Section 3107.14 | Presence of petitioner and adoptee at hearing - continuance - final decree or interlocutory order.
(A) The petitioner and the person sought to be adopted shall appear at the hearing on the petition, unless the presence of either is excused by the court for good cause shown.
(B) The court may continue the hearing from time to time to permit further observation, investigation, or consideration of any facts or circumstances affecting the granting of the petition, and may examine the petitioners separate and apart from each other.
(C) If the court finds that the required consents have been obtained or are not necessary and that the adoption is in the best interest of the person sought to be adopted, it may issue a final decree of adoption or an interlocutory order of adoption that automatically becomes a final decree of adoption on a date specified in the order. Except as provided in division (A)(2) of section 3107.02 of the Revised Code, the final decree shall not be issued less than six months from the date of placement of the person to be adopted in the petitioner's home, unless sooner vacated by the court for good cause shown.
The issuance of a final decree of adoption or an interlocutory order for adoption is subject to division (C)(1) of section 2151.86, section 3107.064, and division (E) of section 3107.09 of the Revised Code, and any other limitations specified in this chapter.
In an interlocutory order of adoption, the court shall provide for observation, investigation, and a further report on the adoptive home during the interlocutory period.
(D) The court shall dismiss the petition and determine whether to certify the case to the juvenile court of the county where the minor is then residing for appropriate action and disposition if it finds any of the following:
(1) The requirements for a decree under division (C) of this section have not been satisfied;
(2) The court vacates an interlocutory order of adoption
(3) A person sought to be adopted was placed in the home of the petitioner in violation of law.
(E) The issuance of a final decree or interlocutory order of adoption for an adult adoption under division (B)(4) of section 3107.02 of the Revised Code shall not disqualify that adult for services under section 2151.82 or 2151.83 of the Revised Code.
Last updated February 4, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Available Versions of this Section
- April 7, 2009 – House Bill 7 - 127th General Assembly [ View April 7, 2009 Version ]
- October 17, 2019 – Amended by House Bill 166 - 133rd General Assembly [ View October 17, 2019 Version ]
- March 20, 2025 – Amended by House Bill 5 - 135th General Assembly [ View March 20, 2025 Version ]