You’ve decided that your family is ready to grow through the wonderful gift of adoption. Now it’s time to know the adoption requirements in the state of Ohio. 

• Requirements for married and unmarried couples 

• Age requirements for adoption in Ohio

• Financial, emotional and health requirements

• And more

One of the first orders of business for any family considering adoption in the Buckeye State is to understand the requirements for adoption in Ohio. 

The type of adoption you pursue and the professional you choose to work with will affect the qualifications for adoption that you must meet as a prospective adoptive parent in Ohio. However, there are a number of general Ohio adoption requirements that every adoptive parent must meet in order to become eligible to adopt a child. 

These frequently-asked questions can help you understand some of the requirements for adopting a child in Ohio — and whether or not you meet those adoption qualifications:  

If you’re ready to start the adoption process with our agency, or wanting more information on the adoption in Ohio, call us toll-free today at 1-800-ADOPTION, or visit our online contact forms for prospective birth mothers and prospective adoptive parents. 

Do you have to be married to adopt in Ohio? 

No. Marriage is not one of the requirements to adopt in Ohio according to state law. Unmarried individuals may adopt, and married individuals may adopt without their spouse in several situations. However, most adoption professionals have individual adoption requirements about couples or individuals working with them. For example, American Adoptions requires couples to have been married for at least two years prior to adopting, although exceptions have been made. 

Can same-sex couples adopt in Ohio?    

Yes. Prior to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, a gay or lesbian individual could only adopt singly, but not jointly, as same-sex marriage was not legally recognized at that point in Ohio. Now, same-sex adoption in Ohio is legal for couples, as well. 

Same-sex couples in Ohio are welcome to become parents with American Adoptions. Contact us to learn more. 

How old do you have to be to adopt in Ohio? Is there an adoption age limit? 

Ohio adoption requirements only specify that a prospective adoptive parent must be an “adult.” There are no clear laws regarding a minimum age or adoption age limit for adopting a child in this state. American Adoptions requires adoptive parents to be between 22 and 50 years old, with exceptions being granted. Foster care adoption agencies in Ohio require foster parents to be at least 21 years old. 

Can a felon adopt a child in Ohio? 

All adult members of household will need the clearance of a background check in order to be approved to adopt in Ohio. Your home study professional and the court will assess any criminal offenses and its potential impact on a child placed in your home. 

Prospective adoptive parents in Ohio who’ve been convicted of a felony are reviewed on a case-by-case basis after applying and entering the home study process, so call us to learn more. 

What do I need to adopt a child in Ohio? And how hard is it to adopt a baby? 

As you can see, there are a number of legal adoption requirements in Ohio that all hopeful adoptive parents must meet. But there are also additional requirements to consider before adopting, such as: 

Health Requirements for Adoption 

There’s no need to be in perfect health to adopt. But adoptive parents should be physically and mentally healthy enough to care for a child. Home study requirements for Ohio adoption include the provision of recent medical statements to verify that you’re well enough to provide for a child. 

Financial Requirements for Adoption 

Similarly, there’s no need for great wealth. But being financially stable enough to provide for needs of a child is important. Your home study will require recent financial statements for that reason. 

Emotional Requirements for Adoption 

While more difficult to prove, your emotional readiness to adopt is possibly the most important factor in assessing your eligibility. Emotional requirements for adopting a child in Ohio include: 

• Studying the Ohio adoption process for prospective birth parents, the legal steps involved, the emotional processes and more. 

• Emotionally preparing yourself for the social aspects of adoption, including raising an adopted child that you’re not biologically related to, having a relationship with their birth family and more. 

• You and your spouse understanding and committing to the adoption process. 

• Remaining excited about the adoption process and the journey you’re on to grow your family through an adoption in Ohio. 

Ready to Start Your Private Domestic Adoption? [We’re here to Help]  

Michelle, a birth parent specialist and one of our many adoption professionals with her own adoption story, is ready to answer any questions you have about adoption.   

You can ask Michelle questions about the Ohio adoption process online. You can also call us toll free at 1-800-ADOPTION, or get free information with our online contact form for prospective birth mothers considering adoption here. Adoptive families wanting more information on adopting a child can click here to get more information. 

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.