In re A.F.

Citations

• 2019 Ohio 4627

Syllabus

Children removed from Father's care on domestic violence allegations. Children placed in their maternal aunt's temporary care. Father appeals juvenile court decision denying motion for legal custody and instead granting legal custody of children to aunt. Juvenile court did not abuse discretion in granting the agency motion to name aunt legal custodian. Evidence supported conclusion that grant of legal custody to aunt was in children's best interest. Father denied he was a domestic abuser but was found non-credible. He failed to remedy the issues that led to removal. Agency may have violated applicable Ohio Administrative Code regulations by failing to perform an updated home study on the maternal aunt's home. However, lack of an updated home study did not divest juvenile court of authority to award legal custody.