In Re Adoption of Doe

Farmer, Judge.

Jane Doe was born on July 28, 1990. Jane Doe’s biological mother and appellant, the biological mother’s lesbian partner, have been together since 1981.

On October 16, 1996, appellant filed a complaint for declaratory judgment seeking to adopt Jane Doe while continuing the parental rights of the biological mother. After extensive briefing, the trial court found appellant to be a suitable person to adopt under R.C. 3107.03, but denied the requested relief because the biological mother could not retain her parental rights if appellant or appellant and the biological mother together…