On Thursday, April 23, 2026, Matthew A. Thompson filed a complaint for a writ of prohibition in the Supreme Court of Ohio against Lisa I. Swenski, a judge in the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division. The complaint seeks to prevent Judge Swenski from further exercising judicial power in a manner Thompson alleges is unauthorized by law.
Thompson’s complaint centers on a case involving the shared parenting of a minor child, Thompson v. Thompson, Case No. 19DU085588, pending in the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division. Thompson, representing himself, argues that Judge Swenski has acted without proper legal authority in several instances.
The filing claims that on April 1, 2026, Judge Swenski conducted a contempt hearing on a motion filed less than 48 hours prior, without completed service or adequate notice, and proceeded to adjudicate contempt and impose sanctions. Thompson further alleges that immediately thereafter, and before trial, Judge Swenski suspended his parenting time without notice, a hearing, or identification of any statutory authority.
Thompson contends that Judge Swenski has continued with the trial while prohibiting him from introducing evidence or calling witnesses. He argues that barring a party from presenting evidence while adjudicating parental rights is not a valid exercise of judicial power.
The complaint asserts several defects in the proceedings, including the failure to invoke a valid proceeding under R.C. 3109.04(E). Thompson claims that the motion to terminate the shared parenting plan did not specify whether it proceeded under R.C. 3109.04(E)(1) or R.C. 3109.04(E)(2) and did not meet the statutory requirements for adjudication under either provision.
Thompson also argues that the contempt adjudication was conducted without proper notice or opportunity to defend. He states that while he was notified that April 1, 2026, was scheduled for trial, a motion to show cause was filed on March 30, 2026, with service initiated on March 31, 2026, and not completed before the April 1 proceedings. Despite this, Judge Swenski ordered the trial to proceed regardless of any circumstances.
Additionally, Thompson challenges the non-statutory suspension of his parenting rights. He alleges that following the show cause hearing and prior to the trial’s commencement, Judge Swenski issued an April 1, 2026, order suspending his parenting time without a pending motion or findings of immediate danger.
Thompson seeks a writ of prohibition to prevent Judge Swenski from continuing to exercise judicial power in a manner he claims is unauthorized by law. He requests the court to cease further trial proceedings, halt enforcement of the contempt finding and suspension of parenting time, and allow the introduction of evidence and witnesses. Thompson also asks the court to recognize that orders entered without authority are void and without legal effect and to issue an alternative writ staying further proceedings pending resolution.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
