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ADOPTION LAW

Our firm is recognized for its leadership in Adoption Law, particularly in litigating contested adoption disputes. We have represented both Birth Parents, Prospective Adoptive Parents, Commissioning Couples, and Intended Parents in cases that profoundly impact the lives of children and families. These cases often involve complex legal questions and require a deep understanding of both State and Federal Adoption Legislation.
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Attorney Anthony B. Marchese is a dedicated advocate for children's rights and works tirelessly to uphold the integrity of the adoption process. His commitment to this area of law has led to successful litigation before the Florida Supreme Court and the Alabama Supreme Court, helping to shape adoption legislation and clarify existing laws.

 SERVICES

  • Adoption Litigation

  • Matching Birth Parents with Adoptive Parents

  • Birth Parent Services and Assistance   for Pregnant Women

  • Single Parent Adoptions, Stepparent Adoptions, Grandparent Adoptions, and Relative Adoptions

  • Gestational Surrogacy

  • Same-Sex Couple / Gay Adoptions, LGBT Individual Adoptions

  • Second Parent Adoptions

  • Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)

LITIGATION: CONTESTED ADOPTIONS
Contested Adoptions represent some of the most complex and emotionally charged legal matters in family law. These cases arise when there is a dispute over the adoption of a child—often involving birth parents, adoptive parents, or other interested parties. The outcome of a contested adoption can profoundly impact the lives of children and families, making it essential to have skilled legal representation that understands both the legal intricacies and the sensitive nature of these proceedings.

Anthony B. Marchese is a Board-Certified Adoption Attorney by the Florida Bar, which is the highest level of evaluation by the Supreme Court of Florida. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, and a Member of the Florida Adoption Council.

Contested Adoptions are life-changing events. With the right attorney by your side, you can approach the process with confidence, knowing that your interests—and those of the child—are in capable hands.

At the Law Office of Anthony B. Marchese, P.A., we have over 45 years of experience matching Pregnant Mothers with loving Couples that are excited to adopt a baby, identified adoptions, and interstate adoptions. We are committed to understanding the unique needs of each Client, and we work with and resolving the matter in your best interest.

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OVER 1,500 ADOPTION PLACEMENTS

 

In the infant adoption or child adoption process, Attorney Marchese serve as the Adoption Intermediary, facilitating positive conversations between the Biological Mother and the Adopting Parents. To date, he has matched over 1,500 Adoption Placements and oversaw each to its conclusion. At the Law Office of Anthony B. Marchese, P.A., we are compassionate about the needs and concerns of Clients, and dedicated to helping them through the process efficiently so they can begin building their lives as families.

EXPECTING MOTHERS WHO ARE CONSIDERING ADOPTION

 

Adoption services are provided free of charge to Birth Mothers, and our firm can help guide you throughout the entire adoption process. We understand the uncertainty expecting mothers may face when considering adoption. Our staff will work to make the process as straightforward and painless as possible — giving you peace of mind about your decision.

 

While many Birth Parents work with Adoption Agencies, there are many benefits to working with an adoption lawyer throughout the process. With an attorney, you can receive legal advice and honest answers to any questions throughout the Adoption. You can have confidence that your Adoption Agreement is legally sound. However, you also receive individual attention and guidance.

 

The benefits of using our firm's Birth Parent services include:

  • Selecting and meeting the Prospective Adoptive Parents

  • Personal attention

  • Privacy and confidentiality

  • Private Counseling

  • Help with living expenses and medical care

  • Photos and updates

 

If you wish to learn more about the benefits of Private Adoption and the process of selecting a Prospective Adoptive Family, we would be happy to help you explore your options with confidentiality.

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ASSISTANCE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

 

At the Law Office of Anthony B. Marchese, P.A., we help Adoptive Parents work out an agreement to provide financial assistance and counseling services to the pregnant woman whose child they will adopt. I have a list of Parents who are looking to adopt, and when Birth Mothers or Birth Parents Link to birth parent services contact me, I work to find a good match. Often, the adoptive parents are willing to offer money to the birth parents to help them through the pregnancy.

 

Place Your Baby With a Loving Couple Longing to Adopt. For more than

45 years, we have helped hundreds of Birth Mothers create personalized Adoption Plans based solely on what is important to them when choosing an Adoptive family. Whether it’s a closed adoption or open adoption, the Law Office of Anthony B. Marchese, P.A., is dedicated to supporting women who are considering placing their baby for adoption.

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TYPES OF ADOPTIONS WE HANDLE
In addition to handling Traditional Adoptions, where a child is placed with Adoptive Parents through an agency, attorney, or sometimes directly from the birth parents. We also help to create families through: 
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Single Parent Adoptions allow an individual to adopt a child independently. These cases may face unique scrutiny regarding the applicant’s ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment. We assist clients in preparing thorough documentation, addressing any concerns from agencies or courts, and navigating potential objections from biological relatives.

Stepparent Adoptions provide an opportunity for a stepparent to adopt their stepchild, typically when the other birth parent is absent or uninvolved. This process can be contested if the non-custodial parent objects or refuses to relinquish parental rights. Our firm guides stepparents through the legal steps required to establish a permanent parental relationship, including handling consent issues and representing clients in court if disputes arise. The adoption not only creates a legal bond but also strengthens family unity.

Grandparent and Relative Adoptions enable family members—often those already caring for the child—to obtain legal rights and responsibilities. These adoptions are especially important when biological parents are unable or unwilling to care for the child. Contested cases may involve disputes over guardianship, inheritance, or visitation rights. We help relatives present compelling cases to the court, demonstrating their commitment and ability to provide a safe, loving home.
GESTATIONAL SURROGACY

Navigating the complexities of Gestational Surrogacy requires not only compassion but also a deep understanding of the legal landscape. At the Law Office of Anthony B. Marchese, P.A., we are dedicated to guiding individuals and families through every step of the surrogacy process, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected from start to finish.​

Our office provides comprehensive legal support in facilitating a successful Surrogacy Agreement, including:

  • Drafting and Reviewing Surrogacy Contracts: We ensure that all agreements between intended parents and surrogates are clear, enforceable, and tailored to your unique circumstances.

  • Legal Guidance and Representation: From initial consultations to finalizing parental rights, we offer expert advice and representation throughout the surrogacy journey.

  • Navigating State and Federal Laws: Surrogacy laws can vary significantly by jurisdiction. We help you understand and comply with all relevant regulations, minimizing risks and uncertainties.

  • Protecting All Parties: Our priority is to safeguard the interests of Intended Parents, Surrogates, and any Donors involved, promoting transparency and fairness.

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If you are considering Surrogacy or need guidance on Surrogacy Contracts, contact the Law Office of Anthony B. Marchese, P.A., today. We are here to help you build your family with confidence and security.
SAME-SEX ADOPTIONS | GAY ADOPTIONS

At our firm, we understand the additional obstacles that LGBT couples and individuals face, and remain dedicated and vigilant in our goal of helping you start your family through adoption.

 

LBGT Individual Adoptions

A gay person can now adopt a child in the State of Florida.

 

Same-Sex Adoptions | Gay Adoptions

Married same-sex couples can now adopt children jointly under Florida Law, rather than having one Partner adopt the child and the other Partner go through a Second-Parent Adoption.

 

We can help both you and your Partner to be the Legal Parents of a child.

The child you want to adopt needs a loving and financially secure home — you can provide it to him or her. For many, LGBT adoption is still a new concept, and society’s image of a “perfect” family includes a Mother and a Father of opposite sexes. As a Same-Sex Couple or LBGT Individual, you may be under scrutiny for your decision to adopt a child.

SECOND PARENT ADOPTIONS

A Second Parent Adoption is the adoption of a child by a Second Parent in the home who is not married to the Legal Parent of the child. A Second Parent Adoption allows a Second Parent to adopt a child without the biological (or adoptive if the child was adopted) losing any parental rights or responsibilities. This form of adoption is used when one Parent has adopted the child previously or is the Natural Parent of that child. It is similar to a Stepparent Adoption with married couples, where a Legal Parent will allow his or her spouse to adopt the child without terminating the rights of the original Parent. However, you are still have to get a home study (just like in a single adoption). The end result is the same: both Partners will be the Legal Parents of their child.

 

For some families, a Second Parent Adoption is often a good solution for Couples in cases involving Surrogacy and Egg Donation.

INTERSTATE COMPACT ON THE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN (ICPC)

To legally place a child with residents of another State, both the laws of the sending and receiving States must be complied with. Interstate Adoptions are governed by the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC). 

Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) cannot leave the child’s home State with the child unless approval from both the “sending” and the “receiving” States has been granted from ICPC.
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For an Interstate Adoption, this process must be completed and approved before a child can leave the hospital and travel to their new home in another State. ICPC is the law in all 50 U.S. States, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is a legal agreement between U.S. States to regulate the placement of children across State lines for foster care, adoption, and kinship care. 
 
Its main purpose is to ensure a child is placed in a safe and suitable environment, protect the child's interests, and clarify the legal and financial responsibilities of the States involved. 
 
Our firm works closely with Adoptive families to comply with the ICPC Application Process to obtain their approval for a Proposed Placement.  
We approach each case with the highest ethical standards, striving to achieve outcomes that serve the best interests of our Clients and the children involved. 

Copyright © 2025 by Anthony B. Marchese, P.A. All Rights Reserved.

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