Chapter 5803 | Representatives

Section 5803.01 | Notice to and consent by representative.

• Effective: January 1, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 416 - 126th General Assembly

(A) Notice to a person who may represent and bind another person under this chapter has the same effect as if notice were given directly to the other person.

(B) The consent of a person who may represent and bind another person under this chapter is binding on the person represented unless the person represented objects to the representation before the consent would otherwise have become effective.

(C) Except as otherwise provided in sections 5804.11 and 5806.02 of the Revised Code, a person who under this chapter may represent a settlor who lacks capacity may receive notice and give a binding consent on the settlor's behalf.

(D) A settlor may not represent and bind a beneficiary under this chapter with respect to the termination or modification of a trust under division (A) of section 5804.11 of the Revised Code.

Section 5803.02 | Holder of power of appointment may represent persons subject to power.

• Effective: April 6, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 432 - 131st General Assembly

To the extent there is no conflict of interest between the holder of a general testamentary power of appointment and the persons represented with respect to the particular question or dispute, the holder may represent and bind persons whose interests, as permissible appointees, takers in default, or otherwise, are subject to the power. To the extent there is no conflict of interest between the holder of a limited testamentary power of appointment or a presently exercisable limited power of appointment and the persons represented with respect to the particular question or dispute, the holder may also represent and bind persons whose interests as possible appointees are subject to the power. The rights of the holder of a presently exercisable general power of appointment are governed by section 5806.03 of the Revised Code.

Section 5803.03 | Powers of representative.

• Effective: September 12, 2008
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 499 - 127th General Assembly

To the extent there is no conflict of interest between the representative and the person represented or among those being represented with respect to a particular question or dispute, all of the following apply:

(A) A guardian of the estate may represent and bind the estate that the guardian of the estate controls.

(B) A guardian of the person may represent and bind the ward if a guardian of the estate has not been appointed.

(C) An agent having authority to act with respect to the particular question or dispute may represent and bind the principal.

(D) Except as provided in division (F) of section 5801.10 of the Revised Code, a trustee may represent and bind the beneficiaries of the trust.

(E) A personal representative of a decedent's estate may represent and bind persons interested in the estate.

(F) A parent may represent and bind the parent's minor or unborn child if neither a guardian for the child's estate or a guardian of the person has been appointed. If a minor or unborn child is not represented by a parent under this division, another person may represent and bind the minor or unborn child under section 5803.04 of the Revised Code if the requirements of that section are met.

Section 5803.04 | Representation by person having same interest.

• Effective: January 1, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 416 - 126th General Assembly

Unless otherwise represented, a minor, incapacitated individual, unborn individual, or person whose identity or location is unknown and not reasonably ascertainable may be represented by and bound by another having a substantially identical interest with respect to the particular question or dispute, but only to the extent there is no conflict of interest between the representative and the person represented.

Section 5803.05 | Appointment to represent unrepresented interest.

• Effective: January 1, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 416 - 126th General Assembly

(A) If the court determines that an interest is not represented under this chapter or that the otherwise available representation might be inadequate, the court may appoint a representative to receive notice, give consent, and otherwise represent, bind, and act on behalf of a minor, incapacitated individual, unborn individual, or person whose identity or location is unknown. A representative may be appointed to represent several persons or interests.

(B) A representative may act on behalf of the individual represented with respect to any matter arising under Chapters 5801. to 5811. of the Revised Code, whether or not a judicial proceeding concerning the trust is pending.

(C) In making decisions, a representative may consider general benefit accruing to the living members of the individual's family.