​The Domestic Relations Division of the Common Pleas Court

The Domestic Relations Division of the Common Pleas Court hears only civil cases of families involved in divorce, a dissolution of marriage, annulment, legal separation, child custody, visitation, child support, property division, spousal support, and all post divorce motions after the marriage has terminated.

The Court Counseling Department

The Court Counseling Department was first established as The Friend of the Court when, in 1938, Judge Paul Alexander hired the court’s first divorce caseworker. Today, the counseling department provides family evaluations for divorce and post-divorce issues litigated about children, mediation, conciliation assessments, intake services, scheduling for the parenting-through-divorce education program, and other services as social concerns and the law changes.

The Domestic Violence Resource Center

The Domestic Violence Resource Center helps victims of domestic violence obtain Civil Protection Orders, which provide legal relief and protection for victims. The Center's staff provide information and help prepare petitions for victims who can then seek immediate protection from the Court. If you believe that you are a victim of domestic violence, please call (419) 213-2700.

History of the Court

The Domestic Relations Court was established in 1924 by an act of Ohio Legislature. Originally, this court had jurisdiction in all juvenile matters, as well as divorces and post-divorce motions for families residing in Lucas County, thus the term Family Court. Eventually, it became clear that issues involving juveniles (less than 18 years of age) had increased and were becoming more complex.

Therefore, in 1977 the Ohio legislature created the Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, which became the fourth division of the common pleas court joining the Domestic Relations, General and Probate Divisions. Today, these four divisions represent The Lucas County Common Pleas Courts. The information on this website provides a general overview, any further questions may be addressed by contacting the court.