Bringing families together.

In Ohio, the Probate Court has exclusive jurisdiction over adoptions.  Adoption is a proceeding in which a legally recognized relationship is established between a parent and a child who are not related biologically.  Whether an adoption is handled through an agency or handled independently, the person seeking to adopt and the child being adopted must appear before the Probate Court for the final hearing.  Persons who may adopt include a husband and wife, jointly; a step-parent; and a single adult.