Looking to Adopt a Child? Our Ohio Family Lawyers Can Help

Whether you're adopting a stepchild, a relative, or navigating a private or contested adoption, our family law attorneys are here to support you throughout the process.

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Whether you're adopting a stepchild, a relative, or navigating a private or contested adoption, our family law attorneys are here to support you throughout the process.

Trusted Legal Guidance for Every Adoption Journey

No two adoption journeys are the same. Some are joyful and straightforward. Others may involve complicated paperwork, delayed timelines, or a lack of cooperation from a birth parent.

Adoption matters we handle include:

  • Stepparent and relative adoptions
  • Private adoptions
  • Same-sex couple adoptions
  • Contested adoptions
  • Adult adoptions
  • Post-adoption agreements

Why Ohioans Turn to Slater & Zurz’s Adoption Lawyers

For over 30 years, our adoption attorneys have helped families navigate life’s most important transitions.

  • Talk directly to family law attorneys who care
  • 6 offices across Ohio
  • Step-by-step guidance and full transparency

Contact Us Today!

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.

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What Does the Adoption Process in Ohio Involve?

Adoption in Ohio typically requires:

  • A home study (for non-relative adoptions)
  • Background checks and fingerprinting
  • Consent from birth parents or legal grounds for termination of parental rights
  • Court filings and supporting documentation
  • A final adoption hearing before a judge

We manage all of the above on your behalf, ensuring everything is filed correctly and nothing slips through the cracks.

What Does a Home Study Involve?

A home study is a major part of most adoptions in Ohio, especially for private or agency adoptions. It helps the court assess whether the adoptive home is safe and appropriate for the child.

It usually includes:

  • Background checks and fingerprinting
  • In-home visits by a social worker
  • Personal interviews and questionnaires
  • Review of finances, employment, and health records
  • References from friends, family, or community members

While the process can feel invasive, it’s designed to protect the child’s best interests. Our attorneys can help you prepare for the home study and avoid common pitfalls that delay or derail the process.

What If a Birth Parent Won’t Consent to the Adoption?

In many stepparent and relative adoptions, one birth parent may be out of the picture, but their legal rights still exist. In Ohio, a parent’s consent is generally required unless:

  • They’ve failed to have meaningful contact with the child for at least one year
  • They’ve failed to provide financial support during that time
  • Their parental rights have already been terminated

If a parent refuses to consent or cannot be located, our attorneys can guide you through the legal process to proceed without that consent, whether through proving abandonment or petitioning for termination of parental rights.

Real People. Real Advocacy.

After an accident or life-changing event, you need more than legal paperwork – you need someone in your corner. Our attorneys listen, guide, and fight for clients as if the case were their own.

That commitment is why people across Ohio continue to turn to Slater & Zurz when the stakes are high.

What Happens When You Call Slater & Zurz

You’ll talk to an attorney

We know the adoption process can feel overwhelming, and the last thing you need is to be bounced around. When you call us, you’ll speak to one of our Ohio adoption lawyers.

We’ll take the pressure off your plate

From day one, we’ll handle the legal filings, consent paperwork, and hearing preparation on your behalf. 

We know how to handle unexpected challenges

Whether it’s a missing signature, delayed consent, or contested adoption, we’re prepared to address the roadblocks and keep your case moving forward.

You only pay if we move forward together

Initial consultations are always free. If we move forward, you’ll know exactly what to expect when it comes to fees.

What Happens When You Call Slater & Zurz

You'll talk to an attorney

We know you’re hurting, and the last thing you need is to be bounced around. When you call us, you’ll speak to one of our experienced attorneys.

We'll take the pressure off your plate

From day one, we’ll gather medical records, file the proper reports, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. In other words, you focus on getting better, and we’ll handle the fight.

We go after every dollar you deserve

We've recovered millions for injury victims across Ohio. We don’t stop at quick settlements; instead, we push for full accountability and compensation that reflects what you’ve really lost.

You only pay if we win

No upfront fees means there’s zero risk to get started.

FAQS: Adoption in Ohio
Families often have questions about timelines, costs, and what to expect. Here are a few we hear most.

Adoptive parents must be at least 18 years old, complete a home study (in most cases), pass a background check, and be deemed suitable to adopt by the court. Specific steps vary depending on the type of adoption.

In most cases, yes, but there are exceptions. If a parent has abandoned the child or had their rights terminated, consent may not be required. We’ll evaluate your case and determine what’s legally necessary.

The timeline can vary. Stepparent and relative adoptions may move quickly (a few months), while private or contested adoptions can take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timeline based on your situation.

While it may seem simple, there are still legal steps, consent requirements, and court hearings involved. An attorney ensures everything is done correctly and prevents unnecessary delays.