Ohio Supreme Court Adopts Standardized Domestic Relations Forms

The Ohio Supreme Court yesterday announced its adoption of 23 standardized forms designed specifically to increase access to justice in family-law related proceedings in the state’s domestic relations and juvenile courts.

The Court’s news service related Stephanie Nelson’s, policy and research counsel in the Children, Families, and the Courts Section, saying “the standardization will assist by promoting efficiencies and fostering uniformity in domestic relations and juvenile courts because some proceedings are similar in both courts. Additionally, attorneys practicing in multiple jurisdictions will benefit from consistent standards”

Key information, relevant instructions, and guidance are embedded in the forms using plain English as much as possible, and, effective July 1, will be posted on the Supreme Court’s website in formats that can be completed either online or printed out for completion by hand.

The 23 new forms now being adopted follow the five other domestic relations forms adopted in 2010. Local jurisdictions can still employ their own forms, but are have to accept the standardized ones as well.

Preview of New Forms

[ Also note Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio (Sup. R. 51 Standard Probate Forms 18.0, 18.2, 18.4, 21.5, 23.0, 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4, 23.6, 23.7), effective January 01, 2010 ]