FAQs • Fulton County, OH • CivicEngage

When, or at what age, can my child choose which parent he/she wants to live with?: Under Ohio law, while a child is 18 years old or younger and a dependent, the allocation of the primary residential parenting status is determined by the court.

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Common Pleas Court

1. When can I get a court appointed lawyer?: The Court only appoints attorneys for criminal cases when the defendant is indigent or when an individual is facing a contempt of court charge where the possibility of a jail term being imposed is an option.

2. Can I file my own divorce, dissolution, or civil action?: Yes. However, individuals filing their own actions must follow the same procedures as attorneys. Pleadings must be typed on 8.5-by-11-inch paper and captioned "in the Court of Common Pleas of Fulton County, Ohio." All pleadings must have your name, address, and phone number on the cover page.

If you use internet forms you must be sure they are Ohio specific and contain all necessary information. Court staff and clerk of court staff may not give legal advice on how to prepare your documents. Please see court rules for additional information on filing documents.

3. When, or at what age, can my child choose which parent he/she wants to live with?: Under Ohio law, while a child is 18 years old or younger and a dependent, the allocation of the primary residential parenting status is determined by the court.