Franklin County Family Court Records Search
Franklin County family court records are on file at the Court of Common Pleas in Columbus, Ohio. As the most populated county in the state, Franklin County handles a very high volume of domestic relations cases each year. The Clerk of Courts processes divorce filings, custody orders, child support cases, and other family law matters. You can search for records at the courthouse on South High Street or through the Clerk's online tools. The Probate Court keeps separate records for marriages, adoptions, guardianships, and estate cases. Dublin and Columbus residents both file here.
Franklin County Overview
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas is the largest trial court in Ohio. The Domestic Relations Division handles all divorce, dissolution, legal separation, and annulment filings. It also takes care of child custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal support cases. Given the size of the county, this division processes thousands of cases each year. Mandatory parenting classes are required when divorcing parents have minor children.
The court complex sits at 373 S. High Street in Columbus, Ohio 43215. The Domestic Relations Division and the General Division operate on different floors. The Franklin County Clerk of Courts is the official record keeper for all divisions. The Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can reach them by phone at (614) 525-3600.
The screenshot below shows the Franklin County Clerk of Courts website, which is the main portal for records access.
The Clerk's site lets you look up cases and find filing fee schedules for domestic relations matters.
| Court | Franklin County Court of Common Pleas |
|---|---|
| Address | 373 S. High Street Columbus, OH 43215 |
| Clerk Phone | (614) 525-3600 |
| Probate Phone | (614) 525-3894 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Franklin County Filing Fees
Franklin County has specific filing fees for domestic relations cases. A divorce costs $250 to file. A dissolution costs $200. Legal separation filings run $175. Custody and support actions cost $150 to file. Post-judgment motions are $150 each. Certified mail service adds $10 per party, and Sheriff's service costs $30 per party.
Copy fees at the Clerk of Courts are $0.10 per page for standard copies. Certified copies carry an added charge. The office accepts various payment methods. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. You file a sworn statement showing your income and expenses. The judge reviews it and decides. The Supreme Court of Ohio provides standardized forms for free that all 88 counties must accept.
Note: Franklin County fees may change, so call the Clerk at (614) 525-3600 to confirm current amounts before filing.
Franklin County Probate Court
The Franklin County Probate Court is on the 23rd Floor at 373 S. High Street in Columbus. Marriage licenses are issued Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. An online application is available, which you fill out before your in-person visit. Both people must appear with valid ID. You can reach the Probate Court at (614) 525-3894.
The Probate Court handles estates, guardianships for adults and minors, adoptions, name changes, and mental health commitments. Guardianship cases need background checks and yearly reports to the court. Adoption records in Ohio are sealed under state law. Under ORC Chapter 2101, the Probate Court has original jurisdiction over these matters in each county.
The screenshot below shows the Franklin County Probate Court website, where you can find information about filings and forms.
The Probate Court site has online forms for marriage license applications and other filings.
How to Search Franklin County Family Court Records
There are several ways to search for family court records in Franklin County. The Clerk of Courts office at 373 S. High Street handles in-person requests. Staff can look up cases by name or case number. Bring ID with you. They can pull files and make copies while you wait.
Ohio's Public Records Act (ORC 149.43) gives any person the right to ask for public records. You do not need to give your name or explain why. The office must provide them at cost within a fair time. If your request gets denied, the office must put it in writing and cite the law. You can file a complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims for $25 if you think the denial was wrong, after giving the office three business days to fix it.
For divorce and dissolution records, the full case file includes the petition, response, financial disclosures, temporary orders, and the final decree. Under ORC Chapter 3105, Ohio has 11 grounds for divorce and requires six months of state residency before filing. Child custody follows ORC Chapter 3109, which uses the best interest of the child standard. Juvenile court records are generally not public under ORC Chapter 2151.
Franklin County Government Resources
The Franklin County Government Portal is a good place to start if you need information about any county department. The site links to the Clerk of Courts, Probate Court, Domestic Relations Court, and other offices. You can find addresses, phone numbers, and hours for each department.
The screenshot below shows the Franklin County Government website.
This portal is useful for finding the right office when you have questions about family court records in Franklin County.
The Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk handles certain lower-level cases. While most family law matters go through the Court of Common Pleas, the Municipal Court deals with misdemeanor domestic violence charges and some civil protection order violations.
The screenshot below shows the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk website.
You can use this site to look up criminal and traffic cases in the Municipal Court.
Protection Orders in Franklin County
Domestic violence protection orders are filed through the Franklin County Domestic Relations Court. A victim can ask for a temporary ex parte order the same day if there is immediate danger. A full hearing happens within days. The Supreme Court of Ohio protection order forms are available in multiple languages. Violating a protection order is a criminal offense in Ohio. The Franklin County Sheriff enforces all active orders.
Cities in Franklin County
Franklin County includes Columbus, the state capital, and part of Dublin. Family court cases for residents of these cities are filed at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.
Nearby Counties
Franklin County borders several other Ohio counties. Check these for family court records in nearby areas.