What is required for a POA or CAA?
The POA or CAA must include particular language and be completed on a specific form as provided in the statute. The required signatures must be notarized by an Ohio notary. The POA or CAA must then be filed, within five days after it is notarized, in the juvenile court of the county where the grandparent lives or in another court that has authority over a child, such as a domestic relations or probate court. Certain other information about the grandparent and the childs custodial history (“child custody affidavit”) must be filed along with the POA or CAA. Either the POA or CAA can be sent to the court. A filing fee is not required. Once the POA or CAA is filed, no hearing or court approval is necessary. The court may, however, report to child welfare authorities any information that indicates the grandparent has been convicted of or is responsible for child abuse or neglect, or that the POA or CAA is not otherwise in the childs best interest.
