Adoption Law
As the mother of two adopted children, I bring deep empathy and personal understanding to every adoption case—supporting both birthmothers and adoptive families through the emotional and legal complexities of the process with compassion, respect, and care.
Services
Birth Parent Adoptive Services
I provide legal representation and advice to birth parents considering placing their child for adoption. Our meetings are confidential and very informative on your rights, responsibilities and procedures.
Agency Placements
I have represented hundreds of families finalizing adoptions. These include working with Private Adoption Agencies, social service agencies, and public children service agencies..
Private Placement Adoptions
If a birth parent has identified a potential adoptive family or an individual to adopt her child, I can orchestrate the placement, and subsequent legal proceedings to ensure that the child is never in the custody of a private or public agency and that proper filings are made through the proper court.
Interstate and International Adoptions
With so many families using the internet, there are times when a birthparent may be in one state and the adoptive couple is in another state. As long as one party is an Ohio resident, I can assist the adoptive process and ensure that the Interstate Compact Laws are followed.
With foreign adoptions, the adoption may not have been finalized in the foreign county. In this case, the adoption needs to be finalized in the county probate court where the adoptive family lives. If the foreign adoption was finalized oversees, then there may be the need to re-finalize in Ohio to get an American birth certificate for your child.
Step Parent
If a husband or wife wish to adopt his or her spouses minor child, I am able to ensure this is done correctly. Also, I can represent those family members who wish to adopt a relative.
General Questions?
Making the decision to adopt a child is a very personal decision. If you are in need of a professional contact to help you navigate the best choice for you, I’m here to help. As you know by now, I have adopted 2 of my own children and celebrate 4 grandchildren. Although there were many trials along the way, we have been blessed with a wonderful family and I’m honored to hold the title “mom” and “grandma”.
Bonnie Michael Legal Practice 