In re Adoption of D.W.D.-H.

Citations

• 2023 Ohio 1999

Syllabus

The trial court erred in finding that a biological father's consent to adoption was required. The trial court's determination that the biological father had justifiable cause for failing to provide maintenance and support for his child was against the manifest weight of the evidence. The petitioner-stepfather met his burden to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the biological father had failed, without justifiable cause, to provide maintenance and support for his child for at least one year immediately preceding the adoption petition. Judgment reversed and remanded for the trial court to determine whether adoption is in the child's best interest.