Scott T. Gusweiler, Judge
General Division
101 South Main Street
Georgetown, Ohio 45121
Phone (937) 378-4101 Fax (937) 378-4212
What does the Clerk of Courts do?
The Clerk of Courts is the elected official responsible for all the documents filed with the Common Pleas Court, maintaining the court’s files, for issuing warrants, summons and executing bonds, for issuing motor vehicle and watercraft titles, for registering notary public commissions, and accepting passport applications.
Where is the Clerk of Courts office?
The Clerk of Courts office, which accepts filings for the Brown County Common Pleas Court, General Division,is located at 101 South Main Street, Georgetown. All Civil and Domestic case filings should be filed with the clerk’s office on the first floor and all Criminal and Appellate case filings should be filed with the clerk’s office on the second floor. Filings are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and all legal holidays.
For electronic transmission filings, please see Local Rule 3.
Can the Clerk of Courts help me prepare my court papers?
No. The Clerk of Courts only accepts documents for inclusion in the official court file. The office cannot help you create a court document. Blank forms are available for some court actions. The clerk’s staff cannot give you legal advice. You are permitted to research legal matters at the Brown County Law Library located at 200 E. Cherry St., Georgetown.
I need official copies of a court document for another use outside of Court. What do I do?
You should ask for a “certified copy” which is a copy of the court paper that includes the official seal of the Clerk of Courts to let other people or organizations know that the document is an official copy of a court original. The charge for a certified copy is $1.00. Copies which do not require certification can be purchased for ten cents per page.
I want to pay a filing fee or other charge by credit card. Can I do that?
No. At the present time, the clerk’s office does not accept credit card payments; only cash, money order or cashiers’ check, which should be made payable to: Brown County Common Pleas Clerk of Courts.
I want to file a civil case. What is the fee?
The fee is based upon the type of civil action being filed. The list of fees can be found under Local Rule 4, Deposit for Costs.
I’m indigent and have no money for a filing fee. What do I do?
You must provide the Court with a notarized Financial Disclosure/Affidavit of Indigency Formor a Poverty Affidavit, along with your original filing. You must also file a Motion to Proceed in Forma Pauperis, requesting permission from the Court to allow your case to proceed without payment of the filing fee. The above forms are found under FORMS/Miscellaneous.
How do I get my witness fee?
Witnesses in criminal cases should report to the second floor clerk’s office with their subpoena when they have completed their testimony. The clerk will issue a voucher for witness fees and any appropriate mileage. Witnesses in civil cases will be paid when the case has been concluded and the costs have been paid.
My case has been dismissed. How do I get a refund of my court costs?
The balance, if any, of your filing fee will automatically be refunded when the notice/entry of dismissal has been filed.
I’ve been sued or indicted and have no money for an attorney. Will one be appointed for me?
The right to an attorney only applies in criminal cases. If the Court finds that you are indigent, an attorney will be appointed in a criminal case. The Court cannot appoint anyone to represent you in a civil matter. If you can’t afford an attorney, you can contact Legal Aid or another organization that provides counsel for indigent parties in a civil case. Phone numbers for these offices can be found on our “Links Tab”.
Where do I get an auto, truck, or boat title?
Even though the Clerk of Courts handles auto titles, you cannot get a title in the courthouse. You can get a title at the Clerk of Courts Title Department, 740 Mt. Orab Pike, Georgetown, Ohio 45121. The Clerk of Courts Title Department can be reached at (937) 378-3863. The Clerk of Courts Title Department is opened Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Due to time constraints and limited staffing, watercraft registration is not available on Saturday. If you need further information go to the “Links” Tab and click on “Brown County Ohio Title Department”.