|
In Ohio, the biological father must consent to the adoption if the child was born when he was married to the child's mother, if he has established paternity, or if he is considered a putative father [meaning that he is and has been accepted as the child's father]. If any of the above apply, then the father has to consent to the adoption.
His consent is NOT needed if he has failed to contact the child within the last year, or if he failed to register as a putative father within 30 days of his son's birth. Also, his consent is not needed if he has relinquished or terminated his parental rights.
If he is willing to terminate parental rights, then he'd have to sign legal documents and possibly appear in court and make a statement, and, if he does all of that, the child could be adopted by you.
In OH, you would be eligible to adopt IF you hire an agency and/or attorney and consent to the laws placed forth by the courts. There is an application fee and you may have to go through a homestudy as well, even if the child has lived with you for several years and is also living with his biological mother.
I'd start by contacting the office of social services in your county and inquire about the adoption process. You'll need an attorney as well.
Good luck!
__________________
If we cannot find happiness within ourselves, it does not make much sense to look outwards - Anonymous
PEACE: it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart - Unknown
Never, never, never, never give up - Winston Churchill
Baby girl born 7/25/1984 in Upstate NY.
|