Many people die without wills in Ohio. In these cases, the probate court will oversee the distribution of the deceased person's assets. Even in instances where there is a will, the probate court may still need to approve it. The probate process The first step in...
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Amy M. Levine
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Overlooking assets in a divorce
Divorce proceedings could prove incredibly stressful for both spouses. Stress sometimes contributes to distractions, which may be particularly unhelpful during legal proceedings. When discussing divorce settlement matters, overlooking anything creates eventual...
Man found guilty of defrauding Medicaid of $2 million
On April 27, a 57-year-old Ohio man was found guilty of health care fraud and several other charges related to a Medicaid billing scheme. According to prosecutors, the man received around $2 million in fraudulent reimbursements from Medicaid. Billing for X-rays that...
Medical debt is the top cause of bankruptcy filings
Medical debt is the No. 1 reason that people file for bankruptcy. An abrupt illness can lead to excessive medical bills that are even difficult to pay for people who have full-time jobs and health insurance. The medical debt factor has been on the minds of many people...
Understanding the Ohio probate process
It's a good idea to take the time to draw up a will if you haven't already. This document lets you leave money and assets to your family, friends and selected charities. If you don't leave a will, your estate may be subject to laws that determine how your estate is...
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Stepparent Adoptions
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If you are a stepparent, you may have considered adopting your spouse’s children so you can have full legal rights. The children may also want to take the same name as their mom.
Stepparent adoption can be more complicated than it seems. You must comply with specific statutory requirements to complete the process. You want a family law attorney who knows the law and the process and who can help minimize any problems.
At the law offices of Amy M. Levine & Associates, we start by listening, taking the time to learn all the details of your situation, so we can help you take the steps necessary to get the outcome you seek. We will carefully explain the law and the process for stepparent adoptions, as well as your options and your likelihood of success, so you always have reasonable expectations. We are skilled and assertive negotiators who can often help you get the results you seek without going to court. Nonetheless, we will aggressively pursue your interests in court if necessary.
We offer a free initial consultation to people considering stepparent adoption. Contact our office or call us at 614-360-2942 in Columbus or 304-519-4354 in Huntington for an appointment.
Guiding Families Through Adoption
Stepparent adoption can make sense on many levels. As the stepparent, it can help you create a greater sense of family and give you full rights with respect to the child, as well as access to some work-related benefits. As the biological parent, you also want your children to feel part of a single, cohesive unit. As the child, you no longer have to live with the stigma of carrying a different name than the parents with whom you live.
At the law offices of Amy M. Levine & Associates, we handle all matters related to stepparent adoptions, preparing all the documents you need to complete the process, and acting as your advocate with other parties or the court. We have a comprehensive understanding of stepparent adoptions and know how to make certain that you have complied with all statutory requirements.
We can help you with a contested or uncontested stepparent adoption, working with the other parent to obtain a voluntary relinquishment of parental rights, if possible. We are also willing to take the difficult cases, those in which a biological father decides to fight the adoption merely for the sake of fighting it or has been in prison, failed to pay support or maintain regular visitation, or had no meaningful contact with the children.
Though most clients we help with stepparent adoptions are men, we have represented women who sought to adopt their husband’s children, often in situations involving drug abuse or other dangerous behavior by the biological mother.
Contact The Law Offices Of Amy M. Levine & Associates
To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us online or call us at 614-360-2942 in Columbus or 304-519-4354 in Huntington for an appointment. We offer payment plans.

Amy M. Levine
View Profile
Our Latest Blog Posts
The basics of probate and will contests
Many people die without wills in Ohio. In these cases, the probate court will oversee the distribution of the deceased person's assets. Even in instances where there is a will, the probate court may still need to approve it. The probate process The first step in...
Overlooking assets in a divorce
Divorce proceedings could prove incredibly stressful for both spouses. Stress sometimes contributes to distractions, which may be particularly unhelpful during legal proceedings. When discussing divorce settlement matters, overlooking anything creates eventual...
Man found guilty of defrauding Medicaid of $2 million
On April 27, a 57-year-old Ohio man was found guilty of health care fraud and several other charges related to a Medicaid billing scheme. According to prosecutors, the man received around $2 million in fraudulent reimbursements from Medicaid. Billing for X-rays that...
Medical debt is the top cause of bankruptcy filings
Medical debt is the No. 1 reason that people file for bankruptcy. An abrupt illness can lead to excessive medical bills that are even difficult to pay for people who have full-time jobs and health insurance. The medical debt factor has been on the minds of many people...
Understanding the Ohio probate process
It's a good idea to take the time to draw up a will if you haven't already. This document lets you leave money and assets to your family, friends and selected charities. If you don't leave a will, your estate may be subject to laws that determine how your estate is...
Visit Our Blog