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

LGBTQ+ Adoptions in Panama City Beach

Contact The Virga Law Firm, P.A. for Quality Legal Assistance

The sad reality is that same-sex couples have frequently been discriminated against and had trouble securing quality family law assistance in the state of Florida and across the U.S. In fact, for a long time, LGBTQ+ people were not even legally allowed to adopt children.

Thankfully, the Florida Court of Appeals has found such restrictions to be unconstitutional, and with 2015’s Supreme Court ruling making same-sex marriage the law of the land, LGBTQ+ partners in Florida and throughout the nation are now free to start the happy families they deserve. Yet the battle for equality isn’t over yet. A lot of prejudice still exists against LGBTQ+ individuals in this country, and with laws and policies in constant flux from one state to the next, securing loyal representation can still be difficult for many queer couples.

At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our Panama City Beach same-sex adoption attorneys say no more. Our experienced team is committed to facilitating LGBTQ+ adoptions, and will guide you every step of the way as you begin this journey. Parenthood is wonderful, but adoption can be complicated and time-consuming. Make sure you hire an LGBTQ+ adoption lawyer who will stand up for your rights, with The Virga Law Firm, P.A.

For more questions about the adoption process for same-sex couples, call (800) 822-5170 today.

What It’s Like to Adopt as An LGBTQ+ Couple

In the state of Florida, there are 3 types of adoptions currently available to LGBTQ+ couples.

Contact our Panama City Beach LGBTQ+ adoption lawyers at The Virga Law Firm, P.A. for assistance with:

  • Joint adoption by a married couple: In Florida, same-sex spouses may file for joint adoption. LGBTQ+ couples in the state are only allowed to pursue joint adoption if they are married.
  • Single adoption by an LGBTQ+ parent: If a same-sex couple is not married, or a single LGBTQ+ individual wants to become a parent, they are free to pursue adoption through a private agency or the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). If you go through the DCF, you must take classes, undergo interviews, complete questionnaires, and pass an at-home visit test. Private agencies are often less rigorous when it comes to adoption proceedings, however, they also tend to be more expensive. Under single adoption, only one partner in an unmarried LGBTQ+ couple will legally be the parent of an adopted child, even if both partners are raising the child together, which is why it is essential to hire a lawyer to walk you through this legal process.
  • Second parent adoption: LGBTQ+ individuals who have already adopted a child or who have a child from a previous relationship may seek a second-parent adoption if they are married. This will allow their spouse to also legally be considered the child’s parent.
  • Stepparent adoption: Essentially a less expensive version of second parent adoption, stepparent adoption is open to homosexual and heterosexual couples. For LGBTQ+ spouses, it allows one partner to legally become the stepparent of the other partner’s child.

For Lawyers that Are Always on Your Side, Hire The Virga Law Firm, P.A.

Because adoption regulations are often restructured or reevaluated, hiring a lawyer who really knows family law is more essential for LGBTQ+ individuals than ever. Without a skilled attorney, same-sex adoptions can be dishearteningly difficult, and drag on for a long time. At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our Panama City Beach LGBTQ+ adoption lawyers strongly support the LGBTQ+ community, and have the resources and knowledge necessary to expedite this complex process so you can become parents as soon as possible.

Give us a call today at (800) 822-5170, or contact our firm online. We are available to talk to clients 24/7.

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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    • "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
    • "He listened carefully."
      He answered in a way that helped me understand the law better.
      - A Divorce Client