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Defiance, OH 43512

Adoptions and guardianship

Adoptions

Ohio law requires a child to be in a petitioner’s home for at least six months prior to an adoption being finalized. A person may adopt a child with the consent of the biological mother and father, or without biological parents’ consent when the parents’ legal rights have been legally terminated, or when the parents have failed to contact or support the child for the one year immediately preceding the filing of the adoption petition. Ohio law recognizes “open” adoptions.

Guardianships

Any suitable person may serve as Guardian over a minor or incompetent adult. The Guardian may have authority over the Ward’s person, the Ward’s estate (property), or both. Ohio law requires that the Guardian be a suitable person and an Ohio resident (when the Ward also is a resident of Ohio). The Probate Court will oversee the Guardianship, serving as the Superior Guardian of the Ward.