
Adoption for LGBTQ+ Couples
Let Our Panama City Family Law Attorneys Help You
In Florida, same-sex couples were banned from adopting children. However, the Florida Court of Appeals declared that the law banning gay and lesbian individuals from adopting was unconstitutional. Then in January 2015, same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide. While we are making progress in granting LGBTQ+ full rights and equality, the laws remain in constant evolution and restructuring, creating legal concerns.
At Virga Law Firm, P.A., we are dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ couples fulfill their dreams of becoming parents. Our Panama City LGBTQ+ adoption lawyers can offer comprehensive legal guidance to help you navigate through the complexities of the law and adoption process.
Understanding your rights is important. Call (800) 822-5170 to speak with our team today.
The Adoption Process For LGBTQ+ Couples
The following are three types of adoptions available for LGBTQ+ couples:
- Joint adoption by married LGBTQ+ couples - Only married LGBTQ+ are eligible to pursue joint adoption. Unmarried couples are not allowed to adopt in Florida.
- Single adoption by a LGBTQ+ parent - For those who are not married, but want to be a single parent, in order to go through the adoption process, they may adopt through a private agency or the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). The DCF process entails attending classes, going through interviews, answering questionnaires, and scheduling a home visit. While private agency process is less meticulous, it is more expensive.
- Second parent adoption - Where one person is allowed to adopt the child of his / her spouse.
100+ years Of Combined Experience On Your Side At All Times
Due to the ever-changing landscape of laws regarding LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, our Panama City family law attorneys can keep you up to date in order to accomplish your adoption endeavors. We are immensely proud to serve the LGBTQ+ communities and our firm is available 24/7 to our clients for any questions or concerns.
Contact our firm and schedule your confidential consultation today.
Our Core Values
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The Client Comes First and All Else Will FollowWe 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.
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Authenticity and TransparencyWe 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.
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Relentless Pursuit of the WinWe achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
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Growth MindsetWe 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.
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OwnershipWe 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.
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Results DrivenWe 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.
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Respect and Celebration for One AnotherWe 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.
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Unquestionable IntegrityWe 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.
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We are in it TogetherWe 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.
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ReputationReputation 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.
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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
- Call our career hotline at 850-565-3426
- Submit required documents
Additional Information
- Website: www.thevirgalawfirm/careers
- Email: careers@thevirgalawfirm.com
- Work Location: In-person at Panama City Beach office
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts
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.

Meet Your Attorneys
Compassionate Counsel, Relentless Representation.
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Gerard Virga Founding Attorney
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David Lohr Executive Director/Attorney
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Chad Self Fort Walton Beach Managing Attorney
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Taylor Tippel Panama City Beach Managing Attorney
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Christopher Melendez Attorney
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Tamar Solarin Attorney
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Amy Mizels Attorney
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Lisa Lazan Attorney
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Danny Durnbaugh Chief Financial Officer
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Connie Brake Senior Paralegal
