The Ohio Judicial Conference has developed and distributes information releated to a number of topics. Please click on the link for each topic to review the brochure they have developed.

• Ohio Courts - An overview of Courts in Ohio, what they do and who to go to.
• Legal Terminology - Terms and definitions that can prove helpful when navigating the legal process.
• Representing Yourself in Court - An overview of the expectations and issues Associated with representing yourself in Court (being a Pro Se Litigant.)
• Mediation - An overview of what mediation is, what can be mediated and the advantages of utilizing the mediation process.
• Family Matters in Court - An overview of the factors to be considered in mediating issues in Court.

The Lorain County Domestic Relations Court encourages you to familiarize yourself with the Court's Local Rules:

• Juvenile Rules
• Domestic Relations Rules

"Pro se litigants should be granted reasonable leeway such that their motions and pleadings should be liberally construed so as to decide the issues on the merits, as opposed to technicalities. However, a pro se litigant is presumed to have knowledge of the law and correct legal procedures so that he remains subject to the same rules and procedures to which represented litigants are bound. He is not given greater rights than represented parties, and must bear the consequences of his mistakes. This Court, therfore, must hold (pro se appellants) to the same standard as a represented party." Williams v. First Merit Bank N.A., 9th Dist. No. 24011, 2008-Ohio-5038.