THE CONCEPT:

Since 1984, Ohio law (Revised Code Section 2701.10) has provided for private trial for civil cases in Ohio, if the parties agree and choose a retired judge to hear their case. The matter proceeds as any other case would proceed, which means that pleadings and related papers are filed in the court and a final judgement is entered and enforceable; however, the parties choose their judge and where and when the matter will be heard.

OHIO REVISED CODE SECTION 2701.10:
Please click here to review the entire section of this law

APPLICATION TO DISSOLUTIONS:
There are virtually no limitations on utilizing a private judge, in the context of dissolutions of marriage. I regularly utilize the services of Judicial Alternatives of Ohio, Inc. Judicial Alternatives was founded in 1993 by Retired Judge Donald A. Cox. Judge Cox pioneered the private domestic hearing and hears more than 30 cases each month in Franklin County, Ohio. When Judge Cox is utilized in dissolutions, the parties are able to come to my conference room (or other agreed location) at a time convenient to each of them, and there is a final hearing before Judge Cox who asks the parties to answer, under oath, a few questions. Usually the hearing takes approximately 10 minutes, and then the Decree, as signed by Judge Cox, is filed with the Court by me or my legal assistant. The parties never have to go to the courthouse in downtown Columbus (or any other courthouse). In utilizing Judge Cox, we are also able to file "out of county" where appropriate, in order to protect the privacy of the client and the client?s spouse and their finances which otherwise would be a public record here in Franklin County. Nearly all clients who are given this choice, elect to have Judge Cox and a private hearing. Currently, the cost of Judge Cox's services is $100 unless the filing is out of county for which there is an additional fee.


APPLICATION TO DIVORCES:
Judge Cox is also available and has mediated what otherwise would be contested domestic relations matters. These are cases which cannot be settled by the parties and therefore cannot proceed as dissolutions, but which the parties desire to have an alternative to the costly, time-consuming litigation process. This cost of Judge Cox in these matters is based on his time incurred.

BENEFITS OF PRIVATE DOMESTIC HEARINGS:
Benefits include no courthouse waiting time; informal, friendly service; private settings that we control; expeditious scheduling and at a time that we control; special accommodations for disabled and shut-in clients; reduced client tension and frustrations.