Paternity, Custody, Visitation, Support

Geauga County Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over cases involving issues of paternity, custody, visitation, and support regarding minor children where the parents are unmarried or married but legally separated. In addition to the Child Support Enforcement Department (CSED), the Court issues orders regarding the determination of paternity and establishing, modifying, terminating, or enforcing child support. Additionally, the Court also determines and issues orders regarding establishing, modifying, or terminating custody and visitation (or “parental rights”). The Court has established a Help Center to assist persons, who are not represented by an attorney, to handle matters concerning paternity, custody, visitation, and child support. See below the “Information Sheets” and “Court forms” concerning such matters, which are provided through the Help Center. The Help Center is open on Thursdays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Walk-ins are welcome but an appointment is recommended, which can be obtained by calling 440-279-1834.

The Help Center will not provide any legal advice. To obtain legal advice for your matter you must retain an attorney to represent you.

The Information Sheets and Court forms listed below are available to the public. Selecting and completing those Court forms for your legal matter, without assistance, may be difficult. The Court recommends that you obtain legal advice from your attorney or visit the Help Center before you select, complete, and file any of those Court forms.

Information Sheets

Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities
Appellate Process
Child Support
Conduct During A Hearing
Determining Paternity
Guardian ad litem
Indigent Litigant
Jurisdiction
Law of Ohio
Mediation Agreement Enforcement
Mediator
Minor Abortion - Nonparental Consent
Name Change of Minor
Nonparent Rights
Parenting Coordinator
Preparing for Your Hearing
Resource Center
Service and Subpoena
Temporary Emergency Jurisdiction
Termination of Parental Rights