Columbus, Ohio Stepparent Adoption Attorney

Stepparent Adoption

As is often the case, a stepparent plays a primary role in raising a child in place of one of the biological parents. Under certain circumstances, Ohio law provides for the stepparent to adopt the child.

A stepparent adoption is initiated when the stepparent files a petition for adoption with the Probate Court where the child resides. The child’s biological parent (noncustodial parent) must be notified of the petition and must be provided an opportunity to object to the petition. In order for the stepparent adoption to proceed, Ohio law requires that both biological parents consent to the adoption. However, the consent of the noncustodial biological parent may not be necessary where the biological parent has either failed to communicate with the child or financially support the child, without justification, during the twelve months immediately preceding the filing date of stepparent’s adoption petition. Should the noncustodial biological parent contest the adoption, then the Court will hold a hearing to determine whether the biological parent’s consent is necessary.

When the court grants a stepparent adoption, the adopting parent (stepparent) thereafter assumes all legal rights and responsibilities to care for and protect the adopted child. Furthermore, the adopted child is vested with all rights as if he or she were the stepparent’s natural child, including rights to the stepparent’s estate and assets upon death, and, in cases of divorce, the adopting parent would be responsible for financially supporting the child.

As with all matters dealing with legal custody of a child, the Court must find that the stepparent adoption is in the child's best interest. I represent both the adopting stepparent and the biological parent (not in the same proceeding) to ensure that the rights of the parties are protected and the best interests of the child are served. If you are attempting to adopt a step child or have been served notice of a petition to adopt your child, contact my office for a free initial telephone consultation to discuss your matter more fully.

When dealing with divorce, dissolution, child custody, child support, establishing parental rights, legal separation, spousal support, grandparent / companionship rights, stepparent adoptions and annulment of marriages it is important to understand Ohio law and its application to the facts of each case.

Columbus, Ohio Stepparent Adoption Lawyer

If you would like to speak with me regarding divorce, dissolution, child custody, child support, establishing parental rights, legal separation, spousal support, grandparent / companionship rights, stepparent adoptions and annulment of marriages, please e-mail or call (614) 461-5708 for a FREE telephone consultation.

Columbus, Ohio, Family Law Attorney Dirken D. Winkler