Mental Commitments Department
All Mental Commitment documents must be e-Filed through the Franklin County e-Filing System.
The Probate Court oversees the involuntary civil commitment process of individuals who are alleged to be mentally ill or mentally retarded. The Probate Court conducts hearings to determine whether the individual is subject to hospitalization and to determine the length and place of treatment. All individuals involved have legal representation throughout the process.
More than 1,040 commitment cases were opened in the Franklin County Probate Court in 2012. Mental Commitment proceedings and records are confidential by law.
Mental Illness
The Mental Commitments Department is responsible for accepting affidavits and other applications and motions to initiate the involuntary civil commitment procedure of this Court pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5122. The Court through this Department appoints an attorney, an independent medical expert for the respondent, and maintains a strict hearing schedule with a record of the procedings.. Most interaction between the Court and the County and State Mental Health systems are processed through this Department. All filings are indexed, docketed, and imaged while maintaining statutory confidentiality. Affidavits are processed by Netcare or signed by the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) of the treating facility before being presented to the Court. The facts on the affidavit must be sufficient to indicate probable cause under law.
Mental Retardation
The Mental Commitments Department also processes filings under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5123. This involves the accepting of affidavits, motions, and statements of comprehensive evaluation. The Court through this Department appoints an attorney, medical doctors/clinical psychologists, and other experts, and maintains a strict hearing schedule with a record of the procedings. These files are also confidential by statute.
For more information check out the following sites for the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH), Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities (FCBDD) and the Netcare Corporation.
Legal Practice in the Probate Court
Legal practice in the Probate Court is restricted by law to attorneys who are licensed by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Due to the complexity of the law and desire to avoid costly errors, most individuals who have filings before the Court are represented by an attorney. Court employees are prohibited by statute from practicing law and cannot give legal advice.