Ohio Grandparent Power of Attorney/ Caretaker Authorization

Are you a grandparent who is caring for a grandchild in Ohio but cannot make vital decisions because you don't have legal custody?

A new Ohio law may allow you to make decisions without requiring a custody order through the court system.

Are you caring for a grandchild because the parents cannot?

If so, the parents can grant you Power of Attorney, which allows you to temporarily:

• arrange for the child's routine and emergency medical, dental and psychological treatment;
• authorize your grandchild's enrollment in school;
• access information regarding education; and
• provide consent for educational activities.

To obtain Power of Attorney for your grandchild, you must:

• click here [PDF] to access the appropriate form or contact www.pcsao.org
• understand and agree to the terms regarding Power of Attorney;
• provide the signature of the consenting parent, yourself, and an official notary on the form; and
• file the form with your local juvenile court within five days of signing the form.

Are you caring for a grandchild and cannot locate the parents?

If you have failed to locate your grandchild's parents after making reasonable effort to do so, you may obtain a Caretaker Authorization Affidavit, which allows you to temporarily:

• arrange for the child's routine and emergency medical, dental and psychological treatment;
• authorize your grandchild's enrollment in school;
• access information regarding education; and
• provide consent for educational activities.

To obtain a Caretaker Authorization Affidavit, you must:

• click here [PDF] to access the appropriate form; or contact www.pcsao.org
• understand and agree to the terms regarding the Caretaker Authorization Affidavit;
• provide your signature and that of an official notary on the form; and
• file the form with your local juvenile court within five days of signing the form.

Note: Power of Attorney and the Caretaker Authorization Affidavit do not give you the authority over your grandchild's adoption, marriage, or custody arrangements.