NOW HIRING: Family Law Attorneys & Paralegals - Panama City Beach, Pensacola & Fort Walton Beach Offices
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LGBTQ+ Adoptions

Navarre LGBTQ+ Adoption Attorneys

Ushering You Through the Adoption Process

Many people assume the adoption process is relatively simple, but that's not always the case - especially for LGBTQ+ couples. If you intend to introduce a new family member into your life, understanding Florida adoption laws and the unique challenges LGBTQ+ couples sometimes face is essential.

At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our Navarre LGBTQ+ adoption lawyers will work with you to find the best path forward in your case and make the process as efficient and streamlined as we possibly can.

To schedule a new consultation with our team, contact us online or via phone at (800) 822-5170.

Understanding Different Types of Adoption in FL

Most people choose to adopt a child in one of three ways:

  • Foster care adoption. In a foster care adoption, the prospective parents work with their state's foster care system to adopt a child.
  • Private adoption. In a private adoption, prospective parents work with a private adoption agency to adopt a child.
  • International adoption. In international adoption, prospective parents work with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS) to adopt a child from a different country.

Different types of adoption may be more or less suited to your (and your partner's if you have one) needs.

For example, it may be easier to adopt an infant through private adoption than foster care. Alternatively, working with your state's foster care system can give you a more straightforward path towards finalizing the adoption.

Most adoptions require parents to take similar steps, including:

  • Providing adoption professionals with relevant documentation about you, your capabilities as a parent, why you wish to engage in the adoption process, etc.
  • Interviews with the prospective adoptee to ensure you're a good fit.
  • Lessons for the prospective parents to help them learn what to expect from an adoptive child and welcome the child into their home effectively.
  • A home study conducted by adoption professionals to determine whether your home is safe for the adoptee and a good environment for them.
  • Finalizing the adoption with a court to obtain the necessary documentation and ensure the adoption is legally binding.

LGBTQ+ Adoption in Florida

In Florida, LGBTQ+ couples can adopt a child in one of three ways:

  • Single parent adoption. In a single parent adoption, one LGBTQ+ individual can adopt a child through a private agency or the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).
  • Joint parent adoption. If two LGBTQ+ individuals wish to adopt a child together, and both be named as that child's parents, they must file for a joint parent adoption.
  • Second parent adoption. A second parent adoption can enable an LGBTQ+ individual's partner to adopt a child without terminating the other parent's legal rights. LGTBQ+ individuals can use this option to help a parent who entered a child's life post-birth gain legal parental rights.

Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ adoptions can be more complicated than a normal adoption for various reasons. For example, laws surrounding adoption commonly change, making it challenging to know the best path forward in your case. Additionally, prospective LGBTQ+ parents may face unique difficulties when working with a private agency or using international adoption to adopt a child from certain countries.

At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., we'll work with you to finalize your adoption effectively and easily.

To schedule a consultation with our Navarre LGBTQ+ adoption lawyers, contact us online or via phone at (800) 822-5170.

Our Core Values

  • The Client Comes First and All Else Will Follow
    We take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
  • Authenticity and Transparency
    We believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
  • Relentless Pursuit of the Win
    We achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
  • Growth Mindset
    We continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
  • Ownership
    We take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
  • Results Driven
    We focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
  • Respect and Celebration for One Another
    We support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
  • Unquestionable Integrity
    We stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
  • We are in it Together
    We are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
  • Reputation
    Reputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
  • Associate Attorney, In Person, Panama City Beach Office

    Job Title: Family Law Associate Attorney Position

    The Virga Law Firm - Panama City Beach, FL

    Are You Ready for More Than Just a Career?

    We're not looking for just any lawyer – we're searching for an attorney committed to compassionate and excellent representation. If you're ready to make the practice of law both meaningful and rewarding, this opportunity could be what you've been waiting for. Join a firm where you're appreciated and part of a team dedicated to excellence.

    Who We Are

    The Virga Law Firm is a dynamic, high-growth family law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal representation and superb client care. Founded by Gerard Virga, who brings over twenty years of legal experience to the practice, our firm has established itself as a leader in family law throughout Florida. Our attorneys hold prestigious positions on various committees for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, demonstrating our commitment to shaping and advancing family law practice in our state.

    Our core belief is "Caring is Contagious." We understand that nothing is more important than family – it's the bedrock of our civilization and closest to people's hearts. When clients entrust us with their family law issues, we recognize it as the highest honor and responsibility.

    Each family is unique and requires specialized attention during the most emotionally trying times in their lives. Our mission is to protect our clients and their families, providing them with a strong new start to their lives. We achieve this by helping one family at a time through our multiple office locations throughout Florida.

    Who You Are

    The ideal candidate:

    • Is obsessed with achieving results for clients
    • Has a passion for family law
    • Excels at identifying crucial case details
    • Loves litigation and is comfortable in the courtroom
    • Takes pride in developing litigation strategies
    • Has strong negotiation skills with a compassionate approach
    • Thrives in fast-paced environments
    • Is committed to helping others and leading by example

    Minimum Qualifications

    • An active member in good standing with the Florida Bar
    • Demonstrated experience in family law
    • Proven history of passionate representation and client service
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Clio knowledge is a plus)
    • Advanced knowledge in litigation and client relations
    • Mastery of Zoom video conferencing for court presentations
    • Ability to work independently and produce superior work product

    Key Responsibilities

    • Provide comprehensive legal advice and analysis to clients
    • Manage complex high-asset divorce cases
    • Handle parental responsibility and timesharing cases
    • Navigate cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues
    • Represent clients in court proceedings and mediations
    • Draft legal pleadings, motions, and orders
    • Lead team members including Paralegals and professional staff
    • Maintain a fast-paced workload with attention to detail

    Benefits and Perks

    • Competitive compensation package based on experience
    • Dental and vision insurance options with family coverage
    • Progressive Paid Time Off:
      • One week per six months
      • Up to 80 additional hours accruing each pay period
      • Paid holidays and one flex holiday
    • Parental and bereavement leave
    • Paid continuing legal education, bar dues, and certification dues
    • Professional development opportunities
    • Supportive team environment

    Why Choose The Virga Law Firm

    • Unified company culture dedicated to success
    • Highly trained support staff including Paralegals and Discovery Specialists
    • Diverse caseload and full pipeline from day one
    • An environment that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving
    • Commitment to personal and professional growth
    • No-drama, no-judgment work environment
    • Strong focus on team collaboration

    Application Process

    Interested candidates should submit:

    • Current resume
    • Writing sample
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Cover letter

    How to Apply

    1. Call our career hotline at 850-565-3426
    2. Submit required documents

    Additional Information

    The Virga Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace—A background check is required for final candidates. 

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    • "He listened carefully."
      He answered in a way that helped me understand the law better.
      - A Divorce Client
    • "Fast and supportive service."
      The Virga Law Firm, P.A. was a blessing during my divorce. Always available for questions, they made the process fast and fair. No need to fight—they handled it all. I'd recommend them in a heartbeat.
      - Visi, A Divorce Client
    • "Eager to help and fight for clients."
      I will definitely be recommending to anyone I know that needs a child custody or divorce attorney!
      - A Divorce Client
    • "Gerard has been monumental to my case."
      Gerard has been monumental to my case. I recognized I needed an attorney who was committed to a positive outcome for my children and I. Gerard made himself available to answer all of my questions and concerns. I felt very comfortable working with the Virga Law Firm.
      - A Divorce Client