JWAYYED LAW
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Franklin County Court Representation

Civil, business, estate planning, and probate representation in Columbus and throughout Franklin County, Ohio. Call (614) 285-5482.

(614) 285-5482Schedule Consultation

Franklin County Court Representation

Important Notice: Due to a conflict of interest, Jwayyed Law LLC handles only civil, business, estate planning, and probate matters in Franklin County. We do not handle criminal defense, OVI/DUI, or traffic violations in Franklin County courts. If you need criminal or OVI defense in Franklin County, please seek another attorney. For criminal and OVI matters in Delaware County, Pickaway County, or other surrounding counties, we are available to assist.

Franklin County is the most populous county in Ohio and home to the state capital, Columbus. The county is served by a multi-tiered court system handling everything from small claims disputes to major civil litigation, complex business disputes, and probate administration. Jwayyed Law LLC represents individuals, families, and businesses in Franklin County for civil, business, estate planning, and probate matters— bringing focused attention and practical Ohio law knowledge to every case.

Whether you are a Columbus small-business owner needing a shareholder agreement, a resident of Dublin or Westerville planning your estate, a landlord in Hilliard pursuing an eviction, or an executor navigating Franklin County Probate Court, having experienced local counsel matters. Franklin County Municipal Court and Franklin County Common Pleas Court each have their own local rules, filing procedures, and judicial practices. Our firm is familiar with these courts and works efficiently within their systems to advance your interests.

Ohio's probate system is governed primarily by ORC Chapters 2101–2131. When a Franklin County resident dies, most assets titled in the deceased's name alone must pass through the Franklin County Probate Court before they can be distributed to heirs. Proper estate planning—including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney—can streamline or even eliminate the need for probate. Our firm drafts estate plans designed to reflect your wishes, protect your family, and minimize the burden on your loved ones during an already difficult time.

For business clients, Columbus and Franklin County represent a dynamic economic environment with significant opportunity. Whether you are forming a new LLC under ORC Chapter 1706, resolving a partnership dispute in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, or enforcing a commercial contract, sound legal counsel from the outset protects your investment. Our firm also handles landlord-tenant matters under Ohio's Landlord-Tenant Act (ORC Chapter 5321), including drafting lease agreements and representing landlords and tenants in Franklin County Municipal Court eviction proceedings.

Courts We Appear In

Franklin County Municipal Court

375 S. High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Civil claims up to $15,000 • Small Claims (up to $6,000) • Evictions • Civil injunctions

Note: We appear here for civil and landlord-tenant matters only—not for criminal or OVI cases.

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas – Civil Division

369 S. High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Civil cases over $15,000 • Business disputes • Contract litigation • Domestic Relations

Franklin County Probate Court

373 S. High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Estate administration • Guardianships • Trust matters • Will contests (ORC Ch. 2101–2131)

10th District Court of Appeals

373 S. High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Appeals from Franklin County trial courts in civil and business matters

Practice Areas in Franklin County

  • Estate Planning: Wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives (ORC Chapter 1337)
  • Probate Administration: Estate opening and closing, executor representation, creditor claims, asset distribution (ORC Chapter 2113)
  • Business Formation & Disputes: LLC formation (ORC Chapter 1706), corporation formation (ORC Chapter 1701), operating agreements, shareholder disputes
  • Civil Litigation: Contract disputes, breach of contract, civil money claims in Franklin County Municipal Court and Common Pleas Court
  • Landlord-Tenant Law: Lease drafting, evictions, security deposit disputes, habitability issues (ORC Chapter 5321)
  • Small Claims Representation: Advising and representing clients in Franklin County Municipal Court Small Claims Division

Communities We Serve in Franklin County

Jwayyed Law LLC serves clients throughout Franklin County for civil and business matters, including Columbus (county seat), Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard, Gahanna, Grove City, Reynoldsburg, Worthington, Bexley, and Upper Arlington. If you live or do business anywhere in Franklin County and need civil, business, estate planning, or probate representation, we are ready to help. Learn more about our work in neighboring counties: Delaware County, Pickaway County, and Morrow County.

Why Choose Jwayyed Law LLC for Franklin County Civil & Business Matters

Our firm brings practical, Ohio-focused legal knowledge to every civil, business, and estate matter in Franklin County. We understand the local court culture, how Franklin County judges approach civil motions, and the procedural nuances that can make or break a case. We communicate clearly, set realistic expectations, and fight for the best possible outcome—whether that means negotiating a favorable business settlement, successfully probating an estate, or protecting a landlord's investment. Contact us at (614) 285-5482 to schedule a consultation.

Franklin County Legal Services – Locations We Serve

We serve clients in the following Ohio counties. Each county has its own page; click through for court information and local details.

Franklin CountyColumbus & surrounding areasDelaware CountyDelaware & surrounding areasButler CountyHamilton, Oxford, West ChesterGreene CountyFairborn & surrounding areasMontgomery CountyDayton & surrounding areasPickaway CountyCircleville & surrounding areasAthens CountyAthens & surrounding areasMorrow CountyMount Gilead, Cardington & surrounding areasClinton CountyWilmington & surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Franklin County has two principal trial-level courts for civil matters. The Franklin County Municipal Court (375 S. High St, Columbus, OH 43215) handles civil claims up to $15,000, small claims up to $6,000, evictions, and certain injunctions. The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas (369 S. High St, Columbus, OH 43215) has a Civil Division for cases exceeding $15,000, a Domestic Relations Division, and a Probate Division for estate and guardianship matters. The 10th District Court of Appeals hears appeals from both courts. Knowing which court is correct for your matter affects filing fees, procedures, and timelines—Jwayyed Law LLC can help you file in the right venue from the start.
The Franklin County Probate Court is a division of the Court of Common Pleas located at 373 S. High St, Columbus, OH 43215. When someone dies, their estate typically must pass through probate unless assets were held in a trust, joint tenancy, or with a designated beneficiary. Under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2113, the executor named in the will—or an administrator appointed by the court if there is no will—files an application to open the estate, inventories assets, notifies creditors, pays debts, and ultimately distributes remaining assets to heirs. Franklin County Probate Court also handles guardianships and name changes. The probate process in Ohio generally takes six months to a year for straightforward estates, though complex estates with disputes or creditor claims can take longer. Hiring an attorney familiar with Franklin County Probate Court procedures can prevent costly procedural errors.
Yes. Ohio law—specifically ORC Chapter 2105—governs intestate succession, meaning if you die without a will, the state decides who inherits your assets. A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a last will and testament, a durable power of attorney (ORC 1337.21 et seq.), a healthcare power of attorney, and potentially a revocable living trust to avoid probate altogether. Franklin County residents with children should also designate a guardian in their will. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy—anyone with property, minor children, or specific wishes about their healthcare decisions benefits from having these documents in place. Jwayyed Law LLC drafts estate planning documents tailored to Ohio law and your individual circumstances.
Columbus is one of the fastest-growing business markets in the Midwest, and Franklin County is home to thousands of LLCs, corporations, and partnerships. Ohio's primary business formation statutes are found in ORC Chapter 1706 (LLCs) and ORC Chapter 1701 (corporations). Choosing the right entity type affects taxation, liability, and operational flexibility. Jwayyed Law LLC assists clients with drafting and filing articles of organization or articles of incorporation with the Ohio Secretary of State, drafting operating agreements and shareholder agreements, and advising on governance structures. We also assist with buy-sell agreements and business contract drafting to protect your interests in the Columbus market.
Franklin County Municipal Court handles eviction (forcible entry and detainer) proceedings under Ohio Revised Code 1923. A landlord must first provide proper written notice—typically a 3-day notice for nonpayment of rent or lease violations—before filing an eviction complaint at Franklin County Municipal Court (375 S. High St). Hearings are typically scheduled within 10–30 days. If the court grants a judgment for possession, the landlord may then obtain a writ of restitution to remove the tenant. Tenants also have rights: landlords must maintain habitable premises under ORC 5321.02, and retaliatory evictions are prohibited. Whether you are a Columbus landlord dealing with a non-paying tenant or a tenant facing an unjust eviction, legal representation can protect your interests and ensure proper procedure is followed.
Civil litigation in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas follows Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure. The process typically begins with the plaintiff filing a complaint and paying filing fees. The defendant is served and has 28 days to file an answer (ORC 2309.01). The case then enters discovery, where parties exchange documents, interrogatories, and depositions. Most cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation; Franklin County Common Pleas Court encourages early mediation in many case types. If the case proceeds to trial, it may be tried to a judge (bench trial) or a jury. Appeals from Common Pleas Court go to the 10th District Court of Appeals. Cases can take one to three years from filing to trial in complex civil matters. An experienced civil litigation attorney can help manage timelines and develop effective strategies.
While Ohio allows individuals to represent themselves (pro se) in civil matters, doing so carries significant risks. Civil procedure rules—including Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, local Franklin County Common Pleas rules, and Franklin County Municipal Court rules—are technical and unforgiving. Missing deadlines for filing a complaint, responding to a motion, or serving the opposing party can result in dismissal of your case or a default judgment against you. In business disputes, the stakes are often high: contract interpretation, damages calculations, and injunctive relief require legal knowledge and strategic thinking. An attorney also helps evaluate whether a case is worth pursuing and what outcome is realistic, saving clients time and money in the long run.
The Small Claims Division of Franklin County Municipal Court handles money disputes of $6,000 or less. There are no attorneys required (though you may bring one), the filing fee is modest, and hearings are typically scheduled relatively quickly. To file, you submit a Small Claims complaint at 375 S. High St, Columbus, OH 43215, pay the filing fee, and serve the defendant. Common small claims cases include unpaid debts, security deposit disputes, and minor property damage. The magistrate hears both sides and issues a judgment. If the other party does not pay voluntarily, you may need to pursue collection through wage garnishment or bank attachment under ORC 2329. For disputes closer to the $6,000 limit or involving legal complexity, consulting with an attorney before filing can significantly improve your chances.

Ready to Discuss Your Case?

Contact Jwayyed Law LLC today to schedule a consultation. We're here to help you understand your legal rights and options.

(614) 285-5482jwayyedlawllc@outlook.com
100 E. Campus View Boulevard, Suite #250, Columbus, Ohio 43235

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