Civil Protection Orders in Geauga County

Where to File: Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, General Division (Domestic Relations)

Juvenile Branch (Never-Married Parents)

Geauga County Court of Common Pleas, Probate & Juvenile Divisions
Courthouse Annex, 231 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Chardon, OH 44024
Phone: (440) 226-4446
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed legal holidays)

Civil Protection Orders is the right path if…

• You have been threatened, harmed, or stalked and need court-ordered protection.
• You want the other person ordered to stay away and stop all contact.
• You need protection quickly, including a same-day temporary order.
• You can describe specific recent incidents in a sworn petition.

Filing Fees

No filing fee for an adult domestic-violence civil protection order (R.C. 3113.31) · same-day ex parte order available · full hearing for an order up to five years · mediation prohibited in DV cases (Local Rule 30(B)(2)) · in an emergency call 911

Forms & Filing Packets

How to File Civil Protection Orders in Geauga County

1. Get to safety and call 911 if needed. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Local advocates can help you prepare a petition.
2. Choose the right petition. Use the DVCPO (Form 10.01-D) for a family or household member, or the Civil Stalking Protection Order (Form 10.03-D) for someone who is not.
3. File with the Clerk. File in the General Division through the Clerk of Courts, (440) 279-1960; there is no filing fee for a DVCPO, and you can request an ex parte order for same-day protection.
4. Attend the full hearing. The court sets a full hearing — often within about 7 to 10 days — and can issue a final order lasting up to five years; mediation is not used in domestic-violence cases.

Geauga County Practice Notes

• Adult DVCPO filed in the General Division (no fee). An adult domestic-violence civil protection order (R.C. 3113.31) is filed in the General Division through the Clerk of Courts, (440) 279-1960. There is no filing fee, an emergency ex parte order can issue the same day, and a full hearing follows for an order that can last up to five years. Mediation is prohibited in domestic-violence cases (Local Rule 30(B)(2)). In an emergency, call 911.
• Emergency ex parte requires irreparable harm. An ex parte request must be a written motion with a supporting affidavit stating, with specificity, facts showing irreparable harm and exigent circumstances (Local Rule 11(B)(2)). If granted or denied, the court sets a hearing within 28 days on request. Abuse of the ex parte procedure can lead to sanctions.
• No separate Domestic Relations court. Divorce, dissolution, legal separation, and annulment are heard by the General Division of the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas — there is no separate Domestic Relations division. Judges Carolyn J. Paschke and Matthew Rambo preside, with Magistrates Lee, Powell, and Starrett hearing many domestic matters. File through the Clerk of Courts, Sheila M. Bevington, 100 Short Court Street, Chardon, (440) 279-1960.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a protection order in Geauga County, and is there a fee?

An adult domestic-violence civil protection order (R.C. 3113.31) is filed in the General Division through the Clerk of Courts (440) 279-1960. There is no filing fee, and an emergency ex parte order can issue the same day, followed by a full hearing — often within about 7 to 10 days — for an order that can last up to five years. If the respondent is not a family or household member, use a civil stalking protection order. In an emergency, call 911.

Is mediation used in Geauga County family cases?

The court may refer contested custody and parenting-time issues to mediation. However, mediation is prohibited in cases involving domestic violence under Local Rule 30(B)(2). Mediation is voluntary and confidential and does not replace the court's final decision.

Which court handles family-law cases in Geauga County?

The General Division of the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas (100 Short Court Street, Chardon) hears all divorce, dissolution, legal separation, and annulment cases — there is no separate Domestic Relations court. The combined Probate & Juvenile Court (Courthouse Annex, 231 Main Street, 2nd Floor) handles unmarried-parent parentage, custody, support, and parenting time (Juvenile, under R.C. 2151.23) and non-parent custody. Domestic Relations cases are filed through the Clerk of Courts, Sheila M. Bevington, at (440) 279-1960.

How fast can I get an emergency order in Geauga County?

An emergency ex parte order requires a written motion with a supporting affidavit stating, with specificity, facts showing irreparable harm and exigent circumstances (Local Rule 11(B)(2); Civ.R. 75(N)). If the request is granted or denied, the court sets a hearing within 28 days on either party's request. Abuse of the ex parte procedure can lead to sanctions.

Free Local Resources in Geauga County

• Geauga County Clerk of Courts (files Common Pleas / Domestic Relations cases). 100 Short Court Street, Chardon, OH 44024; (440) 279-1960. Clerk Sheila M. Bevington files all divorce, dissolution, legal separation, and annulment cases, posts the filing-fee schedule, and confirms current deposits. Geauga uses mandatory e-filing for Common Pleas cases, with payment by PayPal checkout (guest checkout available). Forms: https://courts.geauga.oh.gov/forms/.
• Geauga County Probate & Juvenile Court. Courthouse Annex, 231 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Chardon, OH 44024; (440) 226-4446 (https://geaugapjcourt.org/). The combined Probate & Juvenile Court (Judge Timothy J. Grendell) hears unmarried-parent parentage, custody, support, and parenting-time cases. Self-represented filers can use the Juvenile Help Center: https://geaugapjcourt.org/help-center/.
• Geauga County Child Support Enforcement (GCCSED). Housed at Geauga County Job & Family Services, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, OH 44024; (440) 285-9141 (https://www.geaugajfs.org/). The county IV-D agency establishes, calculates, collects, and enforces child support. Support payments are processed through Ohio Child Support Payment Central (CSPC), not the local court (Local Rule 8(C)).
• Geauga County CASA / Court Appointed Special Advocates. https://www.geaugacountycasa.org/. Trained volunteer advocates appointed in abuse, neglect, and dependency cases to represent the child's best interest. The Probate & Juvenile Court may also appoint a Guardian ad Litem in contested custody matters.
• General Division Mediation Program. Mediation Coordinator (440) 279-1996. The General Division offers mediation to help divorcing and post-decree parents resolve parenting and property disputes without a contested hearing. Ask the Court or your attorney whether your case qualifies.

Other Family-Law Topics in Geauga County

• Geauga County Divorce — Full filing guide with forms, the Clerk deposit, and the parenting class.
• Geauga County Custody — Where to file when parents are married vs. never married.
• Ohio Child Support Calculator — Run the 2024 Income Shares worksheet yourself.
• Ohio family-law resources — 88-county directory of courts and legal aid.

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.

• Civil Protection Orders in Ohio: How to Get a CPO — An Ohio civil protection order can provide fast, court-ordered protection from domestic violence — including no-contact terms, exclusive home use, and temporary custody. Here's how to get one.
• Emergency Custody in Ohio: When and How to Get an Ex Parte Order — When a child faces immediate danger, Ohio courts can grant emergency custody on short notice through an ex parte order. Here's what qualifies and what happens next.

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