In re N.S.

Citations

• 2022 Ohio 4088

Syllabus

Permanent custody domestic violence time limitation for permanent-custody hearing best interest of the child. R.C. 2151.414(A)(2) provides that the hearing for permanent custody shall be held no later than 120 days after the agency files the motion for permanent custody, but the court may continue the hearing \for a reasonable period of time\ beyond the 120-day deadline \for good cause shown.\ Despite the time limitation, R.C. 2151.414(A)(2) expressly states that the trial court's failure to comply with the time period \does not affect the authority of the court to issue any order under this chapter and does not provide any basis for attacking the jurisdiction of the court or the validity of any order of the court.\ Because of domestic violence in the home and mother's inability to provide a safe home for the children, the evidence before the trial court clearly and convincingly demonstrated that permanent custody to the agency is in the best interest of the children.