The Probate Court oversees the involuntary civil commitment process of individuals who are alleged to be psychiatrically or developmentally disabled. The Probate Court conducts hearings to determine whether the individual is subject to court ordered treatment. All individuals involved have legal representation throughout the process. Psychiatric Commitment proceedings and records are confidential by law.
Mental Illness
The Psychiatric 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 proceedings. 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. The facts on the affidavit must be sufficient to indicate probable cause under law. All filings must be completed within the Court by 4:00 PM.
Developmental Disabilities
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 proceedings. These files are also confidential by statute.
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