(A) Except for an adoption by a stepparent, a grandparent, adult sibling, a legal custodian, or a guardian, a person seeking to adopt a minor shall utilize an agency or attorney to arrange the adoption. Only an agency or attorney may arrange an adoption. An attorney may not represent with regard to the adoption both the person seeking to adopt and the parent placing a child for adoption. As used in this chapter, "grandparent," "adult sibling," "legal custodian," and "guardian" include that individual's spouse when a joint adoption is pending.
Any person may informally aid or promote an adoption by making a person seeking to adopt a minor aware of a minor who will be or is available for adoption.
(B) A person seeking to adopt a minor who knowingly makes a false statement that is included in an application submitted to an agency or attorney to obtain services of that agency or attorney in arranging an adoption is guilty of the offense of falsification under section 2921.13 of the Revised Code.
Last updated February 4, 2025 at 10:53 AM