Ohio Adoption Laws

Adoption Laws in Ohio

Adoption Records Access

• Non-Identifying Information : To obtain non identifying information, the adoption has been finalized before 1st January, 1964, or after 18th September, 1996. A petition to the court is necessary, if adoption was finalized between 1st January, 1964, and 18th September, 1996. Adopted adult of age 21 years, birth parents, birth siblings etc., can obtain the non identifying information.

• Identifying Information : If adoption was finalized before 1st January, 1964, then adopted adult shall request and obtain the information about adoption record, birth certificate and the information about the birth parents.
  If adoption was finalized between 1st January, 1964, and 18th September, 1996, then adopted adult must request the court to obtain the information about the birth parents.
  If adoption was finalized after 18th September, 1996, then adoptive adult can obtain the information iff consent of the birth parents is there on file.

• Birth Certificate (Original): The Ohio Dept. of Health provides the birth certificate iff the adoption was finalized before 1st January, 1964.

Statutes

• Citation:
  Ohio Revised Code (1999),
  Sections 3107.01 to 3107.99

• Contact Information:
  Bill Room Legislative Services Commission
  (614) 466-9745
  Fee Requirement: No

Consents

• Consent to an adoption shall be done by:
  Statute: - § 3107.06
  • The mother
  • The adoptive father
  • An agency having legal custody
  • A person who has established paternity

• Age Requirement for consideration of Adoptee Consent :
  Statute: - § 3107.06
  A child of 12 years of age or older must consent to the adoption.

• When Consent is not required :
  Statute: - § 3107.07
  • If parents failed to contact the child (for 1 year).
  • If putative father has failed to register within thirty days of the birth of child.
  • If the parents has relinquished the rights or on termination of parental rights.
  • If parent or guardian is in another country and have been completing adoption process according to laws in that country.

• Parental Consent can be executed :
  Statute: - § 3107.08(A)
  • At least 72 hours are required to execute the consent after the birth of child.

• Consent Must Be Executed:
  Statute: - § 3107.08
  • An adopted person must execute consent in the presence of the court.
  • A court must execute consent by appropriate order.
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