Akron Adoption Lawyer

When you are not the biological parent, but you want to provide a nurturing home for a child, you may be interested in learning more about what to expect from the adoption process and how to go about growing your family.

Fortunately, our Akron adoption lawyers at Erb Legal can help guide you through the process one step at a time. If you are interested in adoption across Summit County, call for a no risk-consultation at 330-249-1778 today.

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Ohio Adoption Laws

When you are not the natural birth parent of a child, if you hope to be recognized as their legal parent or guardian, you may need to move forward with an adoption. Under Ohio Revised Code § 3107.03, the adoptee’s birth parents must give up their parental rights so the adoptive parents can assume these rights and responsibilities.

Some of the different parties who have the right to adopt in Akron include:

  • Unmarried adults
  • A husband and wife
  • Unmarried minor parents of the adoptee

If you have questions or concerns regarding your ability to adopt in Ohio, reach out to a knowledgeable Akron adoption lawyer to discuss your options moving forward.

Types of Adoptions in Akron

Under Ohio law, there are several types of adoptions that you may enter. These include agency, open, closed, and independent adoptions.

Agency adoptions are facilitated by adoption agencies that are responsible for matching prospective adoptees with adoptive parents. This contrasts with independent adoptions, also commonly referred to as private adoptions, where adoptive parents will work with adoption attorneys instead of an adoption agency.

Closed adoptions refer to the prospective adoptive parents having minimal contact with the adoptee’s birth parents. However, open adoptions involve more contact between the adoptive parents and the child’s birth parents. Generally, the child’s birth parents may elect to retain certain rights that they may have otherwise given up if they had chosen to move forward with a closed adoption.

The Akron Adoption Process

If you are interested in moving forward with adoption in Akron, you will need to act before the child reaches the age of 18. However, under specific circumstances, you may be able to adopt an adult. Some of these could include:

  • Infant placement through a private agency
  • Interstate private infant placement
  • In-state private infant placement
  • Adoption from a public child welfare agency
  • Stepparent and relative adoptions
  • LGBTQ second-parent adoptions

Application

The process your adoption proceedings will take can vary widely depending on the type of adoption you are going forward with. The Summit County Children Services office is a good starting place. If you are working with an agency, you will need to fill out the agency’s application and submit it for training and an in-home study. You may also be required to meet other requirements depending on the specific details of your case.

Approval

You will need to carefully consider the type of adoption agreement you are interested in before you can begin matching with prospective adoptees unless you are interested in adopting a relative or other close minor child. Once you have been approved to adopt, you can meet with natural parents and prospective adoptees to determine which child is the right fit for your family.

Your lawyer can then assist you in filing the family law documents needed to facilitate your adoption.

Legal Issues With Adoption

As you prepare to proceed with your adoption, you may encounter several legal hurdles along the way. The first is understanding the birth parents’ rights. Adoption can only be finalized in Ohio if the natural parents give up their parental rights. There are two ways parental rights can be terminated in Ohio: voluntarily and involuntarily.

In voluntary parental rights termination, biological parents voluntarily give up their parental rights and place their child up for adoption. However, in involuntary parental rights termination, the state will take action and legally terminate the natural parents’ rights due to neglect, dependency, abuse, mental illness, or other incapacities.

Understanding the birth parents’ rights following your adoption will also be paramount. You do not want to run the risk of running into issues regarding the birth parent’s rights in your adoption.

Ohio Adoption Resources

If you are interested in adopting in Ohio, the following agencies and government programs may be of assistance. If you need additional resources not listed below, be sure to contact our office for legal guidance and support.

Summit County Children Services
264 S Arlington St.
Akron, OH 44306
(330)-379-9094

Caring For Kids Inc
650 Graham Rd. #101
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
(330)-928-0044

Adoption Circle – Cuyahoga Falls
111 Stow Ave. #101
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
(330)-376-3943

Akron Children’s Hospital Adoptive Health Services
215 West Bowery St. Third Floor
Akron, OH 44302
(330)-543-8530

Akron Adoption FAQ

The process for adoption in Ohio could be complex. We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding adoption in Akron below. If you have additional questions that have not been answered on this page, contact our office to discuss the legal details of your case.

Do I need an adoption attorney to do an adoption in Akron?

Under Ohio law, if you hope to move forward with an adoption, you will need to work with a licensed adoption agency or an adoption attorney in Akron.

I have legal custody of my grandchild, niece, or nephew. Can I adopt?

Yes. Under Ohio law, you do have the opportunity to adopt a grandchild, niece, nephew, or other minor children, as Ohio law does allow legal guardians or custodians to adopt.

Is there financial assistance available to help with adoption costs?

Yes, if you need financial assistance following your adoption, you can apply for tax credits and other funding through organizations at both the state and federal levels.

Meet With an Akron Adoption Lawyer

If you are ready to move forward with the adoption process or have additional questions about what to expect if you are interested in adoption, you need legal guidance and support.

Reach out to a dedicated Akron adoption lawyer at Erb Legal to start preparing for your proceedings. Schedule your initial consultation today when you complete our online contact form or call our office at 330-249-1778.