About us

Shorstein & Kelly has been helping birth mothers and adoptive families for more than 30 years. We’ve helped scores of pregnant Florida women through the emotional process of giving a baby up for adoption, taking great care to provide everything needed for both mother and baby during the process as adoptive families are found.

Adoption attorneys

Michael A. Shorstein

Board Certified Adoption Attorney

For over 30 years, Michael has offered a supportive network of services to birth mothers which includes counseling, free medical and living expenses and transportation. Birth mothers can personally select and meet their adoptive families, as well as receive future pictures and updates about the child. His professional and confidential services are enhanced by a qualified staff of women advisors who have vast experience with birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees.

Michael is a Florida-based board-certified adoption attorney who works exclusively in the area of adoption services. Michael and his partner, Brian, were one of the first attorneys in Florida to become board certified in adoption law through The Florida Bar. They were both awarded the prestigious United States Congressional “Angels in Adoption” Award for their contributions in the field of adoption.

Attorney Bar Numbers:
Michael A. Shorstein: 559644

Brian T. Kelly

Board Certified Adoption Attorney

Brian is a Florida-based board-certified adoption attorney who works exclusively in the area of adoption services. He serves as the managing partner of the firm’s Daytona Beach office. Brian welcomes many new birth mothers seeking to learn more about giving up a baby for adoption, or, more correctly, making an adoption plan for a baby, without pressure, judgment, cost, or obligation. He’ll take whatever time is needed because he cares. He is deeply committed to providing personalized one-on-one service.

Brian and his partner, Michael, have received the highest rating (“AV”) from Martindale-Hubbell, a national independent service that rates lawyers throughout the country. They regularly attend adoption seminars to remain current on the many changes in adoption law and they are great contributors of both time and resources to many adoption-related and community projects. Brian also has vast trial experience and has litigated many contested adoptions.

Attorney Bar Numbers:
Brian T. Kelly: 362611

Staff of advisors

Tara Ridlon

Adoption Case Manager

Tara has over 30 years of experience working closely with birth mothers, adoptive parents, agencies, and other adoption professionals. Throughout the adoption process she provides education, guidance and support to birth mothers and adoptive parents. Once the adoption plan is completed, Tara remains available for questions, advice, or assistance with questions that may arise in later years. Her passion for adoption helps create a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable and relaxed.

Aryn Adcox

Legal Assistant

As our legal assistant, Aryn maintains all adoption legal files in the office. She prepares, organizes, and files all court pleadings, affidavits, and legal documentation. Aryn also works with birth parents and adoptive parents coordinating different aspects of the adoption plan. For birth fathers, she ensures compliance with statutory requirements in each adoption. Aryn joined the firm in 2012 as birth parent and peer support and was promoted to legal assistant in less than a year. Aryn’s loyalty and experience
allow her to create excellent client relations.

Benay Shorstein Leb

Adoption Specialist

Benay joined our office as an Adoption Specialist. She works closely with birth mothers to ensure their daily needs are met, as well as managing marketing and administrative support. Benay started at Shorstein & Kelly in 2018 after working as a marketing specialist with a national retailer for many years.

Renee Rudy

Birth Parent And Peer Support

Renee is our first point of contact with birth mothers and adoptive parents, serving as the office receptionist. She also assists with birth mother care by handling their day-to-day needs and monitoring post placement photographs and updates for open adoptions. She joined Shorstein & Kelly in 2024.

Supported by a sensitive and knowledgeable staff, our firm provides comprehensive adoption services, including:

NO CHARGE to birth mothers for adoption services

Take the next step.
Contact us for more information.