Step-Parent Adoption Laws in Ohio

Step-parent adoption strengthens a family bond.

Ohio is home to many blended families, and Ohio law makes the process of step-parent adoption fairly simple. Step-parent adoption in Ohio grants a step-parent the same legal rights as a biological parent.

Significance

Ohio step-parent adoption creates a legal parental bond between the step-parent and the adopted child. The adoption process also terminates the rights of the biological parent who is not married to the step-parent, according to the Ohio Bar Association website. Step-parent adoption is permanent and remains in effect in the case of divorce, making the step-parent eligible for custody, visitation and child support.

Requirements

To complete a step-parent adoption, a petition must be filed with the court where the parent or child lives. Each county in Ohio has its own petition requirements, including information on the reason for adoption and other basic information, notes the Ohio Bar Association website. In most cases, the parent who is giving up parental rights must sign the petition and consent to the adoption before it is completed.

Considerations

Completing a step-parent adoption allows the child to take a step-parent's last name and results in a new birth certificate being issued with the step-parent listed as the child's natural parent, according to the Ohio Bar Association website. In addition, all rights of the other parent are terminated, including rights to visitation, support and inheritance.

References

• Ohio Bar Association: Law You Can Use