Canton Family Law Attorney

Although many people who hear the term family law automatically think of divorce, the reality is that this area of the law actually encompasses a variety of other topics, including adoption, the drafting of pre and postnuptial agreements, paternity, and child custody and support issues. Grappling with these types of legal matters can be an emotional, time-consuming, and stressful process, so if you have questions about a family law issue, it is important to contact a Canton family law attorney who has the experience and resources to help you resolve these matters as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

Adoption

There are many ways to create a family, one of which is through adoption. There are four main types of adoption in Ohio, including:

• Independent adoptions, which do not involve a third-party agency, but are conducted by the adoptive child’s birth parents and adoptive parents;
• Agency adoptions, which are facilitated by state-licensed adoption agencies that are responsible for transferring custody of a child to the adoptive parents;
• Public adoptions, which involve the adoption of a child who has been removed from his or her parents’ care and often requires the input of an adoption agency and the state foster care system; and
• Stepparent adoptions, which occur when a person becomes the legal parent of his or her spouse’s child.

The legal requirements with which parents must comply when adopting a child depends in large part on the type of adoption in question, making it especially important for those who are interested in adopting a child, to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can advise them.

Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity is another legal matter that falls squarely within the purview of family law courts. There are a few different ways to establish paternity in Ohio, the first of which involves signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity Affidavit. By signing these documents, both of a child’s parents agree that a certain man is the child’s biological and legal father. Alternatively, a child’s mother or father could request the establishment of paternity through genetic testing, which can be provided by the Child Support Enforcement Agency. Depending on the results of these exams, a court could step in and issue an order of paternity. Ensuring that paternity is properly established is important, as parenthood comes with a number of important obligations, including the duty to provide financial support to the child.

Determining Parental Rights and Responsibilities

While legal matters related to the determination of parental rights and responsibility arise most often during divorce proceedings, it is also not uncommon for unmarried parents to grapple with these issues when creating a parenting plan. As a matter of policy, Ohio courts generally presume that shared parenting arrangements, in which both of a child’s parents have an equal say in decision-making responsibility and access to a child, are in most minors’ best interests. Whether a court actually implements this type of arrangement, however, depends on the circumstances of each case, but is primarily driven by what would be best for a specific child.

Contact a Dedicated Family Law Attorney Today for Assistance

To speak with an experienced Canton family law attorney about adopting a child, establishing paternity, creating a parenting plan, or another family law matter, please call Fout Law or send us an online message today.