In re E.E.D.

Citations

• 2022 Ohio 4014

Syllabus

Permanent custody termination of parental rights legal custody standing of legal custodian R.C. 2151.414 best interest of the child. Although child's great-aunt, as nonparent legal custodian, lacked standing to challenge termination of parents' parental rights, she had standing to challenge juvenile court's permanent custody order as it related to her request to maintain legal custody of the child and the termination of her rights as legal custodian. Legal custodians are not entitled to same protections as parents prior to termination of their custody rights. Juvenile court did not abuse its discretion in determining that it was in the child's best interest that she not be returned to the legal custody of her great-aunt. Great-aunt had been convicted of committing domestic violence and child endangering against the child, the child and her counselor had been clear that she was not ready for family counseling with her great-aunt, the child wished to be placed in the permanent custody of the agency and the guardian ad litem recommended permanent custody. Juvenile court's decision was well reasoned, was not arbitrary or unconscionable and juvenile court's findings were supported by ample, competent and credible evidence in the record.