Adoption Law
The decision to adopt a child or to choose adoption for your unborn child is one of the most important choices that you will make in your lifetime. Adoption is a complex and emotionally charged area of law. Hiring an attorney who is well-versed in Ohio's adoption laws and familiar with Ohio's state and private agencies will help you ensure that you are well-informed every step of the way, and that your values and desires for your family are reflected in all legal proceedings and documents.
Birthmothers
If you are pregnant and considering adoption, we encourage you to set up a consultation with our adoption attorney. You will leave the consultation well-informed of your rights throughout the adoption process, your options for selecting adoptive parents for your child, and more. You do not need to make any decisions regarding your pregnancy during this meeting. If you have already selected your child’s adoptive parent(s), our office can represent you in this process.
Adoptive Parents
For couples considering adoption, the adoption process is a time of great hope and great anxiety. Our office can provide you with a variety of services to help decrease the anxiety and confusion associated with this process and to help you identify the adoption path that is best for you. Whether you are considering an infant adoption, the adoption of a special needs child, a sibling group adoption, or another arrangement, we will help you both with the legal proceedings and with identifying possible sources of funding and support. Our connection to the local adoption community allows us to do more than just help you through the legal aspects of your adoption. We will continue to partner with you after your adoption has been finalized to help connect you to great parenting resources.
Step-parent Adoptions
Often, a step-parent wishes to formally adopt a child or children that the step-parent has been raising for some time. Among other benefits, step-parent adoptions provide security to children in the care of a step-parent and enable children to receive inheritance from step-parents. Our office can represent you through every step of this process. In your first meeting with our office, we will help you identify whether your family qualifies for a step-parent adoption and whether you would benefit from this process. If you decide to move forward with the adoption, we will prepare all of the necessary legal documents and represent you in all court proceedings.
Please call us at (937) 642-4070 if you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Ms. Spain regarding the adoption process.