The Ohio General Assembly passed legislation that allows the transfer of limited custodial authority to a grandparent without the necessity of the filing of a formal complaint. There are two options known as the Caretaker Authorization Affidavit and the Custody Power of Attorney. These forms must be filed either in the juvenile court of the county where (i) the grandparent resides or (ii) the juvenile court that has jurisdiction of the child(ren) as the result of a previous proceeding. For more information, read the Help Center Information Sheet using the link below.

Information Sheet - Nonparent Rights

The Caretaker Authorization Affidavit can be filed by the grandparent without the signature of either parent when the child has been abandoned in the grandparent's care and the grandparent is unable to locate the child's parent(s). For a checklist and related forms use the links set forth below.

• Checklist - Caretaker Authorization Affidavit
• Caretaker Authorization Affidavit

The Custody Power of Attorney is a form that is filled out and notarized by the child's parent(s) granting limited custodial authority to a grandparent or grandparents. The authority granted by the Custody Power of Attorney may be terminated at any time by the parent(s) who signed that instrument. Except in limited situations both parents must sign the Custody Power of Attorney for it to be effective. If both parents have not executed the Custody Power of Attorney, a copy of the Notice to Non-Residential Parent must be sent by mail to the parent that has not executed the Power of Attorney, and the original is filed with the Court. Again, read the Help Center Information Sheet titled "Nonparent Rights" for more detailed information - see the link above. For a checklist and related forms use the links set forth below.

• Checklist - Custody Power of Attorney
• Custody Power of Attorney
• GC JF 12.5  Supporting Facts Affidavit
• GC JF 9.3  Notice to Nonresident Parent
• GC JF 9.4  Receipt of Notice to Nonresident Parent