredibly personal decision, you deserve counsel that is both precise and compassionate. We guide you from your first call through finalization with consistent communication and a clear plan of action.

Adoption Legal Services in Tallahassee

Every adoption path is different. Our attorneys provide comprehensive support, including:

Private and Infant Adoptions

We represent adoptive parents and birth mothers in private placement adoptions. Our role is to ensure the process is lawful, ethical, and built on informed consent. We manage filings, required notices, consents, coordination with home study providers when applicable, and court proceedings so your adoption stays on track.

Stepparent and Relative Adoptions

When a child already relies on you day-to-day, legal adoption can provide long-term security. We assist stepparents, grandparents, and relatives seeking to formalize the relationship through efficient, court-approved procedures.

Foster Care and DCF-Related Adoptions

If a child you love is involved with DCF or the dependency court system, adoption can feel especially complex. Our team has experience navigating dependency matters, helping caregivers and relatives understand intervention options, permanency goals, and what it takes to move toward adoption.

LGBTQ+ Adoptions

Families come in many forms, and Tallahassee families deserve inclusive representation that respects your relationship and your goals. We support LGBTQ+ individuals and couples through second-parent adoptions, private placements, and other adoption pathways permitted under Florida law.

Agency and Interstate Adoptions

If your adoption involves another state, the ICPC process can affect timing and coordination. We work closely with agencies and professionals across state lines to help satisfy legal requirements and reduce unnecessary delays.

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 Tallahassee and Leon County

We work with families throughout the area, including:

Midtown and Downtown Tallahassee
Killearn Estates and Bannerman
Southwood and the Capital Circle corridor
Nearby communities throughout North Florida

Whether you are adopting locally or finalizing an adoption that began elsewhere, we tailor our legal strategy to the court process and your timeline.

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 Law Is Our Full Focus

Our practice is dedicated to adoption. That means your attorney understands the nuances that can impact consent, timing, documentation, and court readiness.

Trusted Statewide Reputation

Our team is recognized throughout Florida for ethical leadership and consistent outcomes in both straightforward and complex adoption cases.

Communication You Can Count On

Uncertainty is one of the hardest parts of adoption. We prioritize responsiveness, clarity, and proactive updates so you are never left guessing.

Detail-Driven, Efficient Case Handling

From the earliest filings to the final hearing, we manage your case with precision to reduce delays and prevent avoidable complications.

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 Tallahassee

Do I need an adoption lawyer if I’m working with an agency?

Yes. Agencies play an important role, but legal representation ensures your rights are protected, and Florida court requirements are fully met.

Can I adopt my partner’s child in Florida?

Stepparent or partner adoptions may be possible depending on the circumstances and required consents. We can review your situation and outline a path forward.

How long does adoption typically take?

Timeframes vary based on adoption type and case details. Many private and stepparent adoptions may be completed in several months, but we will give you realistic expectations early.

Will I need to go to court?

Finalization usually involves a court hearing. We prepare you carefully and attend with you, so the process feels structured and manageable.

Talk With a Tallahassee Adoption Attorney

If you’re considering adoption in Tallahassee, Tate Healey Webster is here to help you move forward with confidence. We offer compassionate counsel, statewide experience, and adoption-focused legal guidance built around your family’s needs.

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

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Extend Your Tent

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Family Medical Leave Act

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Forever Home Foundation Grants

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Gift of Adoption Fund

Feb 26, 2026

Hand in Hand Christian Adoption, Inc.

Feb 26, 2026

Help Us Adopt

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Jaya Laxmi Co.

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Jewish Fertility Foundation

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JSC Foundation

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Lifesong International

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Ongoing Adoption Subsidy

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Sacred Selections

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Show Hope

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St. Frances Fund

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The Buescher Foundation

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The Orphan Foundation

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The Tim Tebow Foundation

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Tinina Q. Cade Foundation (TQCF)

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Using a Personal Loan to Finance Adoption Expenses

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We Adopt Too

Jan 20, 2026

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

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

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

Adoption Attorney, Adoption Law

Adoption Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida

Adoption Support for Families in Florida’s Capital

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!

Clear and Compassionate Counsel