Adoption

Cleveland, Ohio, Adoption and Guardianship Lawyer

While divorce can tear a family part, adoption can bring a family together by adding a new member. I have helped many parents navigate the complexities of adoption law to help their dreams come true.

Complex Adoption Laws

As a practicing family law attorney and the founder and former legal director of a state-licensed adoption agency, I maintain a thorough and contemporary knowledge of the latest adoption laws. The complexities of adoption laws can be daunting and discouraging. Being proactive and efficient has helped me unite children with willing and enthusiastic parents, through infant adoptions, agency adoptions, and step-parent adoptions. In addition, I have assisted parents to secure the necessary state and federal subsidies when adopting children with special needs.

Detailed Adoption Process

The first step to adopting a child is to determine whether you meet the criteria. I will assist you throughout the background checks and application process. If the adoption involves a surrogate mother who desires to place her child up for adoption, we must first ascertain if the birth father is going to consent to the arrangement and whether he desires any level of participation in the child’s life.

The final step will be a hearing, where I will serve as your advocate. If we are dealing with a contested adoption because of the birth father deciding that he wants parental rights, I will diligently represent you in your right to adopt the child.

I also represent birth parents who voluntarily place their child up for adoption. During this difficult time, I will fully advise the birth parent as to their rights and responsibilities under the law. It is important for potential clients to understand that under Ohio law, I am only able to represent one of the parents who is placing their child up for adoption. I have twenty years of experience in helping birth parents with the voluntary adoption process and appreciate the gravity of such a decision.

The adoption process can be long, arduous, and filled with raw emotion. I will work on your behalf to complete the process quickly so you can start your new life with your new family. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact me.

Guardianships

In the event parents are unwilling or unable to take care of their children, or adults are unable or unwilling to make sound day-to-day decisions, including financial and medical choices, a guardian may be appointed by the court. The guardian, in turn, takes control of the child or adult's general well-being or supervises their proper care. I have vast experience in guardianship matters and am readily able to help guide you through them. Moreover, I am currently the court-appointed guardian for several mentally-challenged adults.