Frequently Asked Questions About Coming to Court
COURT HOURS OF OPERATION: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, EXCEPT LEGAL HOLIDAYS
CLERK OF COURTS HOURS OF OPERATION: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, EXCEPT LEGAL HOLIDAYS
SCHEDULE OF COURT HOLIDAYS FOR 2024
People entering the Courthouse will no longer be required wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to mandatory health and security screenings at the entrance to the Courthouse, please arrive early for any court proceeding that you must attend. If you are running a fever, DO NOT COME TO COURT. You will be denied entry. You may but are not required to wear a mask when coming to court. Please review notices elsewhere on this web site for updated information.
Where is the Clermont County Common Pleas Courthouse?
The Courthouse address is 270 East Main Street in Batavia, and is easily accessible off State Route 32 eastbound. Please be cautious in using GPS navigation as there is the possibility of an error sending you to another nearby community. Please make sure you are traveling to Batavia when going to the Courthouse.Directions and a schematic map for getting to the Courthouseare available HERE.
Is parking free?
Yes, there is free parking on the streets surrounding the Courthouse in the Village of Batavia and in a newly expanded municipal lot directly across Main Street. There is no single court parking lot for Common Pleas Court. DO NOT PARK in the spots directly in front of the Courthouse. A diagram of parking locations is HERE.
When is the court open?
The court is open for normal operation from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on all days that are not legal holidays. The Court is always closed on Saturdays and Sundays. It is generally a good idea to arrive at the Courthouse early to go through security and find the right courtroom. The Clerk of Courts office is open from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM on all days that are not legal holidays.
How can I go through security without a long delay? All visitors to the Courthouse must pass through the security metal detectors at the front entrance. No one may enter the building with audio or video recording devices, any and all types of knives (no matter how small), scissors, boxcutters, etc. or any other weapons. Firearms are never permitted in the Courthouse, regardless of the owner’s status as a permit holder. Aerosol cans, E-cigarettes, and vaping devices of any kind are not permitted in the building. If you bring any prohibited items to the Courthouse, you will be ordered to take them back to your vehicle.
You can reduce delay in getting through the checkpoint if you avoid wearing work boots with steel toes or steel shanks, and coats or jackets with lots of metal zippers or chains. If you have any implanted medical hardware or device (pacemaker, artificial joint, surgical rods and screws, etc.), please alert the deputies BEFORE you go through the metal detector. Please make sure all pockets are empty, watches and cell phone are removed, and especially for the ladies, large jewelry items such as bracelets, necklaces, watches, and earrings are removed and placed in the plastic tubs for X-ray screening.
Where are the courtrooms?
All the courtrooms are on the second floor of the courthouse. There are no courtrooms on the first floor (street level) where you enter the Courthouse. You may use stairs or elevators to get to the second floor. Courtrooms 204 (Judge Miles) and 205 (Magistrates) are down a corridor to the left of the second floor main lobby.
Can I get something to eat at the court?
There is an area with vending machines, but no snack bar or cafeteria. There is no food or beverage allowed in the courtrooms.
I don’t get around well because of my health. Can I still access the Courthouse?
Yes. The Courthouse is modern and is accessible to individuals with canes, walkers, or crutches. The facility is wheelchair accessible. There are elevators that serve the courtroom floor and ramps in other parts of the building. If there are very special needs that you have, please contact the court in advance to make arrangements.
Where can I find the court schedule?
The Assignment Office prints daily dockets listing all court proceedings for that day for each judge. All dockets are located at the front counter of the Assignment Office next to the second floor lobby. The Court docket is online at “Court Dockets” on this web site and at http://www.clermontclerk.org/Case_Access.htm
Where are the offices and courtrooms in the building?
The courtrooms for Judge Miles, the Magistrates, the Law Library, and the Mediation Office are located on the second floor at the top of the stairs, straight ahead and then to the left past the water fountain. The other judges, Judge Brock, Judge Haddad, and Judge Ferenc, are located on the second floor at the top of stairs and then to the right. The jury assembly area, the Clerk of Courts and the Probation Department are all on the first floor of the Courthouse.
Where are the restrooms?
There are restrooms on both the first and second floors of the courthouse. First floor restrooms are to the right past the jury assembly area. Second floor restrooms are located at the top of the stairs and down the hallway to the right past the assignment office counter and the courtrooms.
Can I come to court just to watch?
Yes. By law, the courts in Ohio are generally open to the public. You may sit in the back of the courtroom and watch a trial or hearing. In rare instances, a courtroom may be closed to public access. Access may be limited in certain courtrooms due to Covid-19.
I’m coming to court as a witness. Can I use my laptop while waiting?
Yes. The Courthouse has free Wi-Fi. You can log in and work on your laptop while waiting.
I have some legal questions. Can someone at the court give me answers?
No. The judges and the court staff are not permitted to give you legal advice. You are permitted to research legal matters at the Clermont County Law Library on the second floor of the Courthouse. You can be referred to an attorney by the Clermont County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service by calling 513-732-2050 or 513-732-7109. Legal Aid may also be able to assist you.
Are kids allowed in court?
It might be a better idea to leave young children at home or with relatives. Court proceedings can last longer than a child’s patience, and it is important to avoid interruptions to the court’s business. Please remember that the judges are not influenced in making any sentencing decisions by the physical presence or absence of children.
Can I smoke while I’m in the Courthouse?
No. The Clermont County Courthouse is a non-smoking building, as are all government buildings in Clermont County. Tobacco use of any kind is prohibited. E-cigarettes are not permitted in the Courthouse. You are permitted to smoke outside the Courthouse.
What should I wear to court?
Because participating in a court proceeding or being a witness is an important and solemn obligation as a citizen, you should dress as well as you can, or as you would for an important business meeting. The Court suggests that you not wear Tee-shirts, cut offs and other shorts, sandals, flip-flops, and other casual clothing if you can avoid it.
If I have to pay my traffic ticket, where do I go?
Municipal Court handles routine traffic cases, not Common Pleas. For traffic court matters, go to the Clermont County Municipal Court at 4430 State Route 222, Batavia, Ohio 45103. The Municipal Court’s website is http://municipal.clermontcountyohio.gov/.
I want to take care of my divorce or other family related matter. Where do I go?
The Clermont County Domestic Relations Court handles divorce, dissolution and other matters related to family law, not Common Pleas. For domestic matters go to the Clermont County Domestic Relations Court at 2340 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia, Ohio, 45103 (just north of the intersection of State Route 32 and Bauer Road, or call (513) 732-7327. The Domestic Relations Court’s web site is http://www.domesticcourt.org/default.aspx.
I want to pay my taxes. Is the Treasurer’s office here?
No. TheTreasurer’s office is located at 101 E. Main Street in Batavia in the County Administration Building on the second floor.
The Treasurer’s website is http://www.clermonttreasurer.org/
Where do I get a marriage license?
You can obtain a marriage license at Probate Court, which is not in this Courthouse. The address is 2379 Clermont Center Drive in Batavia. Probate Court can be reached at (513) 732-7243.
The Probate Court website is http://probatejuvenile.clermontcountyohio.gov/default.aspx
Where do I get an auto, truck, or boat title?
Even though the Clerk of Courts handles auto titles, you cannot get a title in the Courthouse. You can get a title at the title office, 457 Main Street, Batavia, or at the Milford / Miami Township satellite office, 1011 Lila Avenue, Milford. The link to the title office is http://www.clermontclerk.org/Auto_location.htm.
COURTHOUSE PARKING DIAGRAM
County Building Schematic
