Re-adoption in Ohio... attorney needed?

Hello, We are Americans living in Africa, needing to re-adopt in the US, change name, and get US birth certificate. (Our adopted daughter gained her citizenship through the N-600K. Our situation didnt require an adoption agency or a home study.) We are getting conflicting info from other adoptive parents, some in OH and some in other states as to whether or not we must hire an attorney. The employees we spoke to at the probate court in our county of legal residence said an attorney is required. An atty we contacted there quoted us $1,500 to 2,500. Are we allowed to file in a court outside our county? Other OH friends filed for themselves in a county about an hour away, and paid $50. Does anyone have any words of advice or can point us to someone who actually knows? WeҒd love to save that money if possible! Thank you!