Civil Protection Orders in Wayne County

Where to File: Wayne County Court of Common Pleas, General & Domestic Relations Divisions

Juvenile Branch (Never-Married Parents)

Wayne County Probate and Juvenile Court
107 W. Liberty Street, 2nd Floor, Wooster, OH 44691
Phone: (330) 287-5561
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Civil Protection Orders is the right path if…

• A family or household member has harmed, threatened, or stalked you.
• You need the court to order the other person to stay away.
• You fear for your safety or your children's safety.
• You need temporary protection right away while a hearing is scheduled.
• You need to change or extend a protection order you already have.

Filing Fees

No filing fee for the petitioner (R.C. 3113.31(J)) · Temporary ex parte order possible the same day · Full hearing follows · A DVCPO and a related divorce go to the same judge (D.R. Rule 2.03) · Confirm current details with the Clerk at (330) 287-5590

Forms & Filing Packets

How to File Civil Protection Orders in Wayne County

1. Go to the court to file. File a DVCPO petition at the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas, 107 W. Liberty Street, Wooster. There is no filing fee for the petitioner.
2. Describe the abuse. Explain the specific incidents of harm, threats, or stalking and what protection you need. The Affidavit for Specific Facts (Form 32) helps you set out the facts.
3. Ask for a temporary ex parte order. The court reviews your petition the same day and can issue a temporary order to protect you immediately.
4. Attend the full hearing. Bring evidence and any witnesses to the full hearing, where the court decides whether to issue a longer-term order.
5. Modify or extend if needed. If circumstances change, file the Motion to Modify, Extend or Dismiss Civil Protection Order (Form 46).

Wayne County Practice Notes

• No fee for the petitioner. Ohio law (R.C. 3113.31(J)) means a victim is not charged a filing fee to petition for a domestic-violence civil protection order. Don't let cost stop you from seeking protection — confirm the current intake process with the Clerk.
• Two-step process: ex parte, then full hearing. After you file, the court can issue a temporary ex parte order the same day based on your petition. A full hearing follows where both sides present evidence; only after that hearing does the court issue a longer-term protection order.
• Same judge as a related divorce. Under Wayne's D.R. Rule 2.03, a DVCPO and a related divorce or dissolution are assigned to the same judge so the protection terms and the family-case orders stay consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost anything to file for a protection order in Wayne County?

No. Petitioners are not charged a filing fee for a domestic-violence civil protection order (R.C. 3113.31(J)). The court can issue a temporary ex parte order the same day and then hold a full hearing for a longer-term order. Confirm the current intake process with the Clerk at (330) 287-5590.

How does the protection-order process work in Wayne County?

After you file, the court reviews your petition the same day and can issue a temporary ex parte order to protect you immediately. A full hearing follows where both sides present evidence; only after that hearing does the court issue a longer-term protection order.

Will my protection order and divorce be handled together in Wayne County?

Under Wayne's D.R. Rule 2.03, a domestic-violence civil protection order and a related divorce or dissolution are assigned to the same judge so the protection terms and the family-case orders stay consistent.

How do I change or extend a protection order in Wayne County?

Either party can file the Motion to Modify, Extend or Dismiss Civil Protection Order (Form 46) to change, extend, or end an existing order. The court then sets a hearing before ruling.

Where do I file for divorce in Wayne County?

At the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas, General & Domestic Relations Divisions, 107 W. Liberty Street, Wooster, OH 44691. The Clerk of Courts can be reached at (330) 287-5590. Every new case starts with the local New Case Designation (Form 49) on top of the standard Ohio complaint.

Free Local Resources in Wayne County

• Wayne County Clerk of Courts. Posts current filing fees and DR forms, and processes filings. Court Costs & Fees schedule at wayneclerkofcourts.org. Call (330) 287-5590 to confirm deposits and packet requirements before filing.
• Wayne County Domestic Relations Division. Publishes the numbered DR forms (1–53) and required-document packets at waynecourtofcommonpleas.org/resources/domestic-relations-templates. The DR scheduler, Tina Porter, can be reached at 330-287-5547.
• Wayne County Probate and Juvenile Court. Handles parentage, custody, parenting time, and support for never-married parents, plus non-parent custody. Forms at wayneprobateandjuvenile.org; phone 330-287-5561. A juvenile help desk meets the 1st and 3rd Friday.
• Counseling Center of Wayne and Holmes Counties — Parenting Seminar. Provides the court-ordered Helping Children Succeed seminar and the Kids First program (ages 8–12) at 2285 Benden Drive, Wooster. $35 per parent, prepaid; register at least 2 business days ahead at ccwhc.org/services or (330) 264-9029.
• Wayne County Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). Opens IV-D support cases, runs wage withholding, distributes payments, and enforces orders (2% processing fee). File the IV-D Application (JFS 07076) to establish or modify support.

Other Family-Law Topics in Wayne County

• Statewide Custody Overview — How Ohio custody and parenting time work at a high level.
• Talk to a Family Law Attorney — Connect with a Wayne County family-law attorney for help with your case.

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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