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Mary Catherine Barrett

Mary Catherine Barrett Co. LPA • Cleveland, OH
AdoptionPersonal Injury

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Contact

Email
mc@thegragroup.com
Phone
(440) 530-6157
Address
Cleveland, OH, 44113, US

Professional

About

Attorney Mary Catherine Barrett, based in Cleveland, OH, brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in adoption and personal injury law. With a Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University and a foundational education from Ohio Northern University, she has honed her expertise in surrogacy and adoption law, providing compassionate and confidential support to both birth mothers and aspiring adoptive families. Mary Catherine has facilitated more than 650 domestic adoption arrangements, demonstrating her deep commitment to creating loving families. Her international adoption experience spans multiple countries, including Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, Morocco, and India, showcasing her ability to navigate complex legal landscapes. Trained in surrogacy law by the renowned Noel Keane in California, she returned to Ohio to establish a successful private practice, where she has made significant strides in establishing parental rights for intended parents through surrogacy in over ten Ohio counties. In addition to her practice, Mary Catherine serves as an Adjunct Professor of Surrogacy and Adoption Law at Case Western Reserve School of Law, sharing her knowledge with the next generation of legal professionals. She actively engages with the community, presenting on vital topics such as private placement adoptions and the legalities surrounding surrogate parenting contracts. Her contributions to the field include published articles for the Ohio State Bar Association and various local bar associations. Mary Catherine is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Ohio Bar Association, and Cuyahoga County Bar Association. She invites questions and consultations regarding adoption and surrogacy, ensuring every client feels supported and informed throughout their journey.

About Adoption Law

Adoption attorneys guide families through the legal process of adopting a child. They handle all legal requirements to create new family bonds. Common matters include domestic adoption, international adoption, stepparent adoption, foster care adoption.

Credentials

Education
1990 Cleveland State University JD - Juris Doctor 1985 Ohio Northern University
Languages
English

Recognition & Involvement

Awards
2017 Listed, Who's Who Legal 2016 Listed, Who's Who Legal
Publications
2006 Ohio State Bar Association Law You Can Use Demystifying International Adoptions 2006 Ohio State Bar Association Law You Can Use Ohio Law Allows Attorney Arranged Adoptions 2003 Cuyahoga County Bar Association Law & Fact A Practice Growing on Uncharted Territory 2003 Cuyahoga County Bar Association Law & Fact In Defense of Adoption Attorneys 2003 Ohio Women’s Bar Association Network In Defense of Adoption Attorneys
Associations
2017 - Present William K. Thomas American Inn of Court Member 2016 - Present Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation Board Member 2016 - Present Ohio Women's Bar Association Leadership Institute Member 2013 - Present West Shore Bar Association Vice President 1992 - Present American Bar Association Member
Speaking
2008 PACT Group Legality and Enforceability of Surrogate Parenting Contracts in Ohio 2008 Ohio Bar Association CLE Institute Surrogacy in the Wake of J.F. v. D.B. 2008 New Roots Educational Program Through the Cleveland Clinic Domestic Adoption Process 2007 Ohio State Bar Association Changing Trends in International Adoption 2007 Ohio Adoption Attorney Roundtable Ovum Donor Legislation
Updated: Apr 10, 2026