The Court cannot prevent you from filing paperwork without legal review, however, if the paperwork is filed improperly, the case will be dismissed immediately, and no court cost will be refunded.  Therefore, it is strongly suggested that you seek legal counsel.

Forms of payment accepted: Credit, Debit, Cash, or Money Order, No personal checks. Only Counsel may use business checks.

Filing Fee for NEW cases: $135.00               Filing Fee to reactivate an EXISTING case: $135.00

  1. Original Complaint for Custody, Paternity or Companionship

  2. Motion to Modify Custody

  3. Motion to Modify Companionship Time

  4. Motion to Modify Child Support

  5. Third-Party Motion to Intervene -*Intervening in an already existing case*

  6. Third-Party Complaint for Custody-*File this if you are not the biological parent and are seeking custody*

  7. Motion for Contempt

  8. Caretaker Affidavit- *To be used when grandparents cannot locate parent of the child*

  9. Revocation of Caretaker Affidavit

  10. Grandparent Power of Attorney* To be completed by the parent of the child*

  11. Revocation of Grandparent Power of Attorney

  12. Objection Packet

  13. Waiver of Service

  14. Subpoena

  15. Posting/Publication Information

  16. Motion for Continuance

  17. Notice to Change address 

  18. Request for Transcript

  These forms or additional forms not on our website can be located at:
  • Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio: CHILLICOTHE OFFICE

Online: https://www.lasco.org/

73 East Water Street

Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

Phone: 740-773-0012

Toll Free: 800-686-3668

Income Eligibility Requirements

Other helpful resources can be found at: https://www.oh-paternity.com/faqs-english

FAQ’s:

Does the Court order Ex-Parte Emergency Custody?

 NO.  Custody hearings require notice and attendance of all parties at a hearing.   If you feel that a child is endangered, you should contact Pickaway County Job & Family Services at 740-474-7588

Important things to remember

  • Generally speaking, married couples with children have custody and visitation decisions made by the General Division of the Common Pleas Court and not Juvenile Court.

  • The Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over custody/visitation cases involving children born out of wedlock.

  • The filing fee for Custody or Visitation is $135.00  (This does not include the certified mailing costs)

  • The filing fee is to be paid on or before the hearing date.

Disclaimer: Legal practice in all Courts is restricted by law to attorneys who are licensed by The Supreme Court of Ohio. DEPUTY CLERKS ARE PREVENTED FROM PRACTICING LAW AND THEREFORE ARE NOT PERMITTED TO GIVE ADVICE. They are only authorized to determine if forms and other legal documents are appropriate and acceptable for filing.