Brown County Probate & Juvenile Court

I’m in the process of helping my fiancé seek full custody of his son through the Brown County Court system. I sought full custody of my own children in Clermont County. I filed paper work with the county and was able to file an indigent waiver form to help with court cost. My fiancé just paid $290 in Brown County. They have no waiver program and no help for families that have low income. Which for our family is a lot of money, and I’m sure there are many other families within the country that are unable to afford this. However that’s not all. Today after our in home assessment we were told we need to get background checks before court. Which is nearly impossible because of Covid, but it’s also going to cost us another $70 a piece. That’s if we can get it done through the local sheriff dept. If we’re unable to get an appt in time we may have to seek an independent office for the background checks, which will be more expensive. I’m just completely appalled at this system. Low income families in Brown County have it hard. I’m honestly speechless that the government in this county can expect families to pay out this kind of money just to get there case heard by a local judge! In my opinion that is discouraging families to seek out custody. Of there own children! I mean if you’re having to go through the court for custody, the family is already having financial problems with dividing a family. To expect them to pay $400-$500 dollars to get full custody is ridiculous! I’m just horrified honestly. Someone needs to do something about this system to make it more affordable. It’s amazing to me that the county itself isn’t in custody of most of the kids in the county. Low income families going through a divorce are at such a disadvantage!! I just don’t understand it at all! Brown County, and all counties, should encourage people to seek custody and help make that possible.