Consent to Adoption
State-Specific Search Results

Ohio

Who May Adopt

Statute:
§ 3107.06
The mother.
The father if he was married to the mother at the time of conception, is the adoptive father, or has established paternity.

The putative father.

Any agency or person having permanent custody.

The court having jurisdiction to determine custody.


Age When Consent of Adoptee is Considered or Required

Statute:
§ 3107.06
A child 12 years or older must consent, unless it is in the child's best interest to waive the requirement.


When Parental Consent is not Needed

Statute:
§ 3107.07
The parent fails to contact or provide for the child for 1 year.
The putative father is not the actual father or has abandoned the child before or after birth.

The parent relinquishes or has parental rights terminated.

Legal guardian or guardian ad litem of a parent declared incompetent.

A guardian or custodian withholds consent unreasonably.

A parent or guardian is in a foreign country and child is released for adoption pursuant to laws in that country.

Spouse of minor, if consent unreasonably withheld.


When Consent Can Be Executed

Statute:
§ 3107.08(A)
Consent cannot be executed until at least 72 hours after the child's birth.


How Consent Must Be Executed

Statute:
§ 3107.08
By the adoptee in the presence of the court.
By an agency, before an authorized person.

By another person or parent except the minor, before the court or an authorized person.

By court order.


Revocation of Consent

Statute:
§ 3107.084
A consent is irrevocable except if consent is withdrawn prior to the:
Interlocutory order.
Entry of the final decree when no other order has been entered after a hearing that finds withdrawal is in the best interest of the adoptee.