E-Submission Live & Mandatory for Attorneys. Also, Attorneys may submit Objection to Decision of Magistrate  and DR21-A Notice of Request for Remote Appearance via E-Submission.  See News below.

Civil Protection Orders - Domestic Violence and Dating Violence

Domestic Violence Civil Protection Orders may be requested through Domestic Relations Court if:
  • the petitioner is related to the respondent by blood or marriage AND has lived with the respondent at any time
  • OR if the petitioner was married to the respondent
  • OR the petitioner has a child with the respondent
Dating Violence Civil Protection Orders may be requested through Domestic Relations Court if:
  • the petitioner was in a dating relationship with the respondent within the past five years and the acts occurred within one year of the end of the relationship
In order for our court to hear the case, the petition or respondent must live in Butler County or the acts of violence must have happened in Butler County.  

Petitions for emergency protection order are heard on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am - 10:30 am and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. 
The earlier you arrive, the more likely you are to be heard that day.  If you come at the end of the above time frames, you may be asked to come back. There are packets available at the court or the packets can be printed below.  Please bring a photo ID.

If you are related by blood or marriage AND have lived together, if you were married, or if you have a child with the other party, this is the required paperwork: Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order Petition.

If you are or were in a dating relationship with the other person within the past five years, this it the required paperwork: Dating Violence Civil Protection Order Petition. If you lived together or have a child with the other party, you would fill out the Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order Petition

When will my petition/case have a hearing?
A petitioner must appear before a hearing officer for the ex parte hearing from there the hearing officer will set a second hearing ("full final hearing") in 7 to 10 business days. The respondent must be served by law enforcement with the petition and entry/order from the ex parte hearing before the final hearing will be heard and the petitioner must also appear at all future hearings. 

*NOTE* Civil Protection Orders are not "emergency custody" or "eviction" orders.  Please seek advice from an attorney on where to file those types of actions. 

The Ohio Supreme Court website may better explain the relationships when trying to decide what type of Protection Order you should file.  

Court staff is available to answer questions concerning local court procedures and most general questions pertaining to your individual case. You can submit questions to the Court on our Contact Us page.  COURT STAFF IS PROHIBITED BY LAW FROM GIVING LEGAL ADVICE AND/OR ADVISING PARTIES ON WHAT TO FILE.  If you have any questions about the law, or your legal rights, please contact an attorney or the Butler County Bar Association at (513) 896-6671 for attorney referral information.

Victim Advocate
Local domestic violence assistance groups may be contacted at these locations for advocate information:
  • Women Helping Women: Victim Advocate Program 24-Hour Hotline (513) 381-5610
  • Butler County Sheriff’s Office: Victim Assistance Program (513) 887-3430