A Guide to Ohio Adoption Laws

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and living in Ohio, you may be considering adoption. Adoption is a positive and loving choice, but also can be challenging to navigate alone. What are the Ohio private adoption laws, and how will they impact your adoption journey? A reputable adoption agency can help guide you.

Before diving into the specific adoption laws in Ohio, there are a few things you – as an expectant/birth mother – should know: Adoption laws vary by state. Understanding these state-specific laws can be tricky. The good news is, we can help.

As a private, non-profit, national adoption agency, Adoptions With Love works with expectant/birth mothers in every state. We have been helping expectant parents like you since 1986, and are dedicated to making the adoption journey as easy as possible. We offer expectant/birth parents free legal services to make sure the adoption process is seamless. Our adoption attorneys in Ohio are familiar with Ohio’s private adoption laws. They can keep you informed of your rights and answer any questions you may have about adoption.

This guide is not intended to be considered legal advice. The following information will give you an overview of the adoption laws in Ohio that you need to know.

Who Can Adopt in Ohio?

According to Ohio adoption laws, any adult can pursue adoption if they meet the home study and their adoption professional requirements. The Home Study is a several month-long process that includes background checks, multiple home visits and interviews, and the examination of medical, professional, and financial records. This ensures that your child is going to a home that is safe, stable, and healthy.

Most adoption agencies have their own set of requirements, such as age and living standards. Contact your adoption agency to learn more about their requirements.

At Adoptions With Love, all hopeful adoptive parents agree to a semi-open or open adoption. This means there is ongoing communication between birth and adoptive parents. Open adoption offers many benefits for all involved in the adoption, including birth mothers. Many take comfort in the fact that they will not have to say “goodbye forever” to their child. Open adoption keeps the door open for communication – and in-person reunions – in the future.

Who Can Be Adopted in Ohio?

Anyone underage – and some adults – may be adopted in the State of Ohio. Children ages 12 and older must consent to the adoption.

According to Ohio private adoption laws, a child is only eligible for adoption once their birth parents have signed their consent to terminate parental rights. This paperwork must be signed in front of a lawyer or licensed notary. In Ohio, a birth mother can only sign the consent forms a minimum of 72 hours (about 3 days) after the baby is born.

This gives you time to get to know your baby and make sure you are confident in your decision. At Adoptions With Love, we encourage birth mothers to take all the time they need before making their decision. It is never too late to make an adoption plan. An adoption attorney can meet you wherever you are – at the hospital, or at home – when you decide you are ready to sign consent forms for adoption.

What About Ohio’s Laws Related to Birth Parent Expenses?

Pregnancy is an overwhelming, life-changing experience. It can also be costly. You may need to take extra time out of work, buy maternity clothes, and change your diet. When a pregnant person chooses adoption in Ohio, she is eligible for assistance for certain expenses.

While certain services and expenses may be covered by an adoption agency, it is not okay for expectant/birth mothers to receive cash or checks for their adoption. Any type of payment, such as money, gifts or favors, in exchange for placing a child for adoption is illegal in Ohio.

The compensated services, however, can make a world of difference. They can help alleviate the financial burden that an unplanned pregnancy can bring.

The State of Ohio regulates birth parent expenses. The following are considered permissible birth parent expenses related to adoption planning:

• Counseling services
• Legal services
• Living expenses, as needed
• Medical coverage

Adoptions With Love covers these expenses – and more – for expectant/birth parents who choose adoption.

Learn More About Ohio Adoption

Adoption can be a complicated process, which is why it is so important to have an experienced, reputable adoption agency by your side. Whether you just learned of your pregnancy, or you have already given birth, you can get more information to make an informed decision regarding your future.

Adoptions With Love can answer any questions you may have about Ohio private adoption or the state’s laws – no strings attached. We can help guide you and give you the information you need, free of obligation. There are never any fees for expectant/birth mothers who choose to place their child for adoption.

Contact Adoptions With Love today to feel empowered in this pregnancy as you consider adoption in Ohio. Call us any time you need assistance at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.