OTHER DUTIES
Adoptions
A husband and wife, or a step-parent, and even a single adult
may adopt. Persons who may be adopted include: a minor child;
a person determined to be totally and permanently disabled; and
certain adults.
Adoptions may be
accomplished either through private placement or through a licensed
adoption agency. Regardless of the type of adoption, a home study
is required to insure the suitability of the prospective adoptive
home.
Persons wishing to adopt must appear in Probate Court for
a final hearing. A new birth certificate is issued upon adoption,
and the original birth certificate is sealed. Adoption records
remain closed, including the identity of the biological parents.
With proper releases, however, certain information may be disclosed to the adopted person.
Correction Of Birth Record
If a birth record has not been recorded, or has been lost
or destroyed, or has not been properly and accurately recorded,
the Probate Court, upon application, may cause the record of
birth to be recorded or corrected. The application needs to be
supported by affidavit and other proof, as may be required.
Name Change
Upon application and for good cause shown, a person may change
their name. The Court hears name changes for both adults and minors. Where minors are involved, the
consent of both parents to the name change should be filed at the time of application.
The person seeking the name change must be a resident of Lorain County for at least
one year prior to filing the application. All name changes are set for hearing and
publication is required in all cases.
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