Instructions for Adoptions

Do you have questions about Adoptions? Click here to scroll to the FAQs.

Complete form packets for Adoptions

Below are pdf packets that contain all the forms required for specific adoption practices. Click to download.

Individual Forms for Adoption

The following are a collection of the individual forms one may need for all adoption case types.

Form # Description
18.0 Petition for Adoption of Minor Download
18.1 Judgment Entry Setting Hearing and Ordering Adoption Download
18.2 Notice of Hearing on Petition for Adoption Download
18.3 Consent to Adoption Download
18.4 Judgment Entry Finding Consent Not Required Download
18.5 Interlocutory Order of Adoption Download
18.6 Final Decree of Adoption (After Interlocutory Order) Download
18.7 Final Decree of Adoption (Without Interlocutory Order) Download
18.8 Adoption Certificate for Parents Download
18.81 Certificate Of Adoption Download
18.83 Certificate of Registration (Surrogate) Download
18.9 Petitioner's Account Download
19.0 Petition for Adoption of Adult Download
19.01 Judgment Entry Setting Hearing Download
19.1 Final Order of Adoption of Adult Download
19.2 Petition To Recognize Foreign Adoption Download
19.3 Order For Ohio Birth Record For Foreign Born Child Download
110.62 Application for Payment of Unclaimed Funds Download
110.63 Entry Ordering Payment Of Unclaimed Funds Download
118.01 Entry Continuing Adoption Hearing In Progress Download
118.02 Statement as to Delivery of Social and Medical History Download
118.03 Entry Setting Hearing On Readoption Download
118.10 Affidavit Download
118.20 Pre-Placement Application Download
118.21 Entry On Pre-Placement Application Download
118.22 Affidavit Regarding Birth Father Download
118.30 Application For Approval Of Placement Download
118.31 Entry Approving Placement Download
118.32 Hospital Release Download
118.50 Application For Registration of Foreign Birth Record Download
118.53 Order Granting Registration of Foreign Birth Record Download
118.70 Decision Of Magistrate Download
118.72 Entry Ordering Notice By Publication Download
118.76 Entry Ordering Certificate Adoption to be Release to Ohio Download
118.80 Statement Of Adopted Person Download
118.88 Adoption Release and Confidentiality Waiver Download
200.10 Affidavit In Proof of Service Download
200.13 Subpoena Download
200.30 Application and Order to Prepare Transcript Download
200.31 Request For Digital Audio Copy of Hearing on CD Download
200.34 Application To Appoint Interpreter Download
200.35 Entry Appointing Official Court Interpreter Download
200.37 Entry Ordering Payment of Official Court Interpreter Fees Download
200.75 Entry Referring Case to Mediation Download
200.95 Fax Filing Cover Sheet Download
202.00 Entry Setting Hearing (Before Magistrate) Download
203.00 Entry Download
203.10 Application Requesting Permission To Broadcast, Televise, Photograph, Record Courtroom Proceedings Download
230.00 Entry Continuing Hearing Download
230.01 Entry Resetting Hearing Download
230.03 List of Exhibits Download

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions can arise while you are looking for the content that you need. The following are common questions that have often been posed to our office.

Who must consent?

The parents of the child to be adopted, a minor being adopted who is over the age of 12 years, and an adult adoptee must consent to adoption. However, under certain circumstances, consent may be waived. Therefore, questions concerning consent should be directed to an agency or attorney.

Where Should I File for Adoption?

Since the Probate Court has exclusive jurisdiction over adoptions, you are required to file in the Probate Court of the county where any one of the following applies:

  1. The agency having custody of the child is located.
  2. The child was born.
  3. The person or persons seeking to adopt reside.
  4. The person seeking to adopt is stationed in military service.
  5. In an independent placement: where the natural parent resides.

Is a Home Study Necessary?

A home study is required with the exception of an Adult Adoption. An individual known as an assessor, who is qualified and trained for the task, will complete the home study.  A list of agencies conducting home studies can be found above.

Must I Have an Attorney?

Yes, on independent or agency adoptions. Step-Parent, Grandparent, and Readoptions may proceed pro se.

Must I Appear in Court?

Yes. It is mandatory, whether adopting through an agency, or independently, that the person adopting and the child or children sought to be adopted appear before the Probate Court for the final hearing. In certain circumstances, there may be other appearances required. Any exceptions can only be granted by the Court for good cause shown.