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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…

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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”

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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

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Start your Career at Domestic Relations Court

Read Job Description Below OR download PDF/Word Document above.Part-Time Child Life Specialist (General – Post A)Part-Time Child Life Specialist (Infant- Post B)Read Job Description Below (A&B) OR download PDF/Word Document above.[dflip...
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Summit County Invites Community Partners to Bring Family Law Clinics Directly to Local Neighborhoods

Court Celebrates it’s fourth year running Family Law Clinic; Continues to build access to Justice Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - Akron, Ohio — Following a highly successful 2025 year of community-based Family Law Clinics, the Summit County Domestic Relations Court is...
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News: Clinic provides support for students, caregivers

Clinic provides support for students, caregivers SUMMIT COUNTY — The Summit County Domestic Relations Court Jan. 30 held the Legal Aid for Legal Custody Clinic at the Akron Public Schools (APS) Board of Education Office, bringing legal services directly into the...
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Community and Summit County Domestic Relations Court Join Forces with  “Operation Valentine’s Day” to Send Valentines to Deployed Troops.

Administrative Judge Katarina Cook (L) and her Bailiff and Co-Founder of Operation Valentine's Day Claire McIntire show case the 2026 Valentine's Day cards haul! Akron,Ohio-Friday, January 16,2026- Hon. Katarina Cook Administrative Judge of the Summit County Domestic...
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Cook Helps Caregivers Take Next Step to Become Legal Custodians – Strengthening Stability for Children through Community-based Justice.

Summit County Domestic Relations Court Partners with Akron Public Schools and Legal Aid Organizations to Support Caregivers and Students On Friday, January 30, 2026 Akron, Summit County – The Summit County Domestic Relations Court held the Legal Aid for Legal Custody...
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Child and Family Leadership Exchange

This morning, Administrative Judge Katarina Cook and Magistrate Lynn Seifert participated in the Child and Family Leadership Exchange Program (CFLE) Orientation. CFLE focuses on understanding the challenges families face beyond community systems. Judge Cook, a former...
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Free Legal Clinic – Legal Aid for Legal Custody

Looking to secure guardianship  and become the legal caregiver of an unaccompanied youth? Register today!
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Free Legal Clinic – Ohio Justice Bus at the Akron Bar!

Are you looking for Free legal help in Family Law; such as divorce, parenting time issues, child custdy, or protection orders? Register today!

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...
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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...
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