Ohio

Adoption in Ohio

If you live in Ohio and are pregnant and considering adoption, please visit our For Birthmothers page for more information on how the adoption process works.

For Adoptive Families

Below is some brief information about laws that dictate adoptions done in Ohio, as well as a list of Home Study Providers that operate in the state of Ohio, which will guide you in taking your first steps in the adoption journey. If you are an adoptive family that is just beginning your adoption journey, take the time to visit our ADOPTIVE FAMILY PAGE to gain some more insight into how adoption works.

Ohio Adoption Law

When it comes to laws that guide Ohio adoption, trying to find a brief and easily understood answer can be discouraging. Attempting to interpret what a distinct adoption law means can be mind-boggling. Because we get this, you can find a concise summary of a few of the most common Ohio adoption laws below. NOTE: Under no circumstances should this information be used as complete and total legal advice or applicable to your specific adoption. It is intended only to be a reference and not a complete list.

Consent to Adopt

The birth mother and birth father can sign consent anytime 72 hours after the birth. The signing of consent must be witnessed by a Social Worker or Attorney. Consent is irrevocable at signing without a court hearing. The state does have a birth father registry.

Birthmother Living Expenses

Birthmother living expenses are allowed to be paid with no specified maximum. Up to 30 days postpartum expenses may be allowable. The state requires that all birthmother living expenses must be disbursed by a licensed child-placing agency.

Adoption Finalization

Finalization may occur 6-12 months from the date consent to adopt is irrevocable. The state does allow non-residents to finalize in the state of Ohio. State statutes do allow finalization to take place in another state.

Ohio Home Study Providers

A Home Study is the first step in the Ohio adoption process. This is completed to establish that you would be qualified parents to any future adopted child, and may be performed by the Ohio Department of Human Resources, a licensed adoption agency, or an individual or agency licensed by the department.

Through the various adoptions Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions has completed, we have built a national database of Home Study Providers. These are individuals that have proven to be qualified professionals in their field, and they provide the most complete home studies within their state.

This list is provided to you as a service in the interest of positive adoptions. It is important to note, all individuals and agencies showed are independent and do not represent Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions in any way. Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions does not receive any fee or portion of the home study provider’s fee for making their contact information available to you.