Adoption Attorney Near Columbus, Ohio

No, you are not required to use the services of an agency to adopt in Ohio. If you are connected with a birth mother already, there is usually no need to hire an agency. However, you will be required to hire a Worthington adoption attorney because Ohio law requires that either an attorney or agency arrange the adoption of a minor child.

Probably, Ohio law allows adoption of an adult by a stepparent if that stepparent-child relationship was formed before the adult turned 18. The adult must consent to the adoption, and if the stepparent is still married to the child’s original parent, that original parent must consent as well. Our adoption attorney in Columbus, Ohio can help you family ensure that your adoption meets all the statutory requirements.

Maybe. Ohio law does allow adoption by a legal custodian or guardian. The consent of the birth parents may, or may not, be required for this type of adoption. If you are interested in making a permanent parent-child relationship, schedule a consultation with Columbus adoption attorney to learn more.

The costs of adoption vary widely depending on the type of adoption you pursue. With adoptions from foster care, the costs are minimal or non-existent, and you may be eligible to receive adoption assistance for the child throughout childhood.

If you adopt a child through a private agency, you should expect to pay fees to that agency. Those vary widely and cover your home study, supervision of the placement once you have been matched and placed with a child, and medical expenses for the birth mother. Additionally, you will have Columbus adoption attorney fees and court costs associated with finalizing your adoption in the probate court. You may also be subject to pay birth mother living expenses, which are limited to $3,000.00 in Ohio.

With a private infant adoption, where no agency is involved, the costs include attorney fees, court costs, the home study fee and post-placement supervision fee, birth mother expenses if applicable, and medical costs.

If you are adopting a child already in your custody, whether through an order of the juvenile court, a probate guardianship, or a stepparent relationship, you should still expect to pay attorney fees, court costs, and fees associated with the home study. The home studies are less rigorous in this context, and therefore usually less expensive than a home study through a private agency or for a private infant adoption.

Our Columbus adoption attorney can help you budget for this process and brainstorm ideas for financial assistance if needed.

Yes. At both the federal and state level you may be eligible for a tax credit associated with your adoption. There are also grants and other funding available through several organizations, some of which are listed here.

If you are adopting a child from foster care, you may be eligible for a monthly adoption subsidy as well.