RELEASE OF ADOPTION INFORMATION THE HONORABLE DAVID E. WOESSNER WOOD COUNTY PROBATE COURT ONE COURTHOUSE SQUARE BOWLING GREEN, OHIO 43402 (419) 354-9230 HOW TO REQUEST INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTS FROM AN ADOPTION FILE Due to the confidential nature of adoption information; the Probate Court may limit the release of information or documents contained in an adoption file to conform with Ohio law. The Ohio Revised Code provides that adopted persons or the parents of an adopted minor may request information contained in the adoption file of the Wood County Probate Court. All releases of information are subject to Court approval and judicial discretion. Generally, you must file the request in person unless otherwise authorized by the Court. The request must be on the forms provided by the Clerks Office. Upon filing the request you must present two forms of identification. One form of identification must be a state issued photo identification card. Depending on the form requested – the fees range from $7.00 to $25.00. The forms indicate the exact amount of the filing fee. HOW TO REQUEST ADOPTION DOCUMENTS OR INFORMATION Who can request information or documents from the adoption file? Adopted Person OR Parent of adopted person if the adopted person is under the age of: 21 for identifying information 18 for social & medical and non-identifying Where do you file the request for release of documents or information from the adoption file? In the County where you reside OR In the County were the adoption was finalized What do you need to file to have the documents or information released? The Clerk of the Probate Court will provide you with the appropriate forms to file. (Please come prepared with the date the adoption was finalized or the date of the final hearing.) What information or documents may you request from the adoption file? American LegalNet, Inc. www.USCourtForms.com The release of both identifying and non-identifying information is governed by the statutes stated in the information section of this document. The release of information depends on the year your adoption was finalized. In addition, the Judge always retains the discretion to refuse the release of information if it does not comply with Ohio law. If your adoption was finalized prior to January 1, 1964: You can request release of identifying information from the Ohio Department of Health or you can file the Petition for Release of Adoption Information – Form 40.0. You can request a copy of the final decree and adoption certificate or social and medical history from this Court by filing Form AR38. If your adoption was finalized after January 1, 1964 and prior to September 17, 1996: You can request identifying information by filing the Petition for Release of Information with this Court. You can request a copy of the final decree and adoption certificate or the social and medical history from this Court by filing Form AR41. If your adoption was finalized after September 17, 1996: You can request identifying information from the Department of Health. You can request final decree and adoption certificate, non-identifying information, or the social and medical history from this Court by filing Form AR45. You must present the Forms in person with two forms of identification. One form must be a state issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license. REQUEST MADE OTHER THAN IN PERSON You must file form AR17AB in addition to the appropriate form – either AR38, AR41, AR45 for the information request. The Court retains the right to refuse any request that is not in person or does not state a sufficient reason for the request to be provided other than in person. IF YOU WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: You can find the laws applicable to the release of information contained in an adoption file under these Ohio Revised Code Sections: R.C. 3107.17 R.C. 3107.66 R.C. 3107.41 R.C. 3107.38 R.C. 3107.45 American LegalNet, Inc. www.USCourtForms.com Other information may be obtained from the Ohio Department of Health website at: http://www.odh.ohio.gov/index.asp. (614) 466-4784 If you have questions please contact the Court at (419) 354-9230. American LegalNet, Inc. www.USCourtForms.com