Domestic Court Law Clinic – is a partnership between the Court and a volunteer attorney. A self-represented party can receive legal advice from the volunteer attorney and procedural advice and assistance with court forms from Court personnel.
Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) - The Court may appoint a GAL to protect the best interest of the child(ren). The GAL will gather and assess all information and perform all responsibilities set forth in Rule 48 of The Rules of Superintendence. The GAL develops an ongoing relationship with the child(ren) in order to advocate for their best interest in Court. The Court appoints a GAL from a roster of eligible candidates maintained by the Court. The GAL deposit is $1,500, either paid by one parent or split between the parents. From the deposit, the GAL is paid $125 per hour for his/her billable time plus expenses. The parents may be ordered to pay additional deposits as needed to pay the GAL fees and expenses. The GAL serves until the case ends.
Mediation – The Court may order the parties to participate in Mediation, to assist with discussing and, hopefully resolving, parenting disputes or identify and hopefully resolve property issues. The parties may attend the mediation session(s) with counsel or another representative. Most parties, however, elect to attend the parenting session(s) without involving counsel or third parties. Most parties elect to attend the property session(s) with counsel. Any agreement reached during mediation is not binding on the parties until it is signed by both parties and approved by the Court. Mediation is available through Clermont County Domestic Relations Court, or private mediators. Each mediation session is about two hours. Most cases are completed within one to three sessions. All communication during the mediation session(s) is confidential. There is no charge for mediation sessions conducted at the Court.
Parental Investigation - The Court may order parents to submit to a Parenting Investigation, to assist the Court in determining the child(ren)’s best interest. The Court’s parenting investigator will evaluate each parent’s behavior, conduct, communication, family relationships, and criminal and Children’s Protective Services history. In addition, the parenting investigator considers each parent’s wishes and concerns in making a written report to the Court. The investigation fee is $250, either paid by one parent or split between the parents. Each parent completes a Parenting Questionnaire (Form 606) prior to their interview with the parenting investigator. The parents are interviewed separately; each interview is approximately two hours. The parenting investigator may also interview the children, depending on their ages. The parenting investigator may consult with other professionals who have had involvement with either parent and/or children, such as medical providers, educators, and child care providers. It requires about 100 days to complete a Parenting Investigation.