Protection Orders

Civil Protection Order (CPO)

For those related by blood or marriage, have a child in common, or have lived together within the last 5 years as a spouse, including same-sex couples. There need not be a current criminal case. This order lasts up to 5 years.

• CPOs are applied at
  373 South High Street, 6th Floor
  Columbus, Ohio 43215
• Weekday hours are from 8:30am-2:00pm.
• Provide Photo I.D.
• For questions not answered below, one may contact the Capital University Family Advocacy Clinic at 614.236.6779. Also, for those who cannot afford to hire private counsel, possible legal representation may be available at the Family Advocacy Clinic, Domestic Violence Unit, located at 375 South High Street, 17th Floor. The DV Unit’s weekday hours are from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.

The entire process can take a few hours. If you arrive after 2 pm, your request might not be processed until the next day due to the time to fill out forms, speak to a judge, obtain the order, and have that order processed through the Clerk of Courts and served by the Sheriff’s office.

Temporary Protection Order (TPO)

For those currently involved in a misdemeanor or felony criminal case. No relationship is required. This order lasts the life of the case & expires upon sentence or dismissal.

• These orders are typically requested and granted at time of arraignment of defendant. Advocate on staff in arraignment court will assist in the application process.
• Photo I.D. required.
• For questions about protection orders on misdemeanor cases, you may contact the Columbus City Attorney’s Domestic Violence and Stalking Unit at 614.645.6232; on felony cases, you may contact the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Victim Witness Assistance Unit at 614.525.3555.

Civil Stalking Protection Order (CSPO) or Civil Sexually Oriented Offense Protection Order (CSOOPO)

• Be a resident of Franklin County
• For notarization purposes of the Petition, provide valid photographic identification.
• Not have children with the respondent
• 2 or more incidents in which the respondent caused you to believe that you are in danger
  or
  1 sexually oriented offense

Franklin County residents may file either a CSPO or CSOOPO in the:

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
345 South High Street, 2nd Floor
Suite 2402
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Monday through Friday 8 am to 3 pm. Filers are encouraged to arrive as soon as possible to complete the filing process.

Other items not addressed can be directed to the Protection Order Liaison at 614.525.3766.

Note: Interpreting services will be provided to Petitioners with limited English proficiency; however, based upon availability, these services may be provided through telephonic interpreting services.

Juvenile Protection Order (JPO)

For orders against those under the age of 18.

• This order is applied for at
  373 South High Street, 6th Floor
  Columbus, Ohio 43215
• Photo I.D. required.
• For questions not answered in the FAQs section of our Juvenile page, you may contact the Clerk of Courts Juvenile Division at 614.525.4411.