Sweeping Changes Made to Ohio’s Adoption Law

In March of 2015, Ohio made changes to the existing adoption law. Some of the changes that have been made are:

• – Advertising is now permitted by certain classifications of adoptive parents
• – The time to register with the putative father registry has been shortened
• – The time to contest an adoption decree has been reduced
• – State of Ohio Adoption Tax Credit has been increased
• – Clarification is made as to what are living expenses and how they should be paid

Birth records unsealed for Hundreds of Thousands of Ohio Adoptees

For 51 years, adoptees adopted between 1961 and 1996 were denied access to their original birth records. Under the new law, adult adoptees can obtain access to some or all of their original birth information by filing the appropriate forms in Columbus.

Federal Adoption Tax Credit

Many working adoptive families have taken advantage of the Federal Adoption Tax Credit or plan to use the credit in future adoptions. Each year the adoption tax credit is in danger of being cut from the federal budget. The amount of the credit can also change from year to year. It is important to get up to date information about the adoption tax credit which applies to your specific adoption.

Marriage Equality Laws

Many changes have occurred in Ohio law. Currently, Ohio law does not allow an unmarried couple to adopt a child. A single person or a married couple can adopt a child. Two same sex partners may adopt a child as long as they are married to each other. Also, both married partners are now allowed to be named on the birth certificate. Various counties in Ohio interpret the laws in different ways, so it is always best to consult with an attorney who is familiar with the interpretation and practices in the county in which you want to adopt or finalize your adoption before you proceed.