In re B.B.
2011 Ohio 3265
Ohio Ct. App.2011Background
- Palovich was awarded legal custody of B.B. on May 24, 2010.
- In August 2010, Palovich filed a probate petition for adoption of B.B.
- In November 2010, the probate court granted Palovich guardianship of B.B.
- Palovich alleges the probate court told her jurisdiction must be relinquished by the juvenile court to proceed with adoption.
- Palovich petitioned the juvenile court to waive jurisdiction; the juvenile court denied, and a journal entry memorialized the denial in December 2010.
- Palovich appeals the juvenile court’s denial, arguing R.C. 5103.16(D); the appellate court dismisses for lack of a final, appealable order.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is the juvenile court’s denial a final, appealable order? | Palovich asserts the denial is a final order under R.C. 2505.02. | Palovich lacks a final order; the probate court retains adoption jurisdiction and the appeal lies elsewhere. | No final, appealable order; dismissal affirmed. |
Key Cases Cited
- In re Edwards, 117 Ohio App.3d 108 (1996) (burden to create adequate record; presumption of regularity without record)
- State v. Drake, 73 Ohio App.3d 640 (1991) (adequate record required for error claims)
- Fraley v. Skwarski, Cuyahoga App. No. 66658 (1994) (adequate record required; absent record, court presumes regularity)
- In re Adoption of Biddle, 168 Ohio St. 209 (1958) (continuing juvenile jurisdiction does not bar probate adoption)
- State ex rel. Hitchcock v. Cuyahoga Cty. Court of Common Pleas, Probate Div., 97 Ohio App.3d 600 (1994) (probate adoption proceedings exclusive to probate court; exceptions apply)