What Are The Differences in the Court of Common Pleas Structure?
The Court of Common Pleas structure in WV and Ohio contains several differences. For those who don’t know, the common pleas section handles general trial cases. Each state has its own way of handling claims. At Summers & Associates, we are here to help our clients understand the structural differences of each system.
This month, we will explain the structure difference of the WV and Ohio Court of Common Pleas. First, we will explain how the state of West Virginia handles its cases. Then, we will talk about how Ohio deals with its cases. Finally, we will explain the difference between the two states. Summers & Associates is proud to educate our clients about the common pleas structure in WV and Ohio.
The West Virginia Court System is Like A Pyramid
The four parts of the pyramid of the West Virginia system are magistrate, family, circuit, and supreme. Magistrates handle small claims because they have the most contact with the public. Common pleas cases usually pertain to the second tier of the pyramid from the bottom. This part is family law; they handle family cases related to children. Attendants can appeal cases lost in family law to the circuit or supreme tier of the system. Circuit sessions address general jurisdiction trials. These cases usually involve private property rights and criminal activity. At the top of the pyramid sits the highest forum in the state, the supreme court. About three thousand appeals happen in this area of the system each year.
Ohio’s Judicial System Hears Millions of Different Cases Every Year
The judicial branch of the Ohio state government is their court system. State law arranges the system into three levels: supreme, appeals, and trials. Trial cases are divided into four additional levels: common pleas, municipal, claims, and mayors. The Ohio common pleas forum is the only trial section created by the state constitution. To appoint an attorney to the system, they must have at least six years of experience practicing law. In a few instances involving claims cases, appeals in mayors’ cases go to the appeals forum. There are twelve district appeals courts in the state of Ohio.
Civil Cases Begin In the Ohio Court of Common Pleas
All 88 counties in Ohio have a common pleas session that involves marital conflicts and other issues. This session has county-wide jurisdiction established by the state constitution that cannot change without an amendment. This section of the system consists of four divisions:
General: This division hears criminal and civil cases that exceed $15,000 from state administrative agencies. For civil cases, the general division has original jurisdiction for claims exceeding $500.
Domestic Relations: This section hears cases about divorce, alimony, child support, legal separation, and allocation of parental rights. Responsibilities of child care also fall in this category.
Juvenile: This forum handles offenses committed by minors and some types of custody cases. Juvenile judges also determine issues in child support for children born out of wedlock.
Probate: This part hears cases on estates, trusts, wills, adoptions, and guardianship. Along with county and municipal judges, a probate judge may perform marriages. Per the state constitution, probate sections were established as a separate forum.
What Is The Overall Difference In Structure for Both States?
The differences in the court of common pleas for West Virginia and Ohio are unique. In Ohio, the common pleas forum is divided into four sections, and in West Virginia, it’s only one. Because of the four divisions, the system handles more than just family law in Ohio. It also handles juvenile, guardianship, and civil cases that exceed $15,000. Judges handle cases in both states, following their respective guidelines and divisions. All 88 Ohio counties handle common pleas cases of all four divisions statewide. While in West Virginia, there are only 31 circuits and 47 family law judges. No matter what your case is, having the right attorney can help your family law or any other trial go much smoother. That is where we come in.
Summers & Associates Offers First-Rate Family Law Service
The compassionate attorneys at Summers & Associates have helped Ohio and West Virginia residents with family law matters. We have many years of legal experience and believe that every case is important and unique. Summers & Associates prides itself on offering honest advice and high-quality representation. We use our expertise to fight for your rights and get you what you deserve.
Summers & Associates has developed an outstanding reputation throughout Parkersburg, WV, for providing top-notch family law services. With a convenient location on Dudley Avenue, we work with individuals and families throughout the Mountain State. For many years, our law office has aided residents who require prompt and professional legal representation. To learn more about our family law service in West Virginia and Ohio, contact us.
For more on the court of common pleas structure in WV and Ohio, call Summers & Associates at (304) 420-0975. Our law office brings many years of legal experience to the office every day while proudly serving the Mountain State. Please feel free to like us on Facebook and keep in touch through email. We pride ourselves on educating our clients about the court of common pleas structure in WV and Ohio.