A full service law firm with focused practice groups in family law, adoption, probate,
traffic/criminal defense and civil litigation.
Adoption
Adoption Attorneys Serving Akron and Northeast Ohio
Serving Akron, Canton, Summit County, Portage and Medina, Ohio.
Adoption is a powerful act of love and commitment. It’s not just a legal process; it’s the moment a child becomes fully part of your family, not only in heart, but under the law. At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we help make that connection official, permanent, and protected.
Whether you’re adopting a stepchild, grandchild, relative, or child through an agency, our role is to guide you through every legal step with care and clarity. We know what this decision means for you and your family. That’s why we work with compassion and urgency to ensure your adoption is completed the right way and without delay..
Adoption and Your Family's Legal Future
In Ohio, once an adoption is finalized, your child is treated exactly as a biological child under the law. They gain all legal rights within your family, including the right to inherit and to be included in future estate planning. This is about more than paperwork. It’s about ensuring your child’s place in your life, your home, and your future.

We help families take the final legal step in what is often a long personal journey. After your adoption is complete, we also make sure your estate documents reflect this life-changing decision so your child is protected through every phase ahead.
Legal Foundations We Help You Build
Every adoption requires careful preparation and attention to detail. We guide you through the full legal process by drafting and filing the Petition for Adoption, preparing all required affidavits, consents, and background materials, and working closely with the agencies or caseworkers involved. If your adoption involves a home study or court-mandated screening, we make sure everything is handled properly and submitted on time.

We also represent you at the final hearing to ensure your adoption is completed without delay or complication. After the court process is complete, we help you revise your will or trust so your child’s legal status is fully recognized in your estate plan. This is more than a legal finish line. It is the beginning of a secure future together.
Estate and Probate
Experienced Lawyers in Family Law, Divorce, Adoption, Estate Planning, Probate, Criminal, Traffic, Bankruptcy, Business, Personal Injury, Civil and Education Law.
What We Can Do for You
The goal of every adoption is to make a child a permanent, protected part of your family. We handle the legal steps that make that possible so you can focus on the moment that truly matters, bringing your family together. Every action we take is designed to ease your path and support you through every stage of the process.
File Your Petition and Supporting Documents
We draft and file your Petition for Adoption and all supporting legal documents with the correct probate court, ensuring every required affidavit, disclosure, and certification is included so your case proceeds without delay.
Obtain Consent or Terminate Rights
We prepare and file consent affidavits, notices, and motions where required. If parental rights must be terminated, we initiate and manage all legal filings, ensuring due process and court compliance are fully observed.
Assist with Home Study and Background Compliance
We coordinate with your home study provider, review the agency’s report, and submit the findings with necessary background check results and supporting legal documents to the court to satisfy statutory requirements.
Represent You at the Final Hearing
We prepare your testimony, submit required finalization paperwork, and appear with you in court. After the judge signs the Final Decree of Adoption, we ensure the order and all related legal documents are properly recorded.
Align Your Estate Plan with Your Adoption
We revise your will, trust, power of attorney, and guardianship documents to reflect your child’s legal status, ensuring your adopted child is fully included and protected under every aspect of your estate plan.
When to Call an Adoption Attorney
Whether you are just beginning the adoption process, facing challenges in a pending case, or seeking to ensure your child’s future is protected, legal guidance from the start can make a meaningful difference. Having support early on helps prevent issues and provides peace of mind as you move forward.
Our team is here to offer answers, guidance, and clarity. Our attorneys are ready to help.
Tell Us About You And Your Situation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will my adopted child inherit from me automatically?
Yes. In Ohio, adopted children have the same inheritance rights as biological ones. We ensure your estate plan reflects that clearly, respectfully, and without confusion.
Should I update my will or trust after an adoption?
Yes. Updating your estate plan avoids confusion and ensures your wishes are honored, even though inheritance rights are granted automatically.
Can I adopt a stepchild without the other parent’s consent?
Sometimes. If the other parent hasn’t supported or contacted the child for a year, the court may allow adoption without consent. We’ll guide you through it with care.
How long does adoption take in Ohio?
Typically, adoptions take six to twelve months depending on the circumstances. We help you stay organized and proactive so that each step moves forward as efficiently as possible.
Is adult adoption legal in Ohio?
Yes. Adult adoption is permitted and often used to solidify emotional and legal family bonds. It also provides important benefits related to inheritance, health care access, and future planning.
