The court recommends that a person (“petitioner”), who seeks to adopt a minor, obtain an attorney to assist with the adoption process. However, the law now permits certain petitioners (i.e., stepparent, grandparent, adult sibling, legal custodian, and guardian) to proceed with an adoption without an attorney or an agency. In that case, if the petitioner decides to proceed without an attorney, then the court highly recommends that the petitioner obtain assistance from the court’s Help Center before proceeding.

Adoption of a Minor

18.0 – Petition for Adoption of Minor (Rev 3-20-25)
18.2 – Notice of Hearing on Petition for Adoption (3-20-25)
18.3 – Consent to Adoption
GCPF 4.53 – ICWA Affidavit
HEA 2757 – Certificate of Adoption
User Guide – Completing an Ohio SACWIS Alleged Perpetrator Search (OSAPS) as an Individual

Adoption of an Adult

Checklist – Adult Adoption
19.0 – Petition for Adult Adoption (3-20-25)
18.3 – Consent to Adoption
HEA 2757 – Certificate of Adoption