Monroe County Court of Common Pleas, General Division Chambers Communication Rules

CRITICAL

When a Guardian ad Litem identifies a conflict between the child's best interest and wishes, the Guardian ad Litem must promptly request in writing that the Court resolve it.

When a Guardian ad Litem determines that a conflict exists between the child's best interest and the child's wishes, the Guardian ad Litem shall, at the earliest practical time, request in writing that the Court promptly resolve the conflict by entering appropriate orders.

CRITICAL

A Guardian ad Litem must maintain independence, objectivity, and fairness and must not communicate ex parte with the Court about the merits.

A Guardian ad Litem shall maintain independence, objectivity and fairness as well as the appearance of fairness in dealings with parties and professionals, both in and out of the courtroom and shall have no ex parte communications with the Court regarding the merits of the case.

WARNING

The Judge may not speak with any party about any matter.

The Judge is not permitted to speak with any party regarding any matter.

WARNING

One-sided communications with the Judge are ex parte and highly improper.

This one-side conversation is considered “ex parte” communication and is highly improper.

WARNING

Even if no case is pending, the Judge cannot discuss a person's situation because it could lead to a case being filed.

Further, even if you do not have a case pending in the Court, the Judge cannot talk to you about your situation because it may result in a case being filed before the Court.

WARNING

A Guardian ad Litem must perform responsibilities promptly and timely; an attorney Guardian ad Litem may, if necessary, request timely Court review or intervention in writing with notice to parties and affected agencies.

A Guardian ad Litem shall perform responsibilities in a promptly and timely manner, and, if necessary, an attorney Guardian ad Litem may request timely Court reviews and judicial intervention in writing with notice to parties and affected agencies.

WARNING

Do not contact the judge’s office to ask whether a decision has been issued.

Do not contact the judge's office to ask whether a decision has been issued.

WARNING

In an existing case, the Judge cannot speak with one party unless the other party is present.

If it is an existing case, the Judge cannot speak to one party without the other party being present.

INFO

Contact

Phone

Phone

740-472-0841

The Court highly recommends making an appointment with the Judge by phone before coming to the Common Pleas Court.

It is highly recommended that an appointment be made with the Judge prior to coming to the Common Pleas Court by calling 740-472-0841

INFO

Contact

Email

Contact the Monroe County Common Pleas Court by email to obtain the mandatory Rule XIV language.

The following mandatory language under Rule XIV is available via e-mail by contacting the Monroe County Common Pleas Court.

INFO

Contact

Email

Contact court reporter John A. Yocca by email for transcript estimates.

Contact John A. Yocca for estimates at johnyocca@monroecountyohio.com

INFO

You may contact the Clerk of Courts to check whether a decision has been filed.

You may, however, contact the Clerk of Courts to see if a decision has been filed.