Adopting a Child in Ohio

A married couple (at least one an adult) or an unmarried adult may adopt; a married adult may adopt alone only in limited cases, such as when the spouse is the child's parent and consents. The petition is filed in the probate court of the county where the child was born, where the petitioner, child or parent lives, where the petitioner is stationed in the military, or where the custodial agency is located. Written consent is generally required from the parents, the putative father, any agency or person with permanent custody, and the child if over 12 (unless the court finds it not in the child's best interest). Consent is not needed from a parent who, for the year before filing, failed without justifiable cause to have more than minimal contact with the child or to provide meaningful and regular support, among other exceptions. An assessor must do a home study, filed with the court at least 10 days before the hearing, and the final decree generally waits until the child has lived in the home for at least six months.

A married stepparent may adopt alone when the spouse is the child's parent and consents. The other parent's consent is required unless an exception applies, such as the court finding by clear and convincing evidence that the parent, for the year before filing, failed without justifiable cause to have more than minimal contact with the child or to provide meaningful and regular support. The prefinalization assessment is not required for a stepparent unless the court orders one. The final decree waits until at least six months after the petition is filed or until the child has lived in the home for at least six months.