Q: Would I be able to adopt my step child without having the biological parents consent?
If a biological parent has supervised visits 1 Saturday a month for 2 hours, 24 hours total in a year. They do not have any other contact with the child. Would that qualify as de minimus contact
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (702) 463-4900
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
In Ohio, pursuing the adoption of a stepchild without the consent of the biological parent can be legally complex. The ability to proceed without consent usually hinges on specific circumstances such as the termination of the biological parent's rights. The term "de minimis contact" pertains to minimal interaction between a parent and child.
For stepchild adoption absent the biological parent's consent, the court typically requires grounds for termination, such as abandonment or neglect. Mere limited contact might not suffice for rights termination. The court's paramount concern is the child's best interests, along with evaluating the biological parent's fulfillment of parental duties.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
