How much does it cost to adopt?

Total adoption costs depend on the type of adoption, your specific circumstances, and in which State/States the parties are located. Call us for an estimate.

How long does it take to adopt?

This depends on what type of adoption you are interested in and/or how open you are to any unique birth parent issues. It also depends on how many attorneys and/or agencies with whom you work. If you want to do it on your own, i.e. locate a birth parent, and are aggressive with a networking/marketing/advertising campaign, you could save a substantial amount of money, and you should locate 1 to 2 birth parent leads within 6 to 12 months.

Is Advertising for a baby legal in Ohio?

Ohio law allows you to advertise for adoption only if you are a QAP, i.e. a Qualified Adoptive Parent (an “approved” adoptive parent). You may also advertise to adopt in other states where permitted. Most adoption agencies and attorneys use some form of advertising to attract birth mothers, why shouldn’t adoptive parents? It is possible to advertise without revealing personal details. Nothing prohibits you from networking or advertising to adopt as long as you are pre-approved for adoption. If you are aggressive in networking and advertising, you should locate 1-2 birth parent leads within six to twelve months

What is the difference between Open or Closed Adoptions?

Open Adoption Agreements are non-binding. Open Adoption allows for the exchange of contact and information, including identifying information. A Closed Adoption is where the parties do not have any identifying information about each other.

Does a birth parent get to choose the family who adopts their baby?

Yes. You may select the prospective adopting parents by screening Lifebooks/Profiles. You can also call and/or meet to interview prospective adoptive parents.

Is there any contact after an adoption is final? Is that contact enforceable?

You can design your own individual type of adoption plan, i.e. you can choose to do an open/semi-open/closed adoption. You may receive and/or exchange status letters and photos, phone calls, and even visits and/or any other kind of contact is allowed and may be arranged between you and the adoptive parents. However, Ohio law will not force either of you to comply with this. Written agreements are not legally binding in most states, rather, they are moral.

Adoption

Practice Areas

Probate

Estate Administration

Guardianship

Birth Mother Adoption

Adoptive Parent Adoption

Adoption Lawyer Ohio

Trusted Adoption Legal Support

Taneff Law helps families navigate the beautiful and challenging process of adoption. Our mission is to support families with compassion and knowledgeable legal support during the complexities of their adoption cases. We provide a path to parenthood that is smooth and has as few complications as possible. The services we provide cover a variety of different types of adoption and cover any stage of the process. Contact us today if you are beginning your journey or want to learn more about the process.

Different Types Of Adoption And How Our Attorneys Can Support You

Each type of adoption has its own requirements. At Taneff Law, we have been helping families in the Columbus, Ohio area for over 36 years. We have the team and knowledge to help guide you through any type of adoption you are preparing to enter. Whether you want to expand your family or looking to formalize an existing bond, we are honored that you have trusted Taneff Law to be your legal support.

Domestic

A domestic adoption refers to the adoption of a child within the United States. This can be through a licensed agency or through a private connection that has been arranged with birth parents. We can guide you through all of the proceedings required so everyone involved is protected. Our team will help you draft agreements and help ensure that they comply with laws and regulations. We will also help you prepare the necessary documents needed to finalize the adoption and work with you through the finalization.

International

International adoption is when you are looking to bring a child from another country into your family. International cases are much more complex than domestic cases due to the additional compliances, laws, and treaties involved. Our attorneys at Taneff Law will help ensure that you are guided every step of the way during this complex process. In addition to preparing your paperwork, we will help coordinate with agencies and the necessary foreign authorities on your behalf. We will also advise you on the requirements needed to adopt a child outside the United States to make sure your case goes as smoothly and stress-free as possible.

Stepparent

Stepparent adoption is a permanent legal bond between a stepparent and their stepchild. This gives the stepparent the same parental rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. While this can bring a family closer together and provide the child with legal security, it can also be a very challenging type of adoption. The biggest challenge of stepparent adoptions is the termination of the non-custodial biological parent’s rights. Our team will help you navigate the legality of obtaining consent from the non-custodial parent if they are willing. If consent is not given, we can help you file a waiver and prepare you for a court hearing. Our experienced attorneys are prepared to support you throughout the entire process.

Relative And Kinship

A relative or kinship adoption occurs when a family member chooses to adopt the child. This allows for important connections to stay intact while providing them with a stable and loving home. These types of adoption cases can be difficult if the biological parents are unable or unwilling to take care of a child due to various issues. Taneff can help you terminate parental rights and establish custody, guardianship, or full parental rights. We ensure that relative adoption is handled properly so the child can quickly transition into a secure and loving environment during a potentially stressful time. Depending on the situation, we also assist with home study requirements which are a critical part of the process. We will help you prepare for your evaluation or help you get the study waived if possible.

Foster Care

Foster care allows families the opportunity to provide a home for a child who cannot safely live with their parents. Many children who live in the foster care system are waiting for an adoptive family. At Taneff Law, we help families become part of the foster care system as well as help families adopt within the system. We will help you file petitions and make sure that you are following the regulations that the state of Ohio has established.

Adult

Adult adoption applies to the process of adopting someone who is 18 years or older. This is usually done to formalize an existing relationship, ensure inheritance rights, or establish a legal connection. An adult adoption is very straightforward since the individual is not a minor. We will help with all matters such as name changes, inheritance planning, and finalizing the process.

Services We Provide

We have been providing comprehensive legal services to Columbus, Ohio families since 1989. No matter what type of adoption you are pursuing, we can help you navigate the requirements so you always have a confident understanding of every step of the process. From preparing and filing necessary paperwork to advising you on consent and parental rights, we will tailor our services to your unique situation. It is our mission to ensure that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Our Commitment To Ohio Families

Taneff Law has been committed to helping individuals and families in the Columbus, Ohio area. It is our mission to improve our client’s quality of life by providing as much, or as little, support as they need. We handle every project with commitment and compassion, so our clients feel safe and always taken care of. Helping families through the complexities of the adoption process is our specialty.

Ready To Start Your Journey And Need A Lawyer?

If you are considering any type of adoption and have any questions on where to begin, Taneff is here to help. We have trusted lawyers who are committed to providing you with guidance and support so you can move forward with confidence. Contact Taneff Law today to schedule a consultation with a lawyer and we will show you how we can help you through the process of adoption. We are excited and honored that you have trusted us and we can’t wait to help you expand your family.

Questions About Adoption

The process of adoption is complex and can be very overwhelming to navigate. Below are some of the most common questions families ask when considering or interested in adoption.

How long does the adoption process take?

The length of the adoption process varies depending on the type of adoption you are proceeding with. Most domestic adoptions can take anywhere from several months to over a year. An International adoption may take anywhere from one to three years. Stepparent, adult, and relative adoptions are more straightforward and usually only take a few months. Each timeline depends on its unique situation. If you are looking to understand the timeline of your specific situation, contact us today and an attorney can help guide you.

What are the costs that are involved?

The cost of adoption depends on the type of adoption and the specific circumstances of your case. If you are interested in receiving an estimate, contact us today and we can provide you with more information.

What is a home study and do I need one?

A home study is an assessment conducted by a licensed social worker. They will evaluate your ability to provide a safe and stable home for a child. This study can include home visits, interviews, background checks, and financial reviews. Most adoptions require a home study, especially domestic and international cases. There are some cases where a home study can be waived. This is usually only applied to stepparent or relative cases. You do not need a home study for an adult adoption.

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Adoption Tax Credit May Increase With H.B. 206!

House Bill 206 would increase the amount and change the refundability of an existing tax credit for adoption. Under current law, this credit equals the greater of $1,500 or a taxpayer’s adoption expenses, up to $10,000….