Civil Protection Orders in Athens County

Reviewed by Stephanie Green · Managing Partner & Co-Founder · Last updated June 11, 2026

Athens County, Ohio · Athens

A Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order (DVCPO) is a civil court order that protects you from a family or household member who has harmed or threatened you. In Athens County, DVCPO petitions are filed in the Domestic Relations Division of the Court of Common Pleas, where the Domestic Relations Magistrate hears them (R.C. 3113.31). There is no filing fee for the petitioner.

How do I get a protection order in Athens County, Ohio?

File a Petition for a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order in the Domestic Relations Division at the Athens County Courthouse, 1 South Court Street, 4th Floor. There is no filing fee for the petitioner (R.C. 3113.31). If there is immediate danger, the court can issue a temporary ex parte order the same day. A full hearing — where both sides are heard before a longer-term order issues — is generally set within 7 to 10 court days of an ex parte order, and a final order can last up to five years. The order can address no-contact, staying away, temporary custody and parenting time, possession of the home, and firearms. Mediation may not be used for protection orders (Local Rule 30).

Where to File: Athens County Court of Common Pleas, General Division — Domestic Relations Division

Athens County Courthouse, 1 S. Court Street, 4th Floor, Athens, OH 45701, Athens, OH 45701
Phone: (740) 592-3242
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (closed legal holidays)
Website: www.co.athensoh.org/government/common_pleas_court/domestic_relations_division.php
e-Filing: https://eservices.athenscommonpleas.com/

Juvenile Branch (Never-Married Parents)

Athens County Probate/Juvenile Court
Athens County Courthouse, 1 S. Court Street, 2nd Floor, Athens, OH 45701, Athens, OH 45701
Phone: (740) 592-3256
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Civil Protection Orders is the right path if…

  • You need protection from a family or household member who has harmed or threatened you.
  • You are a spouse, former spouse, co-parent, household member, or relative covered by R.C. 3113.31 (a separate order covers dating relationships).
  • You need fast relief — a same-day ex parte order is available when there is immediate danger.
  • You want terms such as no-contact, stay-away, temporary custody, home possession, or firearms restrictions.

Filing Fees

No filing fee for the petitioner (R.C. 3113.31) · filed in the Domestic Relations Division and heard by the Domestic Relations Magistrate · same-day ex parte order available · full hearing generally within 7–10 court days · order up to five years · mediation barred for protection orders (LR 30).

Forms & Filing Packets

File a DVCPO petition (no filing fee) — No filing fee for the petitioner (R.C. 3113.31)

File the Ohio Supreme Court DVCPO petition in the Domestic Relations Division. The Domestic Relations Magistrate hears the petition; there is no filing fee for the petitioner.

Same-day ex parte order, then full hearing

When there is immediate danger, the court can issue a temporary ex parte order the same day; a full hearing is generally set within 7–10 court days, where a longer-term order (up to five years) can issue.

How to File Civil Protection Orders in Athens County

  1. Get the petition forms. Use the Ohio Supreme Court DVCPO petition forms; you can file in the Domestic Relations Division at the courthouse, 4th floor.
  2. File with no fee. There is no filing fee for the petitioner (R.C. 3113.31).
  3. Ask for an ex parte order if in danger. If there is immediate danger, the court can issue a temporary ex parte order the same day.
  4. Attend the full hearing. A full hearing is generally set within 7–10 court days; bring evidence and witnesses. A final order can last up to five years.

Athens County Practice Notes

  • Filed in the Domestic Relations Division — no fee. DVCPO petitions are filed in the Domestic Relations Division of the Common Pleas Court, where the Domestic Relations Magistrate (Melinda Bradford) hears them. There is no filing fee for the petitioner (R.C. 3113.31). The Common Pleas General Division separately hears civil stalking protection orders.
  • Mediation is never used for protection orders. Under Local Rule 30, mediation may not be used as an alternative to adjudicating domestic violence, or to grant, modify, terminate, or set the terms or penalty of a protection order. Survivor support is available through the Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP); the National DV Hotline is 800-799-7233.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost anything to file for a protection order in Athens County?
No — there is no filing fee for the petitioner in a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order (R.C. 3113.31). You file in the Domestic Relations Division, where the Domestic Relations Magistrate hears the petition.
Where do I file for a protection order in Athens County?
In the Domestic Relations Division at the Athens County Courthouse, 1 South Court Street, 4th Floor. The Domestic Relations Magistrate (Melinda Bradford) hears DVCPO petitions. The Common Pleas General Division separately hears civil stalking protection orders.
How fast can I get a protection order in Athens County?
If there is immediate danger, the court can issue a temporary ex parte order the same day. A full hearing — where both sides are heard before a longer-term order issues — is generally set within 7 to 10 court days of an ex parte order, and a final order can last up to five years (R.C. 3113.31).
Is mediation available — and is it used for protection orders — in Athens County?
Any case under the court's jurisdiction may be ordered to mediation, and the Juvenile Court has a parallel rule (Juvenile Local Rule 3). But mediation may not be used for protection orders — it cannot be used to adjudicate domestic violence or to grant, modify, terminate, or set the terms or penalty of a protection order (Local Rule 30). Mediators screen for domestic violence, and costs are shared unless waived.

Free Local Resources in Athens County

  • Athens County Clerk of Courts — Legal Department. 1 S. Court Street, 4th Floor, Athens, OH 45701; (740) 592-3242. Confirms current filing deposits, hosts the Domestic Relations forms page, and runs the CourtView online docket and e-file (https://eservices.athenscommonpleas.com/). Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Athens County Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). Under Athens County Job & Family Services, 13183 St. Rte. 13, Millfield, OH 45761; (740) 593-5046 or 1-800-436-8933 (https://jfs.athensoh.org/). Opens IV-D cases, sets and collects support by wage withholding, and can establish paternity administratively.
  • Parent-education seminar (Athens County Children Services). Required within 60 days in every Domestic Relations case with minor children (Local Rule 24.02(D)). Register with the Director of Preventive Services at (740) 592-3061 ext. 305; the class is no more than $10 per person.
  • Athens County Probate/Juvenile Court. 1 S. Court Street, 2nd Floor, Athens, OH 45701; Juvenile (740) 592-3256, Probate (740) 592-3251 (https://www.athenscountypjcourt.com/). Hears never-married parentage and custody, non-parent custody, and companionship. No e-filing portal — fax filing of non-fee documents to (740) 592-3268 is permitted.

Other Family-Law Topics in Athens County

Related to your protection orders case

  • Paternity & Custody — Establish parentage and build a parenting plan that protects your children.
  • Divorce & Dissolution — End your marriage through a contested divorce or an amicable dissolution.
  • Child Support — Calculate, establish, or modify support under Ohio's guidelines.

Related guides

In-depth, attorney-written guides on protection orders and related Ohio family law topics.

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Call (844) 694-2885 or email support@gavvl.com.