In Ohio, a spouse can petition for adoption through their local probate court after being married to one of the child's biological parents for at least one year. The spouse must provide proof of marriage by presenting an original or copy of a license to marry issued by any jurisdiction that is recognized by the laws of this state. The license must not have been revoked or suspended. The petitioner must also provide evidence of identity and residence. They can do this by providing an ID card with their name and address on it. The petitioner cannot be an anonymous donor- neither married nor unmarried-and they cannot be a relative of the child. If the petitioner does not meet these requirements, they will not be permitted to proceed with the adoption. Once this has been done, the probate court will conduct a hearing to determine whether the petitioner is entitled to the custody of the child. At the hearing, the court will consider reports from social workers about the child's needs and whether there are any relatives who would be better suited to raise the child. The court may also require the parties to submit to psychological evaluations before ruling on the case. If the court grants the petition, it will issue a decree of adoption. This document makes the adoptive parent the legal parent of the child and gives them all of the rights and responsibilities of other parents.