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Common Pleas Court
Welcome to the Shelby County Common Pleas Court. The Common Pleas Court is located in the Shelby County Courthouse; a historical landmark in the heart of downtown Sidney.
The courts of common pleas are original courts of general jurisdiction in Ohio's judicial system. Every county in Ohio has a common pleas court served by one or more judges.
Civil suits of a serious nature involving the following are tried in this Court:
- Real estate
- Property
- Tort
- Contract and business relationships
The Common Pleas Court also has jurisdiction over criminal cases involving serious crimes where the penalty may be imprisonment for more than 6 months. Additionally the Court of Common Pleas hears appeals from administrative agencies.
The Judge of the Shelby County Common Pleas Court is also the county domestic relations judge having jurisdiction over:
- Divorce
- Dissolution
- Alimony
- Child support
- Annulment
- Custody in family disputes
James F. Stevenson is the current judge of the Shelby County Common Pleas Court.
Annual Reports
News Release
- How do I get to the courthouse?
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- What is your address and phone number?
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Shelby County Common Pleas Court
Shelby County Courthouse
P.O. Box 947
Sidney, OH 45365
Phone: 937-498-7230 - Where is the Clerk's Office located?
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The Clerk's Office is located on the 3rd floor of the Shelby County Courthouse.
- What type of cases does the Court hear?
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The Common Pleas Court, General Division, hears criminal, civil, and domestic (divorces, dissolutions, modifications of custody and child support regarding children born of a marriage) cases.
- Can the Court recommend an attorney or law firm?
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The Court is not permitted to recommend or refer you to any particular attorney or law firm.
- Can the Court advise me on how I should proceed with my case?
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Court employees are prohibited by law to give legal advice or practice law. They may be able to provide procedural information.
- Can I act as my own attorney when filing a case?
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Yes. You have the right to act as your own attorney, but our office cannot give you any advice as to the law.
- Does the Court provide forms for filing of divorces and dissolutions?
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The Court does not provide forms for the filing of a Complaint for Divorce or Petition for Dissolution. However, there are DR forms provided in the Clerk of Court's Office which must be filed in addition to a Complaint for Divorce or Petition for Dissolution.
- What Court handles cases involving children, that were not born of a marriage?
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The Juvenile Court handles cases involving children that were not born of a marriage. Juvenile Court's telephone number is 937-498-7255.
- How do I receive a transcript?
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You should contact the Court Reporter at 937-498-7235 to request a transcript.
- What is the number of Sidney Municipal Court?
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Phone: 937-498-0011
- What Court handles traffic violations?
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Sidney Municipal Court handles traffic violations if you are at least 18 years of age. Shelby County Juvenile Court handles traffic violations for those under 18 years of age.
- Can you tell me how to file for an expungement?
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No. You should contact an attorney for assistance in filing for expungement of your record.
- Why can’t I talk to the Judge?
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Great question! Learn more by viewing Why Can't I Talk to the Judge? (PDF).
- How are jurors selected?
- What are the requirements for being a juror?
- What is the difference between a petit juror and a grand juror?
- How do I know when to report?
- How long will I be reporting for jury duty?
- Is it possible that I might report for service but not sit on a jury?
- How many jurors must agree on a verdict?
- I received a jury summons from Shelby County and I no longer live in Shelby County. What do I do?
- I received a jury summons for a deceased person. What should I do?
- I've been called several times for jury duty and yet I know a lot of people who have never been called. Why?
- Do I have to respond to the jury summons?
- I have a medical and/or work problem and can't serve jury duty. What do I need to do?
- I can't serve as a juror at this time of the year. Can I serve later in the year?