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New Albany, OH 614-721-7726
Toll Free   888-641-0805

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Ohio adoptees may gain access to original adoption files

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Many adoptees desire to know the original circumstances of their birth and have the ability to follow the thread of information that leads them to their original birth parents. A bill moving through the Ohio legislature may enable them to do just that.

Presented as a bill based in fairness and equity, the proposed legislation’s arguments center around the premise that if a non-adoptee can get his or her birth certificate just by asking for it, adoptees should be legally allowed to do so as well. This is not just for the purposes of finding lost parents; birth certificates may be important for health reasons as well.

Those who are adopted and looking to obtain their birth certificates might want to consult with an Ohio family lawyer for assistance along the journey.

About the bill

As it currently stands, Ohio adoptees born between 1964 and 1996 can’t access their birth certificates or adoption files upon request. The bill, referred to as HB 61, would change that. According to Adoption Equity Ohio, the bill passed unanimously through its committee, and passed a vote of the full House as well. A companion bill was awaiting a vote by the Senate as of mid-May 2013, and if both are passed, the legislation will go to the Governor’s desk, where it will likely be signed.

The language of HB 61 clarifies several inconsistent rules regarding the dissemination of birth certificates and adoption information to adoptees. Under the proposed law, adoptees in Ohio would have access to their original adoption files after reaching age 18. In addition, birth parents of children put up for adoption would be given the option to provide family health information that would be released upon request to birth children. Getting easier access to family medical records would go a long way toward helping adoptees with medical needs.

Why is the bill needed?

Over the years, changes to Ohio’s adoption laws have resulted in adoptees born before 1964 and after 1996 having greater access to birth records and, therefore, their family medical histories. The purpose of HB 61 is to reform adoptee rights as a whole, so that any adoptee has access to his or her original birth certificate.

If you are planning to adopt, if you’re considering putting a child up for adoption or if you’re an adoptee yourself, an experienced family law attorney can help you address any adoption-related issues that might be troubling you.

Amy M. Levine
View Profile

Our Latest Blog Posts

Creating a strong co-parenting relationship during a divorce

Experiencing a divorce can be challenging and emotionally exhausting for any couple, especially as parents. In spite of the emotional turmoil, it is crucial for parents to maintain a healthy relationship for the sake of their children. This is where the concept of...

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Navigating a shared custody plan with a co-parent who struggles with substance abuse poses unique challenges. For example, how do you respond when they arrive to pick up the children for their parenting time but you can tell that they have been drinking? There are...

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Now that spring has arrived, planning for a fun summer vacation starts. If you have shared custody of your children, planning ahead holds even more importance. To help your children have a positive memorable summer, consider these three tips. 1. Check your parenting...

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Divorce can be a scary prospect for Ohio residents. However, preparation can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that come with it. Taking the right steps in preparing for divorce will get you through this difficult time. Understanding the law The first...

Visit Our Blog

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