The Court requires Petitioner(s) be statutorily married one (1) year before the finalization of the adoption

Criteria for Stepparent Adoptions

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 Petitioner and natural parent Certified marriage certificate Certified copies of support or custody orders (if applicable) Paternity results (if applicable)

Adoption Forms Required

Petition for Adoption Entry Setting Date of Hearing and Ordering Notice Assignment of Investigator Affidavit 3109.27 Consent to Adoption Entry Finding Consent Not Necessary (if applicable) Final Decree of Adoption Adoption Certificate for Parents Certificate of Adoption Authorization for Release of Confidential Information/Police Criminal Record Check Crimes Involving Child Abuse, Violence and Drugs

Other Requirements

Notice of hearing will be served by Certified Mail, Sheriff or Process Server to legal parents if consent is not filed and address is known (Instructions for Service will be required stating recommended type of service).  If address is unknown, the Affidavit and Entry for Publication will be required.  If father is putative and the Ohio Putative Father Registry or another state's putative father registry applies, a Certification is  required On the date set for hearing, the Petitioner(s) and child(ren) must appear in Court Petitioner 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