Domestic and Dating Violence CPO Form Assistant
This interview will help you complete the forms to file for a Domestic Violence or Dating Violence Civil Protection Order in Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court.
You will need to:
- Register for an account. Registering will allow you to save and complete this form on your own schedule.
- Enter your information completely and correctly.
- Pace yourself and take breaks. All the information you fill out will be saved. You can click "Save & Exit" and return to complete your form.
After you are done, follow these steps to submit your form to the Court:
- Contact the Domestic Violence Help Center at (216) 443-7940. Your forms must be reviewed by staff at the Domestic Violence Help Center, who will make sure all necessary documents are completed. (Court staff cannot provide legal advice or help you decide what information to write on your forms.)
- Submit your completed forms and documents to the Clerk of Courts, where a Judge and case number is assigned.
- Attend the ex parte hearing (if requested). On the day that you file, the Court will hold an emergency hearing, called an "ex parte" hearing. The respondent does not attend the ex parte hearing. At this hearing, you (and your lawyer, if you have one) meet with the Judge or Magistrate. They review your forms and may ask you some questions. Then, the Judge or Magistrate decides if you need an emergency, ex parte protection order that starts immediately.
- Complete service. “Service” is when the Court officially tells the respondent about your filing. When you fill out your civil protection order forms, you will complete the “Request for Service” on the last page of the petition. Ohio rules say that the first method of service in a civil protection order case must be personal service by the sheriff. This means that the sheriff will attempt to serve the papers in-person to the respondent at the address you provide. It's recommended that you also select "certified mail," in addition to personal service. This means that the Sheriff will attempt to serve your papers in-person, and at the same time they will be sent to the respondent by certified mail. After you file, you will need to follow up with the Clerk’s office to make sure that service was completed. Your case cannot be heard at the full hearing until service has been completed.
- Attend the full hearing. Whether or not you are given the emergency, "ex parte" protection order, the Court will hold a full hearing, usually within 7 or 10 business days, that the abuser may attend. At the full hearing, you testify and present evidence, including any witnesses to show the Judge or Magistrate why you need a protection order. You must show that there has been a recent threatening or violent act and that there is a danger of future violence. A lawyer can help you prepare evidence. If you want protection for your children or other family or household members, you must show why they are in danger, too. The respondent also has a chance to present evidence.