Ohio Code § 3127.21
Ohio Code § 3127.21. Reproduced from the official Ohio Revised Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.
§ 3127.21.
(A) A court of this state that has jurisdiction under this chapter to make a child custody
determination may decline to exercise its jurisdiction at any time if it determines
that it is an inconvenient forum under the circumstances and that a court of another
state is a more convenient forum. The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised upon motion of a party, the court's
own motion, or at the request of another court. (B) Before determining whether it is an inconvenient forum, a court of this state shall
consider whether it is appropriate for a court of another state to exercise jurisdiction. For this purpose, the court shall allow the parties to submit information and shall
consider all relevant factors, including the following: (1) Whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to continue in the future and
which state could best protect the parties and the child; (2) The length of time the child has resided outside this state; (3) The distance between the court in this state and the court in the state that would
assume jurisdiction; (4) The relative financial circumstances of the parties; (5) Any agreement of the parties as to which state should assume jurisdiction; (6) The nature and location of the evidence required to resolve the pending litigation,
including the testimony of the child; (7) The ability of the court of each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the
procedures necessary to present the evidence; (8) The familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues in the pending
litigation. (C) If a court of this state determines that it is an inconvenient forum and that a court
of another state is a more appropriate forum, it shall stay the proceedings upon condition
that a child custody proceeding be promptly commenced in another designated state
and may impose any other condition the court considers just and proper. (D) A court of this state may decline to exercise its jurisdiction under this chapter
if a child custody determination is incidental to an action for divorce or another
proceeding while still retaining jurisdiction over the divorce or other proceeding.
Source: official Ohio text · Last verified 2026-08-27
At a glance
- Citation: Ohio Revised Code § 3127.21
- Jurisdiction: Ohio
- Code: Ohio Revised Code
- Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)
Verify the text
Statute text is transcribed from the official Ohio Revised Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
Common questions
What is the source of Ohio Revised Code § 3127.21?
The text above is transcribed from the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutes of Ohio. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.
What subject does Ohio Revised Code § 3127.21 address?
It addresses the rule set out in the section text. Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.
Is Ohio Revised Code § 3127.21 still in force?
Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Ohio source before relying on this text.
Can this page be used as legal advice?
No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Ohio law to your facts requires a licensed Ohio attorney who can review the specifics.