Legal Placement

The Court requires Petitioner(s) be statutorily married one 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)

View Forms Required for Legal Placement and Adoption.

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 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).