The Court requires Petitioner(s) be statutorily married one (1) year before the finalization of a legal placement or adoption.

Criteria for Legal Placements

Certified copy of child's birth certificate Certified copy of death certificate of spouse(s) or natural parent(s) Certified copies of divorce decrees of both Petitioner(s) Certified marriage certificate of Petitioner(s)

Forms Required for Legal Placement

Application for Placement Entry Setting Date of Hearing and Ordering Notice Assignment of Investigator Waiver by Prospective Adopting Parent(s) Affidavit 3109.27 signed by Applicant(s) Authorization for Release of Confidential Information/Police Criminal Record Check Questionnaire: Crimes Involving Child Abuse, Violence and Drugs Judgment Entry (Approving Placement)

Forms Required for Adoption

Petition for Adoption Entry Setting Date of Hearing and Ordering Notice Assignment of Investigator Affidavit 3109.27 (signed by Petitioner(s)) Entry Finding Consent Not Necessary (if applicable) Adoption Certificate for Parents Final Decree of Adoption Certificate of Adoption Preliminary and Final Petitioner's Accounts

Other Requirements

If the parent(s) is/are minors, the application must be submitted by them and  a next of friend  If the case involves a putative father of a child born in Ohio after January 1, 1997, the Court requires a Putative Father Certification (if applicable). Petitioner(s) must be available for a home interview by the assigned caseworker prior to the date of hearing Everyone in the household over the age of 18 must have a criminal background check All forms and requirements must be presented prior to the initiation of an adoption case Affidavit of relationship/lineage