03/16/2020
Press Release:
Lorain County Domestic Relations/Juvenile Court limits face-to-face Court interactions amid COVID-19 concerns
The Lorain County Domestic Relations/Juvenile Court has closely monitored the reports of national and local health officials and Governor Mike DeWine regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In particular, Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health have established guidelines and measures to combat the spread of this virus. Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice O’Connor and the Ohio Judicial Conference have also issued guidance to local courts to devise a plan to continue operations “to meet both our purpose and essential functions.” The Chief Justice stressed that “closing the courthouse and disrupting services is not a plan.” In line with the orders of Governor DeWine, health experts and the Ohio Supreme Court’s guidance, the Court will take all necessary measures to keep the public, attorneys, and our staff safe.
In keeping with the goal of limiting interactions among people, an important method to combat the spread of COVID-19, the Lorain County Domestic Relations Court will limit face-to-face Court business to mission-critical essential functions only, effective March 17 through April 6, 2020, to be re-evaluated at that time. Essential functions generally include, but are not limited to:
· ex-parte Petitions for Domestic Violence Civil Protection Orders (DVCPO) and reviews
· ex-parte Petitions for Juvenile Civil Protection Orders (CPO) and reviews
· ex-parte Motions for Emergency Temporary Custody (ETC) and reviews
· adjudicatory/dispositional hearings in Abuse/Neglect/Dependency (A/N/D) matters when video or telephonic alternatives are not available
· shelter care hearings for A/N/D as well as juvenile detention matters
· final hearings for Petitions for Dissolution
· judicial bypass of consent hearings
· any hearing for juveniles in detention
· supervising juveniles in detention, Turning Point Shelter or Pathways Group Home.
The Court will evaluate all other types of hearings or meetings for participation through video or telephonic means. The Court will be notifying those who have hearings scheduled during this time frame regarding the status of those hearings.
The Juvenile Clerk’s office will remain open to accept essential filings and payments. The Juvenile Clerk’s office accepts fax filings at (440)329-5271 and payments online; visit the Court website at www.loraincounty.com/domesticrelations The Domestic Relations Clerk’s office accepts fax filings at (440)329-5506 and payments online; visit the Clerk of Court’s website at www.loraincounty.us/clerk/
The Court will utilize its lawful authority, within constitutional limits, to do all things necessary to ensure the orderly and efficient administration of justice for the duration of the declared public health emergency. All court orders remain in effect.
The Lorain County Domestic Relations Court remains open for business. The Court will continue its functioning with a focus on the safety of the parties, attorneys, staff, and judges.
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Lorain County Domestic Relations Court will serve the Citizens of Lorain County in a professional, dignified and timely fashion.
