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

• 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)

• Application for Placement
• Entry Setting Date of Hearing and Ordering Notice
• Assignment of Investigator
• Waiver by Prospective Adopting Parent(s)
• Affidavit 3127.23 signed by Applicant(s)
• Judgment Entry (Approving Placement)

• Petition for Adoption
• Entry Setting Date of Hearing and Ordering Notice
• Assignment of Investigator
• Affidavit 3127.23 (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

• 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 18 years of age or older must have a criminal background check.  Please contact the Court for costs.
• All forms and requirements must be presented prior to the initiation of an adoption case
• Affidavit of relationship/lineage
• The Home Study will be completed by an outside agency approved by the Court.  Fees for the Home Study will be paid directly to the assessing agency by the Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s).