Administrative Order June 2, 2021

 The Court is open for civil and criminal matters.

We are utilizing remote and in-person services.

In response to the COVID cases in Lorain County, the Court of Common Pleas Judges continue to be guided by experts in public health as they administer court operations in a manner that prioritizes the safety of court users while serving justice and reopening the Court for jury trials.  

All persons entering the Justice Center are subject to a temperature & metal detection scan.   

 Please continue to practice social distancing. 

 

About the Court of Common Pleas

The court of common pleas, the only trial court created by the Ohio Constitution, is established by Article IV, Section 1, of the Constitution, and its duties are outlined in Article IV, Section 4.

There is a court of common pleas in each of Ohio's 88 counties. Specific courts of common pleas may be divided into separate divisions by the General Assembly, including general, domestic relations, juvenile and probate divisions. Common pleas judges are elected to six-year terms on a nonpartisan ballot. A person must be an attorney with at least six years of experience in the practice of law to be elected or appointed to the court.

General Division

Unlike the other divisions, judges on the General Division have what is called "general jurisdiction" to hear civil and criminal cases. Under Ohio law Municipal courts have jurisdiction to hear civil cases with a value of up to $15,000.00; Common Pleas civil jurisdiction has no upper limit. Criminal jurisdiction includes all crimes defined by statute as felonies, as well as certain other criminal offenses.

 

Common Pleas Legal Records 

Lorain County Justice Center, 1st Floor
225 Court Street
Elyria, Ohio 44035
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Civil Division, Room 105 (civil case filings, appellate case filings)
PHONE: 440-329-5536
FAX: 440-328-2416

Criminal Division, Room 106 (criminal case filings, post bail bonds)
PHONE: 440-329-5538
FAX: 440-329-5404

Domestic Relations Division, Room 108 (domestic case filings)
PHONE: 440-329-5277
FAX: 440-329-5506

Records Division, Room 109 (case index, case files)
PHONE: 440-329-5511
FAX: 440-329-5400

Finance Division, Room 107 (cashier, payments on fines and costs)
PHONE: 440-329-5625
FAX: 440-329-5404

Juvenile cases handled by Domestic Relations Court,
Room 110

PHONE: 440-329-5187
FAX: 440-329-5271
For information on hours see Domestic Relations Court