Clermont County Family Court Records
Clermont County family court records cover divorce, custody, child support, and other domestic matters filed in Batavia. The county has a dedicated Domestic Relations Court that handles all marriage dissolution and related cases, plus a separate Probate Court for guardianships, adoptions, and marriage licenses. If you are looking for a specific filing or need copies of court documents, the offices in Batavia can help. Clermont County sits just east of Cincinnati and serves a growing population across its many townships and villages.
Clermont County Overview
Clermont County Domestic Relations Court
The Clermont County Domestic Relations Court is where most family court records originate. This court sits at 2340 Clermont Center Drive in Batavia. It handles all divorce, dissolution, legal separation, annulment, and domestic violence cases in the county. The court also deals with post-decree motions for changes to custody, support, or parenting time. Phone the court at (513) 732-7327 or email domesticclerkofcourts@clermontcountyohio.gov for questions about specific cases.
Filing fees in Clermont County vary by case type. A divorce with children costs $400 to file. A divorce without children is $325. Dissolution with children runs $350, and dissolution without children costs $300. Post-decree motions are $165 to file. These fees can change, so call ahead to confirm the current amount. The court requires divorcing parents with minor children to attend parenting seminars before a final decree is issued. Mediation services are also available for custody and parenting time disputes, which can help both sides reach an agreement without a full trial.
Under ORC Chapter 3105, the plaintiff must have been an Ohio resident for at least six months before filing for divorce. Ohio recognizes 11 grounds for divorce. These include extreme cruelty, adultery, and living separate and apart for one year. The court divides marital property using equitable distribution rules set out in ORC 3105.171.
| Court | Clermont County Domestic Relations Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 2340 Clermont Center Drive Batavia, OH 45103 |
| Phone | (513) 732-7327 |
| domesticclerkofcourts@clermontcountyohio.gov | |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Clermont County Probate Court Records
The Clermont County Probate Court is at 2379 Clermont Center Drive in Batavia. It sits in a separate building from the Domestic Relations Court but handles its own set of family court records. The Probate Court has authority over estates, guardianships, adoptions, marriage licenses, and name changes. Call (513) 732-7243 for information or fax requests to (513) 732-8183.
Marriage licenses cost $70 and are payable by cash or check only. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo ID. The office issues licenses Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Certified copies of marriage licenses are $2.00 per copy. No blood test or waiting period is required in Ohio. The license stays valid for 60 days once issued. If you were married before, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree or death certificate of a former spouse.
The screenshot below shows the Clermont County Probate Court website, which provides information on all probate division family court records in the county.
The Probate Court website lists forms, fee schedules, and contact details for each division.
Note: Adoption records in Ohio are sealed and require a court order to access under ORC 149.43.
How to Find Clermont County Court Records
Start by visiting the courthouse in Batavia. The Domestic Relations Court at 2340 Clermont Center Drive handles divorce and custody files. The Probate Court at 2379 Clermont Center Drive handles estate and guardianship files. Staff at both offices can look up cases by name or case number and make copies on the spot.
Ohio's Public Records Act (ORC 149.43) gives anyone the right to request public records. You do not need to give your name or explain why you want them. The office must hand them over at cost within a reasonable time. If they deny your request, they must tell you why in writing and cite the law. You can file a complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims for $25 if a request is wrongly denied, after allowing three business days for the office to fix the problem.
The Clermont County Domestic Relations Court also runs a monthly Law Clinic to help people who do not have a lawyer. This clinic assists with basic questions about filing for divorce, understanding court procedures, and filling out forms. The Supreme Court of Ohio has standardized domestic relations forms that every Ohio county must accept. These cover everything from financial affidavits to shared parenting plans.
Child Custody and Support in Clermont County
Child custody matters in Clermont County follow ORC Chapter 3109. The court uses the best interest of the child standard to decide custody. It looks at the wishes of each parent, the child's wishes if old enough, how the child has adjusted to home and school, and the mental and physical health of everyone involved. Both parents stand on equal footing under ORC 3109.03 when they live apart.
Child support is set by state guidelines. The court can order either or both parents to pay under ORC 3109.05. Spousal support may also be awarded after the court divides property under ORC 3105.18. Grandparents and other relatives can petition for visitation rights under ORC 3109.051(B) if the court finds it is in the child's best interest.
Juvenile records in Clermont County are confidential. Under ORC Chapter 2151, these records are not public and usually need a court order to view. This includes cases involving delinquency, abuse, neglect, and dependency.
Nearby Counties
Clermont County is in southwest Ohio near Cincinnati. These are the neighboring counties where you can also find family court records.