Section 2112.24. Appropriate forum

Article 2. Jurisdiction

(A) A probate court of this state having jurisdiction under section 2112.21 of the Revised Code to appoint a guardian or issue a protective order may decline to exercise the court's jurisdiction if the probate court determines at any time that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum.

(B) If a probate court of this state declines to exercise the court's jurisdiction under division (A) of this section, the probate court shall either dismiss or stay the proceeding. The probate court may impose any condition that the probate court considers just and proper, including the condition that an application for the appointment of a guardian or issuance of a protective order be filed promptly in another state.

(C) In determining whether it is an appropriate forum, the probate court shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Any expressed preference of the respondent;

(2) Whether abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the respondent has occurred or is likely to occur and which state could best protect the respondent from the abuse, neglect, or exploitation;

(3) The length of time the respondent was physically present in or was a legal resident of this or another state;

(4) The distance of the respondent from the court in each state;

(5) The financial circumstances of the respondent's estate;

(6) The nature and location of the evidence;

(7) The ability of the court in each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present evidence;

(8) The familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues in the proceeding;

(9) The probate court's ability, if an appointment were made, to monitor the conduct of the guardian;

(10) Any other factors that the probate court considers relevant.

Added by 129th General AssemblyFile No.163, HB 27, §1, eff. 3/22/2013.