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. These options include the filing of a Caretaker Authorization Affidavit or Custody Power of Attorney. These forms are filed either in the Juvenile Court where the child resides, or in the court that has already exercised jurisdiction over custody issues. If the form is accepted for filing in the court, the authority vested by the Caretaker Authorization Form or Custody Power of Attorney will be effective for one year unless revoked by the child's parent(s). The necessary forms are accessible below.

The Caretaker Authorization Form 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). A Custody Affidavit must also be filed with the Caretaker Authorization Form.

Related Forms:

• Instruction Sheet
• Caretaker Authorization Affidavit

The Custody Power of Attorney is a form that is filled out and notarized by the child's parents granting limited custodial authority to a grandparent or grandparents. The authority granted by the Custody Power of Attorney expires after one year, and can be terminated at any time by either parent. Except in limited situations both parents must sign the Custody Power of Attorney for it to be effective. A Custody Power of Attorney Form. 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.

Related Forms:

• Instruction Sheet
• Custody Power of Attorney
• Notice to Non-Residential Parent