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General Questions


Can the Court appoint an attorney for me?

There is no provision in Ohio law for the appointment of attorneys in civil cases except for the putative father in a paternity case or for a person accused of violating a court order in a contempt proceeding. In either case, to qualify for appointed counsel, the party must be indigent. If so, the Court will appoint an Assistant Public Defender. You must request appointed counsel at the first hearing scheduled in the case. 

Can the Court recommend an attorney for me?

Court personnel are not permitted to recommend specific attorneys or law firms. Parties may contact the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association attorney referral service. The Bar Association can refer you to an attorney in good standing who takes cases in the area of domestic relations. Parties may also consider asking friends for recommendations or consulting the Yellow Pages of the telephone book If you have low income, legal services may be available through the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. 

Can I represent myself or should I get an attorney?

The law permits you to represent yourself. However, domestic relations cases are often complicated and the Court cannot give you legal advice and tell you what you should do. You will be expected to know the law and follow the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, the Ohio Rules of Evidence, and the Local Rules of the Domestic Relations Court in preparing and presenting your case. Often, people who start out representing themselves become overwhelmed and find they need an attorney. You are strongly encouraged to seek advice and assistance from competent legal counsel. Legal services may be available to you if you cannot afford to hire a private attorney. 

May I represent a family member or a friend?

No. The law permits persons who are not lawyers to represent themselves. Non-lawyers do not have the right to represent other persons, and are prohibited from doing so. Please be aware that persons who try to help other people by drafting and completing documents for them, and telling them how to present their case may be engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, and may be subject to penalties. Please refer to Ohio Revised Code Section 4705.01 

Can I file for divorce in Ohio if I live in another state?

Only Ohio residents may file for divorce in Ohio. 

Where can I get the documents I need to file?

Sample forms are available on this website. Please refer to Court Forms. 

Where do I file papers?

All Domestic Relations Court pleadings and motions are filed with the Domestic Relations Division of the Clerk of Court, room 35, ground floor, the Cuyahoga County Courthouse, located at 1 W. Lakeside Avenue., Cleveland, Ohio 44113. The Domestic Relations Court does not accept filings directly or by fax. 

What if I cannot afford to pay filing fees?

Payment of the advance deposit can be waived if the person who wishes to file is indigent for purposes of filing a case. Affidavits of Indigency are available through the Clerk of Court. 

What happens if I do not serve the opposing party before the court hearing in my case?

The Court may dismiss your petition, complaint or motion. The Court does not have authority to proceed if the opposing party is not served according to the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure. 

How can I monitor what is happening on my case?

The status of a case can be determined by viewing the civil docket of the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Court Website. You may search the docket using the Domestic Relations case category by a party’s name or case number. The docket will show the names, addresses and phone numbers of all parties and attorneys, what pleadings have been filed, whether service has been perfected, whether the Court has issued any rulings, the dates of any hearings, and court costs. Your attorney can also provide this information. The Court will mail a notice of a hearing to you. You may also contact the Court at (216) 443-8800 to check for scheduled hearing dates. Please have the Domestic Relations Case number available. 

What documents do I need to bring for my uncontested divorce hearing?

You will need the following: Judgment Entry for Divorce Signed Separation Agreement or In-Court Agreement (if you have one) If you have children you will also need:
  • Health Insurance Affidavit
  • Child Support Computation Worksheet
  • Parent Education Seminar certificate (if not already filed)
  • Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (if not already filed)
  • Shared Parenting Plan (if you have one)

You must also bring verification of your income. The Judge or magistrate may also ask you questions about aspects of your judgment entry or agreement for which you may need documentation. 

What documents do I need to bring for my dissolution hearing?

Judgment Entry of Dissolution Signed Separation Agreement If you have children you will also need:
  • Health Insurance Affidavit
  • Child Support Computation Worksheet
  • Parent Education Seminar certificate (if not already filed)
  • Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (if not already filed)
  • Shared Parenting Plan (if you have one)

You must also bring verification of your income. The Judge or magistrate may also ask you questions about aspects of your judgment entry or agreement for which you may need documentation. 

How long will my hearing last?

It depends on the nature of the hearing. A hearing is a broad term and can mean an attorney conference, status conference, pre-trial, or trial. Hearings, except for trials, are generally scheduled for 30-60 minutes. However, depending on the type of hearing, the people present, the nature of the case and the issues involved, it is not uncommon for a hearing to take longer. Every case is unique and may require more or less time than the amount allotted. 

Can I change my hearing date if I am unable to come to Court?

You can request a continuance. Filing a motion for continuance does not guarantee it will be granted. You must check to see if the motion was granted or denied. You can do this by checking online or by calling the Domestic Relations Court. A copy of the Motion for Continuance must be served upon the opposing party. If your motion was not granted, the hearing will take place as scheduled, even if you are not there. Continuances should not be filed at the last minute and without good reason. If there are multiple parties and attorneys on the case a last minute continuance will inconvenience them and the Court. Please refer to Local Rule 3 and Court Forms on this website. 

Who should I notify if I change my address?

Notify the Court in writing if you have a case pending. If you have a child support order you must notify the Cuyahoga Job and Family Services-Office of Child Support Services (CJFS-OCSS) of your current mailing address, residence address, and telephone number at all times. 

What if I do not show up or I am unprepared for the hearing in my case?

If you are the person seeking relief the Court may dismiss the action for failing to prosecute. If you are not the person seeking relief the Court may proceed and issue a ruling that is unfavorable to you. It is very important to attend all court hearings scheduled in your case. Please refer to Local Rule 4. 

Why are my court costs so high?

Court costs, for the most part, are established by the legislature. The Clerk of Court is responsible for assessing and collecting those costs. Court costs for the handling of a case include charges for serving summons and subpoenas, sending court notices, legal research, court reporting, computer, legal publications, sheriff, and Domestic Relations Court services such as referrals to Family Evaluation Services. Generally, court costs are higher in cases involving minor children and cases that do not resolve quickly. 

What is the difference between a Judge and a Magistrate?

Judges are attorneys as well as elected officials. Magistrates are experienced attorneys who have been appointed by the Court to decide cases. A Judge may or may not refer a case to a magistrate. Proceedings in cases referred to a magistrate are governed by Ohio Civil Rule 53. 

What is a Magistrate’s Decision?

A “Magistrate’s Decision” contains written findings of fact and conclusions after evidence has been taken. The Magistrate’s Decision will include a recommendation to the Judge assigned to the case as to what the final order should be. The Magistrate’s Decision is filed with the Clerk of Court who will mail it to the parties, or their counsel, if represented, within three days of filing. 

What is a Judgment Entry?

A Judgment Entry is a written document signed by a Judge and contains a Judge’s order. It is also referred to as a court order, decree or journal entry. An agreed judgment entry or a consent decree is a court order that approves an agreement made by the parties. 

Will the Court send me a copy of my final papers?

The Court will not send you a copy of the final divorce papers unless you request in writing that a copy be sent to you. Fees must be paid in advance. 

How can I get a certified copy of my divorce/dissolution/legal separation/annulment Judgment Entry?

Certified copies of your Judgment Entry may be obtained through the Domestic Relations Clerk of Court located on the ground floor, room 35 of the Cuyahoga County Courthouse, 1 W. Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113. Certified copies cost $1.00 for up to 33 pages, and an additional 3 cents per page for more than 33 pages. 

What is a QDRO?

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a special order that directs how pension plans are to be divided. QDROs are governed by Federal law and are subject to the approval of the pension plan administrator. Because QDROs are complicated you are encouraged to contact an attorney if you have a pension plan that must be divided. 

Where do I report for my uncontested divorce or my dissolution hearing?

Report to the courtroom indicated on your notice, one-half hour before the scheduled time. Courtrooms are located on the third floor. Courtroom staff will give you your case file. Take the case file and your documents to the Information Services Department in room 306 on the same floor. Information Services Department staff will review your documents to ensure that all necessary documents and forms are complete. If you have minor children but do not have shared parenting, your Judgment Entry must name a residential parent and legal custodian and must include a parenting time schedule for the non-residential parent. It must also include provisions for child support and medical support, and all language necessary for administration of the order by the Cuyahoga Job and Family Services-Office of Child Support Services(CJFS-OCSS). If you have minor children and do have a shared parenting plan, your Judgment Entry must contain provisions for child support and medical support, and all language necessary for administration of the order by the CJFS-OCSS. If you do not have minor children but there is to be a spousal support order paid through the CJFS-OCSS, your Judgment Entry must contain all language necessary for administration of the order by the CJFS-OCSS. If your documents are not properly written or if you are missing needed forms, you will be given an opportunity to make corrections. It is your responsibility to have the paperwork completed properly. If the corrections cannot be made that day the Judge may continue your hearing to another day. Once the documents are complete, the Information Services Department staff will approve and stamp your Judgment Entry. Return to the courtroom for your hearing. 

What can I do if my former spouse is not complying with a court order?

The matter can be brought to the attention of the Court by way of a Motion to Show Cause. The motion must identify the specific court order that has been violated. Refer to Local Rule 20. 

What can I do if my former spouse has been found in contempt of court and has not met the condition to purge the contempt?

Please refer to the judgment entry that finds your former spouse in contempt. 

If I learn that a warrant has been issued for my arrest, can I surrender myself?

Yes. Call the Court’s Enforcement Services Department to arrange for a voluntary body attachment. A hearing will be scheduled that you must attend. Failure to come to the hearing will cause the warrant to be reactivated. 

Must we use the Standard Parenting Guidelines?

No. Parents are free to agree to other terms, so long as parenting rights and responsibilities are addressed and a parenting schedule is created. The Standard Parenting Guidelines contain a schedule for parenting time that is commonly used in the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. They were developed to ensure that the post-divorce needs of children and parents are addressed. The Guidelines also set forth parameters regarding:
  • Child’s response to Parenting Time
  • Exercise of Parenting Time
  • Cancellation of Parenting Time by Non-Residential Parent
  • Keeping the Children Together
  • Returning the Child after Exercising Parenting time
  • Promptness
  • Transportation
  • Clothing
  • Schoolwork
  • Address and Telephone Numbers
  • Illness or Injury of a Child
  • Children’s Activities
  • Telephone Calls
  • Employment of Parents
  • Non-Compliance with Court Order
  • Notice of Relocation
  • Access to Records, Day Care, Student Activities

At what age can my son or daughter choose which parent he or she wants to live with?

There is no law in Ohio that gives a child the right to elect which parent he or she will reside with. The Court will consider the child's wishes and concerns, but ultimately the Court must decide where the child will reside and which parent will make major decisions about the child based on what the Court comes to believe is in the child's best interest. 

What is a temporary restraining order?

A temporary restraining order is a court order made upon request of a party that prohibits another party from doing certain acts. Court orders forbidding the dissipation of assets and harassment are common in domestic relations proceedings. These orders stay in effect only until a final judgment. Please refer to Local Rule 24 and Guidelines for Granting Temporary Restraining Orders on this website. 

What can I do if my spouse has physically injured me or threatened to injure me?

Find a safe place and contact the police department. You can seek a Protection Order by way of a criminal prosecution in a municipal court, or a Civil Protection Order in this Court. Forms to request a Civil Protection Order are available on this website. Please refer to Court Forms. It is not required that you have an attorney to request a protection order. Court personnel cannot provide legal advice but will answer questions about procedure.
  • Cuyahoga County Witness/Victim Service Center: (216) 443-7395
  • Battered Women's Hotline: (216) 391-4357
  • Templum House: (216) 631-2275
  • Domestic Violence Center: (216) 651-8484
  • Catholic Charities: (440) 843-5501

How can I get evidence to prove my case?

Rules 26 through 37 of the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, called "Discovery", provide methods for obtaining information from an opposing party that you might need to prove your claim to the Court, or know about your opponent's claim. Rule 45 of the Ohio Rules of Procedure (Subpoenas) provides a method of requiring witnesses to come to your hearing to testify on your behalf. The Court cannot assist you in completing these processes. You must gather your own evidence. or hire an attorney to assist you.

Support Questions


What is a IV-D application?

The Cuyahoga Job and Family Services-Office of Child Support Services (CJFS-OCSS) is required to provide support enforcement program services in cases for which it has administrative responsibility. A signed IV-D application allows the CJFS-OCSS to provide a broader range of enforcement services in child support cases than the collection and distribution of payments. These services include parent location, establishment of parentage, federal tax refund intercept, withholding of unemployment compensation, establishment and modification of court orders, among others. 

What documents can be used to verify income for child support purposes?

Usually some evidence in written form is needed for the Court to issue a child support order. This evidence could be a pay stub, tax return, financial statement, or W-2 wage and tax statement. 

How can I get my child support amount changed?

A parent may request a modification of a child support order by contacting the Cuyahoga Job and Family Services-Office of Child Support Services (CJFS-OCSS) or by filing a motion in the Domestic Relations court case number. There is no cost to request a modification review by the CJFS-OCSS, but there is a cost to file a motion with the Court. A sample Motion to Modify Child Support is available on this website. 

Can I pay child support and spousal support to my former spouse directly?

Ohio law requires that child support be paid through the Cuyahoga Job and Family Services-Office of Child Support Services (CJFS-OCSS). Neither the Court nor the parties can waive this requirement. Child support that is not paid through the CJFS-OCSS is presumed to be a gift.

The Court may allow spousal support to be paid directly if there are no minor children and the parties agree.

Some of the advantages of paying through the CJFS-OCSS are a permanent record of payments is kept, and non-payment triggers automatic enforcement actions by the Support Enforcement Tracking System (SETS). 

What is the difference between the Domestic Relations Court and the Cuyahoga Job and Family Services-Office of Child Support Services?

The Court is part of the judiciary. The CJFS-OCSS is an administrative agency under the executive branch of government established for the purpose of collecting financial support for children. The Court does not keep track of or send support checks. 

How do I obtain the CJFS-OCSS payment records in my case?

Payment histories in your case may be accessed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, at the OCS Web Portal. To access the Web Portal you must register or log on at www.jfs.ohio.gov. Automated child support payment information is available by calling the SETS toll-free number (800) 860-2555. This information includes the amount of the last payment, the date the last payment was processed, and the total balance due on the case. 

How do I pay child support before the income withholding order on my employer takes effect?

You may begin making payments by sending a personal or certified check to: Ohio Child Support Payment Central, P.O. Box 182372, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2372. You may also make cash payments at the office of the Cuyahoga County Treasurer, 2079 East 9th Street, 1st floor - cashiers, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. You must provide your name, Social Security Number, Domestic Relations Case number, and your SETS number. The SETS number is a ten digit number that begins with the number 7. Your Domestic Relations Case number can be found on your judgment entry.

If you do not know your SETS number or Domestic Relations case number, contact the Cuyahoga Job and Family Services-Office of Child Support Services http://cjfs.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/child-support.aspx 

What do I do if my former spouse is not paying his/her share of the medical bills?

Each parent’s responsibility for uncovered health care expenses should be stated in the decree or other court order. Often, the parents’ responsibility is expressed as a percentage. Failure to obey the order can be considered contempt of court.

You may file a motion asking that your former spouse be found in contempt. The motion must contain a list of all the health care bills you accuse your former spouse of not paying. A sample motion is available on this website. Before filing such a motion you must present your former spouse copies of the bills. Many people do not keep accurate records of all the bills incurred, for each child, for each year, and how much of the bill was covered by insurance. This information is necessary if you intend to bring the matter to the attention of the Court by filing a motion. If the bills cover several years this may involve pulling together a great deal of paperwork. You must be able to explain how much you are owed and be able to justify that number. The Support Forms section on this website contains a chart that can be useful in helping parents keep track of the bills. 

How do I get child support if I haven’t filed for divorce yet?

If you and your spouse have separated but have not started a legal action yet, contact the Cuyahoga Job and Family Services-Office of Child Support Services (CJFS-OCSS). The CJFS-OCSS can help you establish a support order. 

How do I stop my child support order for my eighteen-year-old?

Most court orders require that child support be paid until the child reaches age eighteen and graduates from or no longer attends high school on a full time basis, whichever occurs last.

Contact the Cuyahoga Job and Family Services-Office of Child Support Services (CJFS-OCSS). The CJFS-OCSS will investigate to determine if all obligations have been met and make a recommendation that the order terminate or that support continue if there are arrearages owed.

Alternatively, you may file a Motion to Terminate Support with the Court. 

How do I get someone released from jail who was arrested for not paying child support?

Contact the Enforcement Department of the Court. After business hours contact the Sheriff’s Office.

Divorce Questions


Can I file for divorce in Ohio if I live in another state?

Only Ohio residents may file for divorce in Ohio. 

What is a mutual restraining order?

A mutual restraining order is a court order issue automatically be the court when a divorce is filed. These orders prevent both spouses from doing certain acts until a divorce is granted. A sample Mutual Restraining Order is available on this website. For more information, see Local Rule 24

Where do I report for my uncontested divorce or my dissolution hearing?

Report to the courtroom indicated on your notice one-half hour before the scheduled time. Courtrooms are located on the third floor. 

What documents do I need to bring to my uncontested divorce hearing?

You will need the following:
  • Judgment Entry for Divorce
  • Signed Separation Agreement or In-Court Agreement (if you have one)

If you have children you will also need:
  • Health Insurance Affidavit
  • Child Support Computation Worksheet
  • Parent Education Seminar certificate (if not already filed)
  • Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (if not already filed)
  • Shared Parenting Plan (if you have one)

You must also bring verification of your income. The Judge or Magistrate may ask you questions about aspects of your judgment entry or agreement for which you may need documentation.

Two weeks before the hearing you must have your documents approved by the Court's Information Services located in room 306. Failure to have your documents approved could cause your hearing to be delayed or rescheduled. Refer to Local Rule 28 for more information. 

What documents do I need to bring to my dissolution hearing?

  • Judgment Entry of Dissolution
  • Signed Separation Agreement

If you have children you will also need:
  • Health Insurance Affidavit
  • Child Support Computation Worksheet
  • Parent Education Seminar certificate (if not already filed)
  • Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (if not already filed)
  • Shared Parenting Plan (if you have one)

You must also bring verification of your income. The Judge or Magistrate may ask you questions about aspects of your judgment entry or agreement for which you may need documentation.

Two weeks before the hearing you must have your documents approved by the Court's Information Services located in room 306. Failure to have your documents approved could cause your hearing to be delayed or rescheduled. Refer to Local Rule 28 for more information. 

What are QDROs, DOPOs and COAPs?

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), Division of Property Order (DOPO) and Court Order Acceptable for Processing (COAP) are special orders that direct how pension plans are to be divided. A QDRO divides a private pension plan; a DOPO divides a state of Ohio public pension plan; and a COAP divides a federal pension plan. All must be approved by the pension plan administrator. Because QDROs, DOPOs and COAPs are complicated you are encouraged to contact an attorney if you have a pension plan that must be divided. 

Will the Court send me a copy of my final papers?

The Court will not send you a copy of the final divorce/dissolution papers unless you request in writing that a copy be sent to you. Fees must be paid in advance. 

How can I get a certified copy of my divorce/dissolution/legal separation/annulment Judgment Entry?

Certified copies of your Judgment Entry may be obtained through the Clerk of Courts located in Room 35, on the ground floor of the Cuyahoga County Courthouse, 1 W. Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113. Certified copies cost $1.00 for up to 33 pages, and 3 cents per page for additional pages.

Parenting Questions


Must I obtain the Court’s permission to move my child outside Cuyahoga County?

Permission is only required if a previous decree or order requires the party to obtain permission. However, Ohio law requires that the person having custody of a minor child notify the Court if the person plans to leave Cuyahoga County. The person must complete a “Notice of Intent to Relocate” and file it with the Court. This form is available on this website. The Court will mail a copy of the Notice of Intent to Relocate to your former spouse. Your former spouse may file a motion with the Court to contest the relocation. Even if the relocation is not contested, parties often find it useful to file a motion to modify the parenting time schedule if relocation will make complying with the current schedule impractical. 

What can I do if my spouse will not let me see our child?

Both parents are presumed to have equal rights to their children unless a court orders otherwise. If divorce proceedings have already started in this Court you may file a motion requesting a court order. 

What can I do if my former spouse will not return my child but I am the residential parent and legal custodian?

You may take a certified copy of your order awarding you this status to your local police department for help in securing the return of your child. 

Can I get a court order to see my grandchildren?

Ohio law allows the Court to grant companionship time to grandparents of children with divorced parents under certain circumstances if it is in the best interest of the children. An appropriate motion must be filed with the Clerk of Courts and served on all parties. 

What Is Shared Parenting?

Shared Parenting is an arrangement through which divorcing parties share the responsibilities for the care of the children. Shared parenting does not mean that each parent has the children 50% of the time. However, It does requires that the parents prepare a “shared parenting plan" that outlines how they will make the major decisions affecting the children once the marriage is over. Some of the areas that the parents must address are education, medical treatment, and the religion the children will practice. Usually, the parents agree that they will both be involved in making these decisions. In addition, the plan must contain a schedule that states with whom the children will be during the week, on weekends, holidays, vacations, school breaks, and days of special meaning. 

At what age can my son or daughter choose which parent he or she wants to live with?

There is no law in Ohio that gives a child the right to elect which parent he or she will reside with. The Court will consider the child's wishes and concerns, but ultimately the Court must decide where the child will reside and which parent will make major decisions about the child based on what the Court comes to believe is in the child's best interest.

Domestic Violence Questions


What if my spouse or someone from my household hurts me or tries to hurt me?

Find a safe place and contact the police department. You can seek a Protection Order by way of a criminal prosecution in a municipal court, or a Civil Protection Order in this Court. Forms to request a Civil Protection Order are available on this website. Refer to Domestic Violence Forms. It is not required that you have an attorney to request a protection order. Court personnel cannot provide legal advice but will answer questions about procedure.
  • Cuyahoga County Witness/Victim Service Center: (216) 443-7345
  • Domestic Violence Helpline: (216) 391-4357
  • Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center: (216) 651-8484
  • Catholic Charities: (440) 843-5501
  • Jewish Family Service Association (216) 292-3999
  • The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (216) 687-1900
  • The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (216) 696-3525
  • Domestic Relations Court Domestic Violence Coordinator (216) 698-8529

Who is a household member?

Although under some circumstances a few other types of relationships can make someone a household member, usually a household member means:
  • your spouse,
  • your former spouse,
  • someone who lives (or used to live with you) as your spouse,
  • the parent of your child or children,
  • your own parent,
  • your own brother or your own sister,
  • your own child or grandchild.

Household member does not mean a boyfriend or girlfriend, unless the boyfriend or girlfriend lives with you as a spouse or used to live with you as a spouse or is the parent of your child or children.

What if my spouse or someone from my household didn’t hurt me, but hurt my child or someone else in the household?

You can petition the Court for a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order if this person physically hurts or attempts to physically hurt any household member.

What if my spouse or someone from my household doesn’t actually hurt anyone, but threatens to hurt me or someone in my household?

Domestic violence is also defined as placing a household member by threat of force in fear of imminent serious physical harm. If the person threatens you or a household member and makes you feel that the person is about to seriously hurt you or a household member, you can ask the Court for a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order. 

What if my spouse or someone from my household did these things in the past but hasn’t done anything like this recently?

A Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order can only be issued if household members are in immediate danger of domestic violence.

Can I ask the Court for a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order even if the police are not involved?

Yes.

How do I get a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order?

If you do not have an attorney, you can contact the Court’s DV Coordinator at (216) 698-8529 with questions about how to file for Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order. You can also come to the Cuyahoga County Courthouse, 1 W. Lakeside Ave., Room 49A (Ground Floor) for help. The DV Coordinator can help you to complete a Petition and other paperwork needed to get a Civil Protection Order. The entire process to obtain a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order can take a long time (generally 3-5 hours).

Once a Petition and other documents are signed and notarized, the documents are filed with the Clerk of Courts. The Petition is then brought to a Magistrate who will then conduct an emergency hearing. If the Magistrate finds that you are in danger of domestic violence, the Court will then issue an emergency Civil Protection Order. A full hearing will then be scheduled for 7 or 10 days later, depending on the facts of your case.

If the Respondent is properly notified by the hearing date, a hearing will go forward whether the Respondent is there or not. You will again have to prove that the Respondent has physically hurt you or tried to physically hurt you, and that you or other household members are in immediate danger. If you prove those things, the Court will issue a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order that will last for up to five years. 

Where can I get a Petition for Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order?

You can find all of the forms needed for a Civil Protection Order on the Court’s website under the Forms section. In that section there is a group of forms titled “Domestic Violence Forms”. 

Who can I call for help?

These organizations have people who can help you through the process of petitioning the Court for a Domestic Violence Protection Order:
  • Cuyahoga County Witness/Victim Service Center: (216) 443-7345
  • Domestic Violence Helpline: (216) 391-4357
  • Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center: (216) 651-8484
  • Catholic Charities: (440) 843-5501
  • Jewish Family Service Association (216) 292-3999
  • The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (216) 687-1900
  • The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (216) 696-3525
  • Domestic Relations Court Domestic Violence Coordinator (216) 698-8529

Do I need an attorney to file a Petition for Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order?

Anyone can come to Court without an attorney. However, if you represent yourself you must follow the same rules that an attorney must follow. The Court cannot treat you any differently. 

What is a victim advocate?

A victim advocate is defined by law as “a person who provides support and assistance” for someone who files a Petition for Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order. A victim advocate is specially trained to assist you through the system. A victim advocate is not your lawyer and cannot give you legal advice or represent you before the Court. 

What if I receive papers from a Sheriff’s deputy or in the mail that says the Court has issued a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order against me?

The Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order is a valid Court Order as soon as it is issued. The Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order may require you to leave your home immediately. It may require that you not go near your household members (meaning your spouse, your children, your children’s other parent or another person from your household). If you do not obey the Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order, you can be arrested and charged with a crime. It is important to read the Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order very carefully. By the time you receive the Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order, it will already have been sent to the National Crime Information Center, the Sheriff, and the police.

The date, time and place of a hearing will be on the order. At the hearing, the person who asked for the Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order must prove that you committed an act or acts of domestic violence and that household members are in danger of domestic violence. You have an opportunity at the hearing to present evidence in your defense. 

Do I need an attorney to defend me if someone files a Petition for Domestic Violence Protection Order against me?

Anyone can come to court without an attorney. However, if you represent yourself you must follow the same rules that an attorney must follow. The Court cannot treat you any differently.