Juvenile divisions hear cases involving
juvenile delinquency (
minors under 18 years of age charged with acts that would be crimes if committed by an adult) as well as cases involving unruly,
dependent and
neglected children. Juvenile courts have jurisdiction in adult
cases involving paternity,
child abuse, non-payment of
child support, contributing to the delinquency of minors, and the failure to send children to school (
truancy).
Probate divisions – Formerly probate was handled by separate
probate courts under Ohio Constitution of 1851, which had original jurisdiction over the probate of
wills, supervision of the
administration of estates, and
guardianship. In 1968, the Modern Courts Amendment to the Ohio Constitution was adopted, establishing probate divisions of the courts of common pleas instead. Probate courts additionally have jurisdiction over the issuance of
marriage licenses,
adoption proceedings, determination of
sanity or
mental competency and certain
eminent domain proceedings. Probate judges may also act as
marriage officiants and charge a fee for the service.
Judges of the court of common pleas are elected to six-year terms on a
nonpartisan ballot, although candidates may choose to run in partisan primary elections. In order to be appointed or elected to the court, a person must be an
attorney with at least six years of experience in the
practice of law.