I spent some time at the courthouse this month. It's a pretty worn building that could use some…read moreaesthetic updates like the entry doors and flooring. The staff was nice though and helped me navigate when I got lost. There's a LOT going in there! People were everywhere but things seem to run pretty smoothly.

After living in Columbus for about 8 years, I was finally summoned for jury duty, here at the…read moreFranklin County Municipal Court. I got a letter in the mail about a month in advance that included very detailed instructions, everything from how to get there and where to park, to what to wear and how much I'd get paid ($25 a day). When the day officially arrived, it was pretty easy to report. Everyone was really friendly and helpful. They've done really good work in regards to making the process as painless as possible. Everyone from security to the parking attendants made me feel like I was a VIP. Everyone knew I was there to fulfill my civic duty thanks to the badges we were asked to wear. A few other tidbits... The cafe was solid with a lot of food options and the view of the city up there was beautiful. I had no problem at all with the wifi and was able to get some work done while I was there. They kept the room we were in stocked with free water and coffee and played movies all day long. They even had guest speakers come in and talk to us about the court process. While I didn't end up getting selected to serve on a jury, it was really cool to see the inner workings of things. Whenever I get summoned again, I won't be as disgruntled about it now that I know what to expect.

Yeah jury duty! Don't be a baby, it's everybody's responsibility to help out sometimes. The new…read morebuilding is extremely nice with tons on natural light and interesting views of downtown. The Columbus Commons parking garage is the best place to park. There's a Subway and Dempsey's restaurant right across High Street. In the jurors waiting area there are lockers and vending machines and private bathrooms. There's also a coffee shop on the first floor. When I went I got put on a case right away. It was a criminal case and it was fascinating. I wound up being jury foreman and it was fun to handle a little more responsibility. The clerks and bailiffs and stuff were all patient and helpful. We spent one day just doing juror interviews and hearing from the attorneys. The next two days we heard arguments from both sides. We finished up late Wednesday and I was done! A couple weeks later I got a check for like $21. I don't understand why people hate jury duty so much. I think we believe we're supposed to not like it because there are so many instances of characters in popular culture trying to avoid jury duty at any cost. It's fine people, go down there and be grateful you live in a civilized country where you can get a jury trial.

Most of us are not too keen on being summoned for jury duty. It's my turn this week. I am very…read moreproud and consider us very fortunate to live in a society where we do have a trial by peers process. With that and in spite of how untimely it may be, I am thankful for the opportunity. And, it is quite educational & interesting. They have done as much as possible to minimize the disruption this presents in one's life. If your summoned date has conflicts with life, you can request a one-time rescheduling, but must be served within three months. As I needed to take advantage of this option, I am grateful it was available and was pretty easy to do. The new courthouse is quite comfortable. Everyone strives to make your service easy and painless. The jury pool room is a large room where they have free wifi. It is sectioned off with a quiet area where you get some work done or read a book. If you have a tablet and digital movies, bring your own headphones and relax. They also show a movie of the day on a big screen to entertain you while you wait. Free coffee and tea are also available. Parking has not been an issue for me. It's been $5 a day for me. Tip: if you are not familiar with the downtown area, check out the parking options beforehand or allow yourself enough time to locate the area garages and navigate your way around. A little planning on your part can make your experience go much smoother. Another tip: the cafeteria is located on the 16th floor in the old courthouse. I suggest going out for lunch to a local restaurant, especially if the weather is nice, or bring your own. The cafeteria food was okay. There was a long line at the deli counter (which was not the option I choose). They offer a salad bar, too. You get an hour and a half lunch hour! A couple microwaves and a small refrigerator are available for storing your lunch, if you pack. All in all, the new courthouse is quite modern and comfortable. The staff do every thing possible to make your service as comfortable as possible. Performing your civic duty can be very educational and leave you with a civic pride.

This is probably the one place in the courthouse you actually wouldn't mind being in. It's actually…read morenicely decorated. :)

Went back to get marriage abstracts (certified proof, for insurance, etc.) Once again, no wait…read more Once again, friendly and helpful service. This time I remembered to take metal stuff out of my pockets, so breezed through security. It's so nice to have pleasant, efficient experiences at government offices. I set aside far more time for this than I needed to, so when things went smoothly I had time for other errands.

Much nicer than the Ohio Statehouse…read more Must see if you love great architecture. Must see if you are a fan of artwork. Must see if you love history. Must see if you're a lawyer. Do pick up a map in the lobby on the ground floor; the maps were not near the entrance or security. Do visit the law library on the top floor. Peek into all the open rooms on the ground floor. Some have very special artwork. This building was closed on the weekend; visit on a weekday. Pay for parking in a nearby parking garage.

"Education and Morality Constitute the Force and Majesty of Free Government"…read more This phrase is carved into one of the sitting areas out front of the building, and it is a message that resonates thematically in the rest of the space itself. One of the three bastions of our democratic society, embodied in stone and marble, gilded brass and pigments of every shade. The outside facade is what people are most familiar with, especially after it's 2003 restoration for the relocation of the state court apparatus to this location. Inside, however, is where the building shines as a pseudo-shrine to justice and the proud legacy of the interpretation of law for the betterment of society. For those who have never stepped inside before, take note that this is the people's house, and through tours offered by the building trust and local municipal groups, you can visit whenever you want to learn more about it's structure and history as a place of prominence in the evolution of downtown Columbus and the State of Ohio itself. Morever, hearings are open to the public as well. Simply put, you don't need to be obliged to view the historic innards of the building, nor should you be impeded from visiting as a citizen. It's a wonderful historical testimony to our evolution as a frontier backwater into the industrialized contemporaneous member of Union, replete with metal visages of our dignitary justices stretching back to foundation. Give it a visit and experience something rare in this current climate of divisiveness and derision: pride, if only at the capability of taking the idea of justice and liberty and giving it some measure of tangible form.

Clean and quick and very helpful. All the staff are willing to assist you…read more ...............................................................................................

As someone who has recently moved to Ohio from out of state, I was doing my legal requirement of…read moretransferring my vehicle title to Ohio. But because I have a suffix on my legal name and my previous state's title didn't show that, they refused to do the transfer. I showed my driver's license, birth certificate, SSN card, passport, car registration, the car's bill of sale, previous documentation from the BMV, and my auto insurance policy but that wasn't good enough to prove who I am. Meanwhile, if I found a random person off the street with the same name as me without the suffix, they would transfer the car's title to them without question. Utterly idiotic. I see what this office has lower ratings than some of the others. Edit: Updating a few days later. They told me that if I changed the name on my auto insurance policy to match another document, it would be fine. So I fought with the insurance company to change the details on my policy, and they finally relented. When I went back to the title office, they told me that wasn't good enough! So their own workers don't know their ridiculous policy about suffixes and don't know how to advise people on this! I wish I could give zero stars to this horrific office.

I was in the clerks office on Friday, 1/17. I don't remember the "woman's" name in the Domestic…read moreRelations divorce department, but "she" was rude and had a mans voice. "She" was not friendly, and was too busy playing with her phone, "She" was taking a selfie as I was at the counter trying to get assistance with my divorce filing. Her raggedy, over processed, damaged multi colored hair and her very fake tan and manicure were apparently needing some likes on social media, and it was the appropriate time for a selfie. I just wanted to get my papers processed and get out. I hope I never have to go back to this place. I don't understand people. I think the court must be desperate for employees, so they hire uneducated people with no manners. Good job Franklin County!

From the owner: In the Domestic Relations division of the Franklin County Clerk of Courts Maryellen O'Shaughnessy's…read moreOffice, case types include divorces, dissolutions, legal separations, annulments, and domestic violence actions (civil protection orders). If an attorney represents the party, the attorney is required to e-file the documents. However, if the parties choose to file independent of an attorney, the pro se filer(s) may present their documents in paper format. No documents filed in the Domestic Relations division are viewable through the Clerk's Case Information Online (CIO). However, copies of most domestic documents can be obtained through the Records Division.

This is review is specific to the Passport Processing Unit housed within the Clerk of Courts. I…read morefound this service only after the frustrating experience of needing appointments elsewhere or having to go one place for paperwork and another for pictures. How relieved I was to find this one-stop passport resource. The whole experience, from start to finish, was 5 stars! I found typical Courthouse parking nearby for $5. I then entered the building and was directed to the passport resource center which is on the first floor. The small line ahead of me moved quickly. I was soon asked and received such thorough and warm customer service. I was asked about where I was traveling and when I was departing. This allowed her to inform me of processing deadlines and options. As I had 6 months, I opted to forego the express processing available at a higher rate. Image my surprise when I received my passport in just over 2 weeks without paying the additional fees. The passport service representative reviewed my paperwork, made copies of needed documents and took passport pictures that met all requirements. This was the peace of mind that I needed.