Recent News

January 8, 2010

New Adoption Forms Mandated

Be advised the Supreme Court of Ohio has issued new adoption forms for the “Petition for Adoption of Minor,” the “Notice of Hearing on Petition for Adoption,” and the “Judgment Entry Finding Consent Not Required.” These new forms are to be used on and after January 1, 2010. The most notable change is including language “to provide more than de minimis contact” in relation to the lack of contact between a parent and a child for “at least one year immediately preceding the filing of the adoption petition or the placement of the minor in the home of the petitioner.”

The Franklin County Probate Court changed its forms in anticipation of the new forms earlier this year, but practitioners should review their forms for compliance. The Court will not accept petitions that do not comply with the new forms as of January 1, 2010. Call the Probate Court, 614/462.3840, for access to the new forms.