How to Represent Yourself in Divorce Court in Franklin County, Ohio
Like many counties in the U.S., Franklin County, Ohio has a specific set of rules and guidelines you must use if you chose to represent yourself in a divorce. While some Franklin County petitioners might hire lawyers to help them negotiate the courtroom protocols, representing yourself is possible -- and often successful.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Baldwin's Ohio Practice: Domestic Relations Law book
- Affidavits
- Personal Identification
Instructions
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Bring yourself up to date on all current Ohio divorce court law and protocol. Get a copy of "Baldwin's Ohio Practice: Domestic Relations Law," edited by Beatrice K. Sowald and Stanley Morganstern. Also, ask the court clerk about literature that answers your questions about child custody, division or property and alimony.
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Visit the Franklin County Clerk of Courts website. Click on the "Domestic" tab under the Forms and Fees heading on the left side bar. Download and complete all necessary affidavits and forms. Fill out the "Affidavit of Income" and "Affidavit of Property" if you and/or your spouse are working and/or own property together. Fill out the "Parent Proceeding Affidavit" and "Health Insurance Affidavit" if you and your spouse have children. Download and complete all other necessary forms as relates to your matter.
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Visit the Franklin County Court House. Arrive with several pieces of up-to-date identifying documentation -- driver's license and passport, for example -- and three sets of copies of all completed affidavits and forms. Fill out a Notice Certificate if the divorce is uncontested. Pay any related filing fees -- beginning at $175 -- to process any and all documents.
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Inquire with the clerk to confirm whether a hearing is necessary protocol regarding your case. Petition for a hearing through the clerk's office if is required. Arrive at the hearing on time with all necessary documentation. Represent your case clearly and respectfully before the judge. Request an official form from the Judge's or Magistrate's Assignment Office if a continuance is needed. Follow all of the judge's orders and conduct yourself in an honest manner at all times.
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Tips & Warnings
Visit the Supreme Court of Ohio Law Library or Columbus Law Library Association to check out divorce court legal texts.
Clarify with the court clerk about the necessity of a hearing -- in both contested and uncontested circumstances.
You must have resided in Franklin County for at least six consecutive months before petitioning for divorce through the court system.
References
Resources
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