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How to Adopt a Baby in Ohio [Complete Guide]

Starting the journey to adopt a baby in Ohio is a life-changing decision.

You might be dreaming about the moment you hold your child for the first time. At the same time, you might be feeling uncertain about the journey ahead. Many hopeful families begin right where you are, searching for clear guidance and a trusted partner.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to adopt a baby in Ohio. You’ll learn about requirements, costs, timelines and more. When you’re ready, you can contact us for more free information.

How to Adopt a Baby in Ohio: 5 Steps to Parenthood

Becoming a parent through adoption is possible, and American Adoptions is here to guide you every step of the way.

"We had such a long road, and we were so used to getting bad news, that we were gearing ourselves for that. But allow yourself to have some hope, because sometimes these opportunities can be just as fast and work out absolutely amazing."

- Adoptive Parent Mike,
 Read More of Mike and Misty's Story

Here are the five key steps to adopting a baby in Ohio:

Step 1. Contact an Adoption Agency

Choosing the right adoption agency is the first and potentially most important step. A fully licensed agency like American Adoptions can offer you the protections, resources and guidance you need. Our specialists will walk you through your first questions through finalization. Contact us today to start your journey.

Step 2. Become an Active Family

Here's what you need to do to become an active family:

  • Fill out your Adoption Planning Questionnaire. This helps us understand your preferences and the adoption situations you're open to.

  • Complete your adoption home study. A social worker will perform background checks, collect documents, inspect your home and schedule interviews to ensure you are ready to adopt.

  • Create your family profile. Your profile will include photos, letters and a video to show to expectant parents.

Step 3. Be Chosen by a Prospective Birth Mother

In private domestic adoption, the expectant parent is the one who chooses the adoptive family. If she wants an open or semi-open adoption, you can build a relationship through calls, texts, meetings, etc. This connection can also continue after placement, benefiting everyone involved.

Step 4. Meet Your Baby

As the due date approaches, you’ll receive updates to prepare for the hospital experience. Depending on the expectant mother’s wishes, you may be invited to be there for the birth or meet your child shortly after delivery. Our team will make sure everyone feels supported during this time.

Step 5. Finalize the Adoption

After the post-placement requirements are complete, a judge will issue the final decree of adoption. Finalizations marks the day your baby becomes a legal member of your family.

Who Can Adopt a Baby in Ohio?

Setting certain qualifications helps ensure successful placements. At American Adoptions, prospective adoptive families must:

  • Be married for at least two years.

  • Be between 25 and 50 years old.

  • Have no more than two children already living in the home.

Learn more about Ohio’s adoption requirements.

How American Adoptions Supports You: Why Families Trust Us

Choosing the right adoption agency matters. With American Adoptions, you gain the peace of mind that comes with decades of experience and a history of over 13,000 successful adoptions.

  • A licensed adoption professional

    Unlike unlicensed organizations that may overpromise and under deliver, American Adoptions is independently reviewed, follows all state laws and upholds the highest standards of practice.

  • Honest wait times

    American Adoptions utilizes a wide-reaching marketing strategy to connect adoptive families with prospective birth mothers nationwide, reducing wait times. 

  • Financial protection

    In the event of an adoption disruption, the money you put into your adoption will be refunded back to you to use how you deem fit, rather than rolled over into future adoption journeys.

Understanding Adoption Costs in Ohio

You might be asking yourself, "How much does it cost to adopt a baby?" Common adoption expenses include:

  • Agency fees

  • Medical expenses for the expectant mother and child

  • Expectant parent living expenses (learn more)

  • Legal fees

  • Advertising and outreach costs

We provide a detailed cost estimate upfront and protect your investment with our Risk-Sharing Program. If your adoption doesn’t go as planned, we refund your post-activation fees.

Worried About Affording Adoption? You Have Options

Adoption is a financial commitment, but there are many ways to make it achievable. We help families explore adoption financing options like:

  • Grants

  • Low-interest loans

  • Fundraisers

  • The federal adoption tax credit

  • And more

If you're not sure how to afford adoption, know that we’ll work with you to find the right resources.

How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Baby in Ohio?

Adoption timelines vary, but American Adoptions' national reach gives you more opportunities to be chosen sooner. Our wait time is average of 12 months.

Because American Adoptions invests heavily in nationwide advertising, your profile reaches more prospective birth parents, leading to significantly shorter wait times than low-marketing agencies.

Unlicensed adoption professionals aren’t monitored by any governing body and can mislead families about wait times and costs. American Adoptions is fully licensed, which means you receive transparent service.

Local adoption opportunities fluctuate, but national agencies have broader reach and data to provide more accurate and consistent wait time estimates. 

Why It’s So Important to Complete Your Home Study Early

Your adoption home study is one of the first and most crucial steps. It involves background checks, gathering important documents, home visits and interviews with each member of your household.

Completing this step early ensures you're ready to move forward once chosen by an expectant parent. If you need a provider, we can connect you with trusted options.

Find a home study professional in Ohio.

When Is Adoption Finalized in Ohio?

In Ohio, adoption is finalized about six months after placement, once all post-placement visits and legal steps are completed. These visits are essential to ensure the well-being of the child and help the court verify that the adoption process has proceeded smoothly.

Learn more about Ohio’s adoption finalization process.

Other Adoption Laws in Ohio

When adopting a baby in Ohio, there are a few important laws to understand:

  • Adoption Training: As part of the home study process, adoptive parents must complete training. This covers a variety of essential topics, including the legal rights and responsibilities of adoptive parents, the effects of placement and attachment on children, caregiving strategies and behavior management techniques.

  • Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA): The ICWA is a federal law designed to protect the rights of Native American children in adoption cases. It requires that tribes are notified and involved in the adoption process when a Native American child is being placed for adoption.

  • Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC): The ICPC is an agreement between all 50 states that ensures the legal and safe placement of children across state lines.

  • Post-Adoption Contact Agreements: These agreements provide a framework for communication and maintaining a relationship between the adoptive and birth families. However, they are not legally enforceable in Ohio.

Find more about Ohio’s adoption laws.

Adoption Attorneys Near Me

Adoption attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring your adoption process meets all legal requirements.

These trusted professionals are part of our network and members of the American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Attorneys (AAAA).

  • The Family Law & Fertility Law Group (Cincinnati): Ellen Essig (practicing since 1986) and Rachel Loftspring (practicing since 2008) specialize in adoption law and fertility services.

  • Law Office of Beverly J. Cox (Toledo): Beverly Cox has been helping clients worldwide since 2007 to create and expand their families.

  • Hamilton Law Office (Columbus): Andrew Patrick Hamilton, a family attorney, offers personalized services to guide you through the adoption process.

  • Hunt & Johnson LLC (Lima): Jerry Johnson focuses primarily on adoption law and serves clients across Ohio.

  • Law Office of Susan Garner Eisenman (Columbus): Susan Eisenman has been actively involved in the area of adoption for over 45 years.

These attorneys are here to ensure the legal success of your adoption process. If you need legal assistance, you can contact one of these trusted professionals.

Different Types of Adoption in Ohio and How They Compare to Private Adoption

Families in Ohio can choose between private domestic, foster care, and international adoptions. Each option differs in terms of goals, timelines, and experiences. The table below shows how these different types of adoption compare:

Private DomesticFoster CareInternational
Permanent placementReunification if possiblePlacement of a child from another country
Newborn0-18 years oldVaries
average of 12 monthsUp to 5 years1-5 years
Agency-assistedState-runInternational laws; agency-assisted

FAQ About Adopting a Baby in Ohio

Can birth mothers change their mind in Ohio?

Yes. Before an adoption decree is issued, the birth mother can withdraw consent if the court holds a hearing and finds that it is in the child’s best interests.

Is there an adoption tax credit in Ohio?

No. Ohio repealed its state adoption tax credit. However, families can still claim the federal adoption tax credit.

Is it hard for a gay couple to adopt a baby?

No. American Adoptions proudly supports LGBTQ+ families. Learn more about our inclusive program.

Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in Ohio?

Yes. After finalization, a new birth certificate is issued with the adoptive parents’ names, typically within two to three weeks.

Are open adoptions legally enforceable in Ohio?

No. While post-adoption contact agreements are not legally enforceable, American Adoptions encourages open adoptions and asks families to agree to photo and letter updates and a visit within the first five years of the child’s life.

Don’t Wait Any Longer — Adopt a Baby in Ohio Today

Adoption can bring you the family you’ve always dreamed of. With American Adoptions, you have the resources, experience, and support to make it happen. Fill out our free information form today to start your journey.

Our Offices in Ohio

Our team is ready to serve you at our Ohio office locations:

Cleveland

600 Superior Ave., Suite 1300

Cleveland, OH 44114

Columbus

20 S. 3rd St., Suite 210

Columbus, OH 42315

Contact us today to begin your adoption journey.

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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.

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