Rule 16.51 - Local Neutral Evaluation RuleA court shall adopt a local rule governing neutral evaluation. The local rule shall do all of the following:
(A) Identify the case types eligible for neutral evaluation and those that are precluded from neutral evaluation, if any;(B) Address confidentiality;(C) Prohibit the use of neutral evaluation in domestic violence cases under R.C. 2919.25, 2919.26, 2919.27, and 3113.31. Nothing in this division shall prohibit the use of neutral evaluation in either of the following cases: (1) A subsequent divorce or custody case, even though the case may result in the termination of the provisions of a protection order under R.C. 3113.31; (2) A juvenile delinquency case.(D) Establish procedures for and encourage appropriate referrals to legal counsel and other support services for all parties, including victims and suspected victims of domestic violence;(E) Address other issues as the court considers necessary and appropriate.Ohio. R. Superi. Ct. 16.51
Adopted September 6, 2022, effective 1/1/2023.