[Sofia]

Does someone know if it's true that a new law was passed in 1996 in Ohio that allows adoptees access to their original birth certificates? My husband was born on October 10, 1956 at St. Ann's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He was put up for adoption through Catholic Services. This is our first stop on our journey to find his birth parents. We would appreciate any tips on how to go about doing our research. Thank you.

Sofia

[Stacy]

I do believe that if you were adopted before 1964 in Ohio you can have access to your original birth certificate. You have to go to the probate court that he was adopted through and petition the court for his file. The cost is $50.00. There is an Ohio adoption website that tells you the specifics on the laws and years. I believe it is ohioadoptions.com or just look up ohio adoption laws on your web browser.

Good Luck,
Stacy

[Sofia]

Thank you Stacy.

Sofia

[Angelwings2002]

Section 3107.38 of the Ohio Revised Code provides that an adopted person whose birth occurred in this state and whose adoption was decreed prior to January 1, 1964, may request in writing (notarized affidavit form) and two items of identification attached to the request, may receive copies of the contents of their adoption file.
You must fill out and submit an Affidavit of Adopted persons form wich can be obtained from http:// www.ohioadoptee.com. The charge is $25.00. Send the Affidavit to:
Ohio Department of Health
Vital Statistics
35 East Chestnut Street
P.O.Box # 15098
Columbus,Ohio 43215-0098
My brother did this and got his OBC and some other things pertaining to his adoption. It doesnt take long to get the things back either...I think all of a week for him.
Good Luck with your search.....

[Sofia]

Thank you very much for the information Angelwings. That was exactly the kind of information we need at this stage.
Perfect!

[Lindy]

The law that allows pre-1964 adoptees full record access and their original birth certificates will afford that same opportunity to post-March 21, 1997 adoptees upon their 21st birthdays.

Those of us in the 1964-1997 window are entitled (?) to only non-identifying information and NO original birth certificate.

Petition the court for your non-identifying information, mine was done by a seemingly sympathetic caseworker who gave really good clues...good enough that I tracked Ohio records from my home in Florida and found my birthmother in May, 2002.

Also, check the state birth index, the adopted kids are easy to spot, the names read "Baby Girl -original last name here-" that's true for those with amended birth certificates too, I am listed once as Baby Girl Wise, a second time under my adopted name.