Serving Bartow and beyond
Adoption Attorney Bartow
Adoption is a journey that signifies the beginnings of new bonds and loving families. At Advocate Law Firm, P.A., we understand the emotional depth and complexity of the adoption process. An adoption attorney at our firm can provide support and guidance if you are considering adoption. Advocate Law Firm, P.A. believes in creating a supportive environment to navigate the adoption process. Our approach to adoption is grounded in transparency, compassion, and respect for all parties involved, ensuring that every decision is informed, and every voice is heard.
If you are considering adoption, Advocate Law Firm, P.A. is here to help. Call (863) 644-5566 to speak with an adoption lawyer about your situation.
Bartow Adoption Call for More Information Today!863-644-5566
Melissa Wilson wasn't our original attorney, but once we made the switch, we knew we were in the right hands.
Curtis Campogni
Our children are now officially home.
Adoption is never easy—but after nearly three years in the system, we realized we needed more than just legal support. We needed tenacity. We needed heart. We needed someone who could be firm when it mattered, empathetic when it counted, and strong enough to guide us through one of the most emotional experiences of our lives.
Melissa Wilson, along with Tina B. and the rest of their incredible team, was exactly that. Melissa wasn’t our original attorney, but once we made the switch, we knew we were in the right hands.
Melissa’s expertise, combined with Tina B.’s dedication and the team’s consistent communication, made all the difference. They didn’t just guide us—they stood with us, advocated fiercely, and brought a sense of calm and clarity to a complex, emotional journey.
Because of them, our children are now officially home.
If you’re looking for a team that brings not only skill but soul to this work, Melissa Wilson and her team are the ones to trust.
P.S. Never argue with a woman—especially one who knows the law. ;)
Client charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm Acquitted by Court.
The defendant was charged by the State of Florida in a Six Count Information (the charging document) which charged him ...
JOSHUA SCHOEN
Client charged with Burglary of a Residence found Not Guilty.
According to law enforcement officers, the Defendant kicked down the door of his ex-girlfriend and hit her. The ...
JOSHUA SCHOEN
Client Charged with DUI and Driving with No Valid Driver’s License found Not Guilty.
According to law enforcement officers, on December 23, 1995, the 15 year old Defendant, who did not have a valid ...
JOSHUA SCHOEN
Client charged with First Degree Murder and Armed Carjacking Found Not Guilty.
Shortly after midnight on November 15, 2001, an individual was shot in the head and killed. According to law enforcement ...
JOSHUA SCHOEN
Client Charged with Sale of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell & Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Found Not Guilty.
According to police, on August 12, 2005, a Detective from the Miami Dade Police Department was conducting surveillance ...
JOSHUA SCHOEN
Client Charged with Sale of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Illegal Liquor, Possession of Beverage Sold Without a License.
According to law enforcement, a week before Defendant’s arrest, an undercover police went inside a convenience store, ...
JOSHUA SCHOEN
Client charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm Acquitted by Court.
The defendant was charged by the State of Florida in a Six Count Information (the charging document) which charged him with two separate counts of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, Discharge of a Firearm in Public, Possession of Methamphetamine, and use or Possession of Paraphernalia. The State ended up Nolle Prossing (Dismissing) Counts 2 through 6 of the State’s Information. With regard to the only remaining count, the Aggravated Assault with a Firearm charge, following the State’s presentation of evidence at a Jury Trial, the Court agreed with the defense that there was insufficient evidence to allow the case to proceed any further, and the dismissed the only remaining charge.
JOSHUA SCHOEN
Client charged with Burglary of a Residence found Not Guilty.
According to law enforcement officers, the Defendant kicked down the door of his ex-girlfriend and hit her. The Defendant was charged with Burglary of her residence and was also facing a violation of felony probation. After a jury trial, the Defendant was found Not Guilty and was found not to be in violation of his felony probation.
JOSHUA SCHOEN
Client Charged with DUI and Driving with No Valid Driver’s License found Not Guilty.
According to law enforcement officers, on December 23, 1995, the 15 year old Defendant, who did not have a valid driver’s license, borrowed a car of one of her friends. While in a Publix Supermarket parking lot, the Defendant was driving the car in circles and upon seeing one of her friends, drove towards her friend. Due to the consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol, law enforcement claimed that the Defendant lost control of the car, and after her friend got out of the way in the nick of time, Defendant smashed the car she was driving into another vehicle in the parking lot. A few minutes before this accident, a Publix employee noticed the Defendant when she attempted to use the store bathroom, and described her condition as visibly intoxicated. A few minutes after the accident, police responded to the Publix parking lot, where they found the Defendant visibly intoxicated and arrested her for DUI and No Valid Driver’s License. A Breath Test showed that Defendant’s Blood-Alcohol level was approximately .175 g/ml, which is more than two times the legal limit in Florida of .08 g/ml. Following a jury trial on both charges, Defendant was found Not Guilty.
JOSHUA SCHOEN
Client charged with First Degree Murder and Armed Carjacking Found Not Guilty.
Shortly after midnight on November 15, 2001, an individual was shot in the head and killed. According to law enforcement investigators, three individuals were talking in the parking lot of an apartment complex, when the Defendant and a Co-Defendant confronted them at gun point and demanded the keys to one of the individuals’ vehicles. After being unable to start the vehicle the assailants had carjacked, the three individuals ran, at which point the Defendant shot one of the individuals in the head, killing him. After successfully severing the trials of the Defendant and Co-Defendant (meaning a separate trial for the Defendant and Co-Defendant) and after keeping out of evidence, testimony regarding traces of gun shot residue found on the defendant’s hand as well as an incriminating letter alleged to have been written by the Defendant, the case proceeded to a jury trial. After a week long trial, Joshua Schoen and his co-counsel, were able to convince a jury that the Defendant was Not Guilty of First Degree Murder and Armed Carjacking.
In a separate trial of the Co-Defendant, who was represented by an attorney from another law firm, the Co-Defendant was found Guilty of both First Degree Murder and Armed Carjacking and was sentenced to life in prison.
Client Charged with Sale of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell & Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Found Not Guilty.
According to police, on August 12, 2005, a Detective from the Miami Dade Police Department was conducting surveillance in a high crime area. The detective personally observed the Defendant engage in five separate drug transactions, over an approximate half hour period. After the fifth transaction, the officer had his back up team move in to arrest the buyer and the Defendant (seller). Narcotics were found on the buyer and money was found on the Defendant (seller). Following a two and half day jury trial, the Defendant was found not guilty on all charges.
JOSHUA SCHOEN
Client Charged with Sale of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Illegal Liquor, Possession of Beverage Sold Without a License.
According to law enforcement, a week before Defendant’s arrest, an undercover police went inside a convenience store, and in the back of the store, the officer purchased cocaine from the Defendant. So as not to disclose his status as an undercover police officer, the police did not arrest the defendant until a week later. Immediately prior to trial, the State dismissed the charge of possession of beverage sold without a license. Following a jury trial on the remaining three charges, wherein the undercover officer testified in open court that the individual he purchased the cocaine from was the defendant, the jury found the Defendant Not Guilty of the remaining three counts, including the charge of Sale of Cocaine.
Why Choose Advocate Law Firm, P.A.
At Advocate Law Firm, P.A., I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal support for your family law needs in Polk, Hillsborough, and Osceola County. With over 20 years of experience, I guide clients step-by-step through challenging situations, always focused on protecting your rights and securing the best outcome.
Why Choose Us:
Expertise in all areas of family law
Personalized, attentive client care
Bilingual services in English and Spanish
Aggressive, results-driven representation
Clear guidance through each step of the legal process
Advocate for Clients
I am always aggressive and determined to obtain the most favorable case outcome for my clients.
Over 20 Years of Family Law Expertise
Benefit from decades of experience in divorce and custody cases.
Aggressive and Personalized Representation
Get legal support tailored to your unique family law needs.
Clear Guidance Every Step of the Way
We simplify complex legal processes for peace of mind.
Meet the Advocate Law Firm, P.A. Team
At Advocate Law Firm, P.A., I am dedicated to guiding clients through challenging family law matters with care and expertise. With over 20 years of experience, I focus on protecting your rights and providing practical solutions for divorce, custody, child support, and alimony. My approach is both aggressive and supportive, ensuring your needs are prioritized every step of the way. Serving Polk, Hillsborough, and Osceola County, I offer services in both English and Spanish, making legal help accessible to more families. Every client receives personalized attention and thoughtful guidance, so you never feel overwhelmed by the legal process. Your case will always be treated with the respect and dedication it deserves.
Age restrictions for adopting a child vary by jurisdiction and agency. Some places set minimum age requirements, while others focus on the age difference between the child and the adoptive parent. Consulting with an adoption agency can provide detailed guidance.
How can I adopt a child from foster care?
To adopt a child from foster care, begin by contacting your local child welfare agency. You will need to undergo a home study and complete training specific to the needs of foster children. These adoptions often have lower costs and may involve foster-to-adopt arrangements.
What costs are involved in adopting a child?
Adoption costs can include agency fees, legal fees, and travel expenses, among others. The overall cost depends on the type of adoption and specific circumstances, and potential financial assistance may be available through grants or subsidies.
Is open adoption an option?
Yes, open adoption is an option where birth and adoptive families have some form of contact. The level of openness varies and can include exchanging letters, emails, or in-person visits. Agreements are made to ensure the best interest of the child.
