Domestic Division

The Domestic Relations Division of the court is commonly known as "Divorce Court." Divorces, dissolutions, legal separations, annulments and post-decree matters are all heard in the domestic relations courtroom.

Magistrate Kristina M. Morris serves as the Magistrate of the Domestic Relations Division of the Common Pleas Court. Magistrate Morris presides over the daily functions of the domestic relations court, hearing evidence in trials, just as the Judge would. The magistrate then prepares a written decision. The decision is sent to the attorney for each party, and each party has a period of l4 days to object. The Judge decides whether or not to adopt the magistrate's decision and make it the binding order of the Court. Magistrates also have the authority to sign certain temporary orders, which become effective immediately, without the signature of the Judge. However, the parties can still appeal to the Judge.

In Shelby County, partial funding for the magistrate's services is provided by state and federal sources, due to the fact that the magistrate assists in the collection of delinquent child support.

The court has adopted Local Rules of Court (PDF) which are to be followed in domestic relations cases.

Domestic Relations Forms