CPO Videos

These video’s are required for unrepresented (pro se) parties.

What is a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order (“CPO”)?

A CPO is issued by a domestic relations court to protect a victim of domestic violence. A CPO is intended to prevent further domestic violence. It orders someone who has been abusive to do or not do certain things in the future. You may want to consider getting a CPO even if you have a DVTPO from a criminal court because a CPO lasts longer and provides more benefits – such as child custody and support orders. Domestic violence includes the commission of sexually oriented offenses.

Violating a CPO is a crime. If the Respondent violates the CPO, he or she may be arrested, jailed, and fined for disobeying the CPO. A CPO can remain in effect for up to 5 years. If the Respondent violates the CPO, you can call the police, go back to the domestic relations court to file a contempt charge, and go to the prosecutor’s office to have the Respondent charged with the crime of violating the CPO.

(Excerpt from: FORM 10.01A: GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDERS)

If you have any questions about completing the Petition for a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order (Form 10.01-D) or the Dating Violence Civil Protection Order (Form 10.01-P), contact

Summit County Victim Assistance
Program 330-376-0040 or Ohio Domestic Violence Network at 800-934-9840.

• Neither the Clerk of Court’s Office nor the local domestic violence program can give legal advice. If you need
  legal advice, talk to a lawyer. Only a lawyer can give you legal advice.
• There is NO FEE for filing the Petition.
• Once completed, take the Petition and other necessary documents to the Clerk of Court’s Office.

(Excerpt from: FORM 10.01-C: INFORMATION ABOUT FILING A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR DATING VIOLENCE CIVIL PROTECTION ORDER PETITION)