The death of a loved one brings challenging times and significant responsibilities for the family members left behind. If you have recently lost someone, you may have numerous questions about the probate process and what to expect. The details below may help you...
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Amy M. Levine
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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
How probate works in Ohio
The death of a loved one brings challenging times and significant responsibilities for the family members left behind. If you have recently lost someone, you may have numerous questions about the probate process and what to expect. The details below may help you...
Tips for raising a child with a former spouse
In most cases, Ohio law will allow both parents to have relationships with their children after a divorce. Therefore, it's likely that you will interact with your former partner on a regular basis even after dissolving your marriage to that person. Fortunately, there...
What happens right after filing for personal bankruptcy?
Many people who are considering filing for bankruptcy in Ohio have read about what bankruptcy can do for them in the long term. After completing the whole bankruptcy process, most of your debts will probably be wiped clean, and you can then start the process of...
How plaintiffs reduce the value of their injury claims
Many Ohio residents think their accident injury claims are automatically approved when they have no fault in causing the incident. That is often flawed thinking when the insurance company does not accept them. Many claimants attempt to embellish their claims regarding...
Ruling limits when police can conduct searches without a warrant
When a person is subject to a police investigation in Ohio and the officers want to conduct a search, it can be difficult to know if they need a warrant. In recent years, these types of incidents have been a subject for debate. Understanding the limits under which...
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