Dayton Stepparent Adoption Attorneys

Two people signing documentsOne of the happiest cases in domestic relations law is when families are brought together through a stepparent adoption. Fortunately, Ohio provides more flexibility than many other states when a parent’s new spouse wishes to adopt their stepson or stepdaughter. With that said, those who wish to begin this new phase in their family life must meet certain criteria and follow certain procedures. Failing to properly follow these rules can result in a delay of your case which, in turn, can prevent you from being able to focus on the most important thing – your family. Our Dayton stepparent adoption attorneys have over forty years of combined experience and also strive to provide a high level of service. We look forward to helping you with this new stage of your life. Contact us today to speak with a lawyer.

Dayton lawyers handling stepparent adoptions throughout southwest Ohio

Ohio provides more flexibility than many states when it comes to allowing for a step parent adoption. In many states, a parent’s rights must first be terminated through Court action or consent must be given in order for a stepparent to adopt one’s child. Ohio allows for an adoption under such circumstances. Our state, however, also allows for an adoption to take place whenever a parent has failed to have meaningful contact with their child for over a year or when such a parent has failed to provide mandated support for over a year. These legal provisions allow a new family to go forward with an adoption without first having to terminate the rights of the other parent.

The process for a stepparent adoption begins with the filing of a Petition for the Adoption of a Minor with the Probate Court. In Montgomery County, the proposed adoptive parent will also be required to complete certain background and investigatory checks. The Petition will be served on the parent who will be losing their rights to the child and a hearing will be scheduled. If there is no objection to the Petition then adoption will be granted and the Court will sign an Order. As stated above, many cases also include situations in which the soon to be former parent has already had their rights terminated or are consenting to the adoption. In these latter situations, the process is even more streamlined. While these processes may seem straightforward, any errors in their handling can result in a delay to your case. Retaining an experienced attorney can help you to ensure that things are handled properly.

Our Dayton adoption lawyers assist parents who wish to begin a new stage for their family. At your initial consultation, we will help you understand whether you are eligible to complete the process. If the matter can be completed with an agreement for the parent who is surrendering their rights, then we will obtain a completed Consent to Adoption form. We will quickly file your Petition with the Court and will do everything in our power to assist you with the background checking process. Our firm will ensure that you are prepared for the hearing. This is a joyous time in your life and we look forward to assisting you. Contact us today.

Dayton attorneys staying in regular communication with Ohio residents during the adoption process

We understand that you wish to focus on your family and not on dealing with the legal system. We also understand that you need to be kept up to date as to the status of your adoption case. This is why our lawyers make client communication a priority. We will ensure that your questions are answered and that you know what to expect as the process moves forward. Our firm has been serving the Dayton area for decades and we take our commitments seriously.

Our lawyers also assist those in the southwest Ohio areas of Beavercreek, Centerville, Clayton, Eaton, Englewood, Fairborn, Franklin, Harrison Township, Huber Heights, Kettering, Oakwood, Lebanon, Miami Township, Miamisburg, Piqua, Riverside, Springboro,  Springfield, Tipp City, Trotwood, Troy,  Vandalia, Waynesville, Washington Township, West Carrollton, Yellow Springs, and Xenia.

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