Modifying Orders in Stark County

How do I modify a custody or support order in Stark County, Ohio?

File the Stark County Family Court packet that fits your request — Change of Custody, Modification of Visitation, or Modification of Child Support — at 110 Central Plaza South, Canton, OH 44702. A motion to modify parental rights must include an affidavit establishing a prima facie case; the court may summarily dismiss it or order investigation, pretrial, interim placement, visitation, or support (Rule 16.02). You must show a change of circumstances since the last order and that the change serves the children's best interest (R.C. 3109.04(E)). If you're relocating, file the Notice of Intent to Relocate.

Where to File: Stark County Family Court (Domestic Relations & Juvenile Divisions)

Post-Decree Modifications is the right path if…

• There's a real change of circumstances since the last order (move, job change, schedule, child's needs).
• The existing parenting time or support no longer works.
• You can show the modification is in the children's best interest.
• You already have a final order to modify.

Filing Fees

Court packets for Change of Custody, Modification of Visitation, or Modification of Child Support · Reopening a closed case $273

Forms & Filing Packets

How to File Post-Decree Modifications in Stark County

1. Identify the change of circumstances. Document the move, income change, schedule change, or change in the child's needs since the last order.
2. Pick the right Stark packet. Use Change of Custody, Modification of Visitation, or Modification of Child Support, with the required affidavit or worksheet.
3. File with the Family Court. File at 110 Central Plaza South, Canton; reopening a closed case carries a $273 deposit.
4. Serve and attend the hearing. Serve the other party and present your evidence of changed circumstances at the hearing.

Stark County Practice Notes

• Custody changes need a prima facie affidavit. Under Rule 16.02, a motion to modify parental rights must include an affidavit establishing a prima facie case; the court can summarily dismiss it or order an investigation, pretrial, interim placement, visitation, or support. Contested modifications may require parenting coordination or a parenting or psychological evaluation (Rule 16.03).
• Relocation has its own notice. A residential parent who intends to move must file the Notice of Intent to Relocate. Stark's parenting-time schedules build in relocation notice periods — 30 days within the county, 60 days elsewhere in Ohio, and 90 days out of state.
• Best-interest standard governs. R.C. 3109.04(F)(1) lists 10+ factors: each parent's wishes, the child's wishes (when of sufficient age), the child's interaction with parents/siblings, adjustment to home/school/community, mental and physical health of all involved, the parent more likely to facilitate court-approved parenting time, child support compliance, criminal history, residence outside Ohio, and any history of abuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to file in Stark County?

Stark County Family Court deposits (effective March 17, 2025): Complaint for Divorce or Annulment $391 (add $50 for every 5 defendants beyond the first 4); Dissolution $371; Legal Separation $359; a counterclaim or cross-claim $251; reopening a closed case $273; a Custody Register Petition $313; a garnishment $50; and a new Juvenile complaint $307. A Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order takes no deposit. These are minimum deposits — total case costs vary. Pay the Stark County Clerk of Courts (checks payable to 'Stark County Clerk of Courts'); for a total-cost quote call (330) 451-7801.

Do I file in the Domestic Relations or Juvenile Division in Stark County?

Stark County runs a combined Family Court — the Domestic Relations and Juvenile Divisions share one location at 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 670, Canton, and one main number, (330) 451-7415. The Domestic Relations Division (Judge Michelle L. Cordova) handles divorce, dissolution, legal separation, annulment, and the custody and support that travel with them for married parents. The Juvenile Division (Judge Rosemarie A. Hall) handles paternity and custody for never-married parents, plus grandparent / third-party custody. Six shared magistrates hear cases in both divisions.

How does child support enforcement work in Stark County?

Child-support orders run through the Stark County Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). Under Rule 18, a support order through CSEA requires a confidential Personal Identifier Form filed with the Clerk and CSEA, and the entry must state the payment amount plus a 2% processing fee, any arrearage and repayment, and the effective date. Support is paid through Ohio Child Support Payment Central unless cash is processed at Stark County CSEA. When support is modified or custody changes, counsel files a time-stamped copy with CSEA through the Clerk — the Clerk won't accept the order without the CSEA copy (Rule 18.03).

When does Stark County appoint a Guardian ad Litem?

Under Rule 17 and Sup.R. 48, the court can appoint a Guardian ad Litem in a contested custody case to investigate (interview the parents and child, observe, visit residences, and contact providers and schools) and advocate for the child's best interest. In domestic-relations and juvenile custody cases the GAL report is generally due at least 7 days before the pretrial. GAL reports are not freely distributable; further disclosure needs court approval. Stark also runs a CASA / Guardian ad Litem program at (330) 451-7786.

Free Local Resources in Stark County

• Stark County Family Court Help Desk. Free help for self-represented parties completing and reviewing divorce and custody forms, plus questions on court procedure and notary services. Mondays 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., first come first served; check in with the reception bailiff in the lobby, (330) 451-7415. Help Desk attorneys do not represent you or give legal advice.
• Stark County Family Court — Court Filing Forms & Brochures. The court's assembled filing packets for divorce, dissolution, legal separation, annulment, custody, support, contempt, and protection orders, hosted in the county Document Center at starkcountyohio.gov. The court notes the forms are a resource only and not a substitute for legal advice.
• Stark County Law Library. Public legal-research help at 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 401, Canton, (330) 451-7380, Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (DVPI). Shelter, advocacy, and support for those experiencing domestic violence in Stark County. Learn more at dvpi.org.

Other Family-Law Topics in Stark County

• Stark County Divorce — Full filing guide for contested divorce in the Stark County Family Court.
• Stark County Dissolution — Both-parties-agree route — faster and lower-conflict than a divorce.
• Stark County Custody — Married parents file inside divorce; never-married parents file a Juvenile complaint.

Related to your modifications case

• Child Support — Calculate, establish, or modify support under Ohio's guidelines.
• Paternity & Custody — Establish parentage and build a parenting plan that protects your children.
• Spousal Support — Pursue or respond to alimony requests during and after divorce.

Keep exploring

• Ohio Post-Decree Modifications guide — Statewide overview of post-decree modifications in Ohio.
• Akron family law — Local attorneys and courts serving the Akron metro.
• Meet Stephanie Green — Managing Partner & Family Law Attorney at Gavvl Law.
• Payment plans & financing — Flat fees with Gavvl Direct, Affirm, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later.