NOTE:  The forms listed below are required to establish a case involving custody and/or paternity of a minor child, visitation with a minor child, and/or child support for a minor child. Remember to fill out the County Name (Adams) and the Division of the Court (Juvenile). The name of the Judge to be used on the forms is Brett M. Spencer. The name of the Magistrate to be used on all forms is David M. Hunter.

Note; A separate case must be filed for each child. 

IF THERE IS NO CASE INVOLVING THE CHILD - A COMPLAINT MUST BE FILED. A Complaint is a legal document used to initiate a case in a Court. 

IF THERE IS ALREADY A CASE INVOLVING A CHILD - A MOTION MUST BE FILED. Subsequent actions in a case are called motions. You will need the correct Caption information which may include the case number, party names, child name, and title of the motion.

1. Form AC-001 - Notice of Appearance (Word | PDF) Required for Attorneys and any party not represented by an attorney

2. Form AC-002 - Waiver of Counsel (Word | PDF) Required for any party not  represented by an attorney

3. Form AC-007 - Authorization for Background Search (Word | PDF )

   • Required for each household resident over the age of 18. 

4. A background check from a sheriff's department for each household resident over the age of 18 is required and must be submitted to the Court. The Sheriff may charge a fee for this service. Both Federal (FBI) and Ohio (BCI) checks must be completed. 

5. A Certified Copy of the child's birth certificate is required. The Court will make a copy and return the original. 

6. For PARENTS 

   • Juvi Form SC-6 - Motion for Change in Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities (PDF )

   • Juvi Form SC-2 - Complaint for Parentage, Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities and Parenting Time (PDF )

   • Form AC-216 Shared Parenting Plan (Word | PDF)

   • Form AC - 205- Miscellaneous Motion - Motion for Shared Parenting (If Applicable) (Word | PDF) 

   • Form SC-3 - Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (PDF)

   • Form SC-1 - Affidavit of Income and Expenses (PDF)

   • Form SC-4 – Health Insurance Affidavit (PDF)

   • Form AC - 202 - Adams County CSEA Account Setup Sheet (Word | PDF) (required in all cases involving children even if no child support is being requested)

7. For NON-PARENTS (relatives, grandparents, etc.)

   •  Form AC-304 - Complaint - Motion for Custody/Companionship time (Word | PDF)

8. Parenting Seminar Required - See Local Rules 

   • Form AC-203 Notice of Helping Children Cope With Family Separation Seminar ( Word | PDF)

   • Form AC-204 Helping Children Cope With Family Separation Registration Packet   ( Word | PDF)

9. Form AC-005 - Praecipe (Request) for Service (Word | PDF) 

Paternity must be established. (Click here for more information on paternity)

COURT COSTS DEPOSITS MUST BE PAID BEFORE ANY PLEADINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR FILING. An affidavit of indigency and a motion to waive the Court Cost Deposit must be filed in order to waive this requirement. You must meet Federal Guidelines for indigency or the motion will not be granted. Contact the Court when filing. 

ALL FILINGS ARE SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE COURT FOR COMPLETENESS AND ACCURACY. INCOMPLETE, ILLEGIBLE, OR OTHER DOCUMENTS NOT CONFORMING WITH OHIO LAW AND RULES OF PROCEDURE MAY RESULT IN THE PLEADINGS BEING DISMISSED.

MOTIONS FOR EMERGENCY CUSTODY HEARINGS WILL GENERALLY NOT BE GRANTED. IF YOU ARE CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF A MINOR CHILD CONTACT ADAMS COUNTY CHILDREN'S SERVICES BOARD AT (937) 544-2511