Ohio § 2137.01

Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 2137.01, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2137.01.

As used in this chapter: (A) “ Account ” means an arrangement under a terms-of-service agreement in which a custodian carries,

maintains, processes, receives, or stores a digital asset of the user or provides

goods or services to the user. (B) “ Agent ” means a person granted authority to act for a principal under a power of attorney,

whether denominated as agent, attorney in fact, or otherwise. (C) “ Carries ” means engages in the transmission of an electronic communication. (D) “ Catalogue of electronic communications ” means information that identifies each person with which a user has had an electronic

communication, the time and date of the communication, and the electronic address

of the person. (E) “ Content of an electronic communication ” means information concerning the substance or meaning of the communication that

meets all of the following conditions: (1) It has been sent or received by a user. (2) It is in electronic storage by a custodian providing an electronic-communication

service to the public or is carried or maintained by a custodian providing a remote-computing

service to the public. (3) It is not readily accessible to the public. (F) “ Court ” means the probate court for all matters in which the court has exclusive jurisdiction

under section 2101.24 of the Revised Code .  “ Court ” also includes the probate court or the general division of the court of common pleas

for matters in which such courts have concurrent jurisdiction under section 2101.24 of the Revised Code . (G) “ Custodian ” means a person that carries, maintains, processes, receives, or stores a digital

asset of a user. (H) “ Designated recipient ” means a person chosen by a user using an online tool to administer digital assets

of the user. (I) “ Digital asset ” means an electronic record in which an individual has a right or interest.  “Digital asset” does not include an underlying asset or liability unless the asset

or liability is itself an electronic record. (J) “ Electronic ” means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical,

electromagnetic, or similar capabilities. (K) “Electronic communication” has the same meaning as in 18 U.S.C. 2510(12) , as amended. (L) “ Electronic-communication service ” means a custodian that provides to a user the ability to send or receive an electronic

communication. (M) “ Fiduciary ” means an original, additional, or successor agent, guardian, personal representative,

or trustee. (N)(1) “ Guardian ” means any person, association, or corporation appointed by the probate court to

have the care and management of the person, the estate, or the person and the estate

of an incompetent or minor.  When applicable, “ guardian ” includes, but is not limited to, a limited guardian, an interim guardian, a standby

guardian, and an emergency guardian appointed pursuant to division (B) of section 2111.02 of the Revised Code .  “ Guardian ” also includes both of the following: (a) An agency under contract with the department of developmental disabilities for the

provision of protective service under sections 5123.55 to 5123.59 of the Revised Code when appointed by the probate court to have the care and management of the person

of an incompetent; (b) A conservator appointed by the probate court in an order of conservatorship issued

pursuant to section 2111.021 of the Revised Code . (2) “Guardian” does not include a guardian under sections 5905.01 to 5905.19 of the Revised Code . (O) “ Information ” means data, text, images, videos, sounds, codes, computer programs, software, databases,

or the like. (P) “ Online tool ” means an electronic service provided by a custodian that allows the user, in an

agreement distinct from the terms-of-service agreement between the custodian and user,

to provide directions for disclosure or nondisclosure of digital assets to a third

person. (Q) “ Person ” means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited

liability company, association, joint venture, government, governmental agency or

instrumentality, public corporation, or any other legal or commercial entity. (R) “ Personal representative ” means an executor, administrator, special administrator, or other person acting

under the authority of the probate court to perform substantially the same function

under the law of this state.  “ Personal representative ” also includes a commissioner in a release of assets from administration under section 2113.03 of the Revised Code and an applicant for summary release from administration under section 2113.031 of the Revised Code . (S) “ Power of attorney ” means a writing or other record that grants authority to an agent to act in the

place of the principal. (T) “ Principal ” means an individual who grants authority to an agent in a power of attorney. (U) “ Record ” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an

electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form. (V) “ Remote-computing service ” means a custodian that provides to a user computer-processing services or the storage

of digital assets by means of an electronic communications system, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 2510(14) , as amended. (W) “ Terms-of-service agreement ” means an agreement that controls the relationship between a user and a custodian. (X) “ Trustee ” means a fiduciary with legal title to property pursuant to an agreement or declaration

that creates a beneficial interest in another.  “ Trustee ” includes an original, additional, and successor trustee and a cotrustee. (Y) “ User ” means a person that has an account with a custodian. (Z) “ Ward ” means any person for whom a guardian is acting or for whom the probate court is

acting pursuant to section 2111.50 of the Revised Code .  “ Ward ” includes a person for whom a conservator has been appointed by the probate court

in an order of conservatorship issued pursuant to section 2111.021 of the Revised Code . (AA) “ Will ” includes codicils to wills admitted to probate, lost, spoliated, or destroyed wills,

and instruments admitted to probate under Chapter 5817. of the Revised Code.  “Will” does not include inter vivos trusts or other instruments that have not been

admitted to probate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 2137.01

What does Ohio Revised Code § 2137.01 cover?

Section 2137.01 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Ohio § 2137.01?

A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 2137.01" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Ohio law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.

How does Ohio § 2137.01 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.