Administrative Judge

Administrative Judge Katarina Cook is a proud resident of Summit County and product of the Akron Public Schools. She graduated from Firestone High School in 1982 and went on to earn dual Bachelor of Arts Degrees in both Psychology and History. Judge Cook earned her Juris Doctorate from The University of Akron School of Law in 1990 and was admitted to the Ohio Bar that same year. Read More…

Judge

Presiding Judge for Common Pleas

Judge Kani Harvey Hightower was elected as a Summit County Domestic Relations Court Judge on November 8, 2022. She currently also serves as the Common Pleas Court Presiding Judge for Summit County. Read More…

ABOUT THE COURT

The Summit County Domestic Relations Court serves residents of Summit County, Ohio.  The court’s jurisdiction includes:

  • Cases involving divorce, dissolution, and annulment;
  • Parentage cases (never married parents), third-party legal custody, and visitation for parents, grandparents, and third-parties;
  • Child support;
  • Civil protection and dating violence orders.

Read more about the court.

Civil Protection Orders

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.

To find out more about CPOs, how to serve (notify) the respondent, and how to prepare click “Find Out More”

Contact Us

The Summit County Domestic Relations Court is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Summit County Domestic Relations Court
205 S. High Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

A guide to parking can be found here. Or a printable PDF Here.

 

Phone: (330) 643-2365

Summit County Domestic Relations Court Highlights Innovation and Community Impact at 2025 Annual Bench-Bar Conference

Summit County Domestic Relations Court Highlights Innovation and Community Impact at 2025 Annual Bench-Bar Conference Akron, Ohio — At last Friday’s Inaugural Bench-Bar Conference, hosted by the Akron Bar Association and Foundation, the Summit County Domestic...

2025 Annual Fatherhood Walk

On September 18th the Court joined the celebration as families gathered for the  Annual Fatherhood Walk—celebrating the vital role Fathers and Father figures play in raising strong, healthy children. Because of  Administrative Judge Katarina Cook  and...

ABJ: Quiet Space

With Justice and Access for All: Court Launches Quiet Space in Honor of ADA’s 35th Anniversary

Summit DD and Domestic Relations Court Partner to Expand Access for All at Courthouse Wednesday, July 9, 2025 - Akron, OH – The Summit County Domestic Relations Court is proud to announce the soft launch of its new "Quiet Space" on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 10:30...

With Liberty and Access for All: Summit DD and Domestic Relations Court Reenvision of how a justice system can look.

Summit DD and Domestic Relations Court Partner to Expand Access for All at Upcoming Legal Clinic Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - Akron, OH — The Summit County Domestic Relations Court is proud to announce a meaningful partnership with Summit DD and the Inclusioneers to bring...

Get Geared up for the Law or Legend Scavenger Hunt!

   The project is one of 57 community-based projects chosen as part of the America 250-Ohio Commission’s third and final round of grants Akron, Ohio – In the lead up to America’s 250th anniversary, Summit County Domestic Relations Court announced today it...

Court Joins the Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative during National Recovery Court Month

[Summit County, OH] – Tuesday, May 20, 2025 – Summit County Domestic Relations Court is proud to announce its designation as a Recovery Friendly Workplace, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a healthy, safe, and stigma-free work environment. By joining Summit...

Summit County Domestic Relations Court & Ohio Justice Bus Partner to Deliver Free Legal Clinics Across Summit County—Attorneys Invited to Make a Powerful Impact

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  (pdf) Summit County Domestic Relations Court & Ohio Justice Bus Partner to Deliver Free Legal Clinics Across Summit County—Attorneys Invited to Make a Powerful Impact Akron, Ohio | April 11, 2025 — The Summit County Domestic Relations Court,...

SUMMIT COUNTY  COURTHOUSE HAS A SAFE SPACE FOR KIDS DURING DOMESTIC RELATIONS COURT HEARINGS

News 5 Cleveland featured an article about the Children's Drop-In Center at the Summit County Domestic Relations Court. The article can be located at this...