In re Adoption of T.M.Z.

Citations

• 2025 Ohio 5000

Syllabus

CONTESTED ADOPTION; R.C. 3107.01(A); NO CONTACT WITH MINOR; JUSTIFIABLE CAUSE; MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE; R.C. 3107.161(B); BEST-INTEREST DETERMINATION; ABUSE OF DISCRETION; ADMISSION OF EVIDENCE; R.C. 3107.031; HOME STUDY. The record does not contain credible evidence that the biological mother intentionally concealed the minor child's whereabouts. Therefore, the trial court's determination that the biological father-appellant was without justifiable cause for his failure to have contact with the child during the one-year period immediately preceding the filing of the adoption petition is not against the manifest weight of the evidence. The record reflects that the trial court considered the factors set forth in R.C. 3107.161(B) in making its best-interest determination. Thus, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in granting the petitioner-stepfather's adoption petition. The trial court appointed an assessor to conduct a home study of the petitioner-stepfather's home. The purpose of a home study is to ascertain whether a person seeking to adopt a minor is suitable to adopt. The trial court did not abuse its discretion by admitting the assessor's report filed in compliance with R.C. 3107.031.