Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas, General Division Document Filing Requirements

CRITICAL

Applies to

Prosecutor certification

When filing an indictment, bill of information, or bind-over order, the prosecuting attorney must file a certification of the case-management-record search and provide specified prior-case information, except in codefendant cases.

At the time of filing an indictment, bill of information, or bind-over order, the prosecuting attorney shall file a certification with the Clerk of Courts which affirms that all Courtview or other court case management system records in place at the time of review, have been searched and that to the best of the prosecuting attorney’s knowledge the certification shall indicate: 1. Whether the case has previously been dismissed, and if so, the prosecuting attorney shall note the judge to whom the previous case was assigned; 2. Whether the case is being brought against a defendant who is on probation or community control through this court, and if so, the prosecuting attorney shall list the case number or numbers and the judge who placed the defendant on probation or community control; 3. Whether the defendant has a pending case with the court, and if so, the judge to whom the case is assigned; 4. Whether the defendant has had a previous case with the court within the last five years as described in Subsection (3)(a) of this Rule, and if so, the judge to whom the case was assigned; 5. In the case of codefendants, the prosecuting attorney will not file the certification described in this section.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order or proposed entry must identify the specific motion to which it applies.

b. A proposed order or proposed entry shall be submitted only in Word [.docx] format and reference the specific motion to which it applies.

CRITICAL

Applies to

E-filed document requiring an attorney or filing party signature

An e-filed document requiring an attorney’s or filing party’s signature must use the conformed signature format “/s/ [name].”

e-Filed documents that require the signature of the attorney or filing party shall be signed with a conformed signature of “/s/ [name].”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Any document

Counsel and self-represented litigants must provide a valid email address when filing any document.

Counsel, for themselves and on behalf of their client(s), and self-represented litigants shall provide a valid email address at the time of filing any document.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulation or other document requiring two or more signatures

For a document requiring multiple signatures, the filer must confirm agreement, indicate the other signatories’ agreement in the document, and e-file the signatories with the manner and date of approval.

When a stipulation or other document requires two or more signatures, the filer shall: i. confirm that the content of the document is acceptable to all persons required to sign the document; ii. indicate the agreement of other counsel or parties at the appropriate place in the document, usually on the signature line; and iii. e-File the document, indicating the signatories, e.g., /s/ Jane Doe, /s/ John Smith, etc. with the manner and date of approval.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Instructions for service

Instructions for Service must be filed separately for documents served by the Clerk or when Clerk service is requested, must identify parties and addresses, and must use “unknown” for an unknown address.

For all documents that require service by the Clerk or documents for which a party is requesting that service be made by the Clerk, Instructions for Service shall be filed as a separate document. The Clerk shall not accept Instructions for Service that do not designate the names and addresses of the parties to be served. If the address of a party to be served is unknown, the filer shall substitute “unknown” for the address.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint or related pleading

The caption of an original complaint, counterclaim, cross claim, or third party complaint must include plaintiff and defendant addresses, using “unknown” for any unknown address.

Upon filing the original complaint or any counterclaim, cross claim, or third party complaint, in addition to the Instructions for Service required by Subsection (H)(1) of this Rule, the filer shall include the address of the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s) in the caption of the document. If the address of any plaintiff or defendant is unknown, the filer shall substitute “unknown” for the address in the caption.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of filing

The filing party must prepare a Notice of Filing stating that a document is maintained in the non-public file and the date it was filed, for placement in the public case file instead of that document.

D. The public case file shall contain, in place of the document contained in the non-public file, a Notice of Filing reflecting the filing of the document maintained in the non-public file and the date thereof. The Notice of Filing is to be prepared by the filing party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ai assisted document or evidence

Must include

ai disclosure

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must attach a certification to any submitted document or evidence created or edited with AI, disclosing the AI used and its role and certifying final review, approval, and submission.

(C) Disclosure of Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology: Attorneys and self-represented litigants must disclose the use of AI-assisted technology in the creation or editing of any document or evidence submitted to the court. Such disclosure should include a general description of the AI technology used and its role in the preparation of the materials. The disclosure must be made at the time of submission through a certification attached to the document or evidence, indicating the type of AI used and certifying the attorney's or self- represented litigant’s final review, approval, and submission of the AI-assisted material.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading motion or other document

Every filed pleading, motion, or other document must identify all parties and provide the known complete addresses of parties appearing for the first time.

Every pleading, motion or other document filed in any case shall contain the names of all parties and the complete addresses, if known, of any party who is appearing in the case for the first time.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

Every complaint must be accompanied by a Filing Designation Form.

Every complaint shall be accompanied by a Filing Designation Form (See Appendix 1).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading motion or other document

Documents filed for a party must print or type the filing counsel’s name, contact information, and Supreme Court registration number on the document.

Every pleading, motion or other document filed on behalf of a party shall have printed or typed thereon the name, address, telephone number, fax number, e-mail address, and Supreme Court registration number of counsel filing same;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading motion or other document

A document filed by a law firm must specifically designate the attorney primarily responsible for the case.

and if filed by a law firm, the name of the attorney having primary responsibility for the case shall be specifically designated.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Refiled complaint

A complaint refiled after dismissal must include “THIS IS A REFILED CASE.” under the case number.

If a case is dismissed and subsequently refiled, the refiled complaint shall contain the following designation under the case number: “THIS IS A REFILED CASE.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading or exhibit

Civil pleadings and exhibits filed in the court record must not include Social Security Numbers or birthdates.

On any civil case, including domestic relations cases, Social Security Numbers and Birthdates shall not be included on any pleading or exhibit to be filed in the court record.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Divorce dissolution or legal separation filing

When filing for divorce, dissolution, or legal separation in a domestic relations case, counsel or self-represented parties must submit the Confidentiality Form to the Clerk of Courts.

In domestic relations cases, upon filing a divorce, dissolution or legal separation, counsel or parties filing pro se shall submit to the Clerk of Courts the Confidentiality Form (See Appendix 2).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Confidentiality form

Information in the Confidential Form must be placed in a non-public access area of the computer and treated as confidential.

The Clerk of Courts is instructed to place the information contained in the Confidential Form into a non-public access area of the computer and such information is to be considered confidential.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A continuance request must be made by motion and include an attached proposed judgment entry or order.

Requests for continuance shall be by motion and a proposed judgment entry/order shall be attached.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment entry

A judgment entry concluding a case must specify the allocation of court costs; absent agreement, costs are assessed according to the listed case outcomes.

Every Judgment Entry concluding a pending case shall specify the allocation of court costs. In the absence of an agreement as to the allocation of costs, the Clerk shall assess costs as follows: 1. Default Judgment ----- against Defendant, 2. Dismissed by Plaintiff ----- against Plaintiff, 3. Settlement ----- against Plaintiff and Defendant equally, 4. Following trial or contested hearing ----- as directed by the Court

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application to withdraw

An application to withdraw must certify that the client was informed of scheduled hearings and filing deadlines and served with the application.

The application to withdraw shall include a certification by counsel that the client has been informed of all scheduled hearing dates and/or filing deadlines, and that a copy of the application to withdraw was served on the client.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion or pleading

A request for fees to prosecute an action must be included in the motion or pleading giving rise to it and identify the authority permitting the award.

A request for attorney fees and expenses to prosecute an action shall be included in the body of the motion or other pleading that gives rise to the request for fees. The motion or pleading shall include the statute, rule or other applicable authority that would permit an award of attorney fees.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Attorney fee motion

The Court will not entertain an oral motion for attorney fees.

No oral motion for fees shall be entertained.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Itemized attorney fee statement

An itemized statement of services, time, and requested hourly rates for in-court and out-of-court work must be filed and exchanged no later than 7 days before the fee hearing.

An itemized statement describing the services rendered, the time for such services, and the requested hourly rate for the in court time and out of court time shall be filed with the Court, and exchanged with opposing counsel or pro se party no later than seven (7) days before the hearing in which the fees requested will be adjudicated.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury service exemption excuse or deferral request

Requests for jury-service exemptions, excuses, or deferrals must be written, supported by appropriate documentation, and approved by the Deputy Jury Commissioner or a Common Pleas Court judge.

E. All requests for exemptions, excuses or deferrals, must be in writing and supported by appropriate documentation. All requests MUST be approved by the Deputy Jury Commissioner or a Judge of the Common Pleas Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed jury instructions

Counsel for both parties must jointly submit proposed jury instructions to the Court 24 hours before a jury trial.

Twenty-Four Hours prior to any jury trial, counsel for both parties shall jointly submit to the Court, in Word Format, proposed jury instructions.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed jury instructions

Proposed jury instructions must identify instructions that are unique or disputed by the parties.

The proposed instructions shall highlight or note for the Court any instructions that are unique or that the parties do not agree on.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Witness and exhibit list

Counsel for both parties must submit a witness and exhibit list to the Court seven days before a jury trial.

Seven days prior to any jury trial, counsel for both parties shall submit to the Court a witness and exhibit list.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Unopposed motion

An unopposed motion must state in its body that it is unopposed.

All unopposed motions shall state within the body of the motion that they are unopposed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

The moving party must file a supporting memorandum with the motion that includes relied-upon authorities and any affidavits or other supporting documents required or appropriate to file.

The moving party shall file with the motion a brief supporting memorandum containing the authorities relied upon and any affidavits or other supporting documents required or appropriate to file with the motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Expert report

An expert report must state the expert’s opinions on every issue on which the expert will testify, and testimony or opinions on issues omitted from the report are not permitted.

The report of an expert must reflect his opinions as to each issue on which the expert will testify. An expert will not be permitted to testify or provide opinions on issues not raised in his report.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Every motion must include a proposed judgment entry or order, and noncompliance may result in dismissal of the motion.

All motions shall be accompanied by a proposed judgment entry/order. Failure to comply may result in dismissal of the motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

At the pretrial conference, the parties must submit a pretrial statement to the Court, copy opposing counsel, and include the specified case and trial information.

The parties shall, at the pretrial conference, submit to the Court, with a copy to all opposing counsel, a pretrial statement which shall include: a. identification of the claims or defenses, b. brief statement of the facts, c. issues of fact, d. injuries if applicable, e. damages, list specials, f. issues of law, g. witnesses (lay) (expert), h. estimate of time for trial, i. pending motions, j. stipulations, k. depositions to be used in case in chief.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Expert report

Counsel must exchange written reports for medical and expert witnesses expected to testify according to the discovery schedule, with the party bearing the burden on an issue submitting first.

Each counsel shall exchange with all other counsel written reports of medical and expert witnesses expected to testify in advance of the trial. The parties shall submit expert reports in accord with the time schedule established for discovery. The party with the burden of proof as to a particular issue shall be required to first submit expert reports as to that issue. Thereafter, the responding party shall submit opposing expert reports within the schedule established for discovery.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Expert report

A party may not call an expert to testify unless the party has obtained the expert’s written report and provided it to opposing counsel.

A party may not call an expert witness to testify unless a written report has been procured from the witness and provided to opposing counsel.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Supplemental expert report

Supplemental expert reports must be supplied no later than 30 days before trial unless good cause is shown.

However, unless good cause is shown, all supplemental reports must be supplied no later than thirty (30) days prior to trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Expert disclosure

If a party cannot obtain an expert’s written report, counsel must show a good-faith effort and provide the Court and opposing counsel specified information about the expert and expected testimony.

If a party is unable to obtain a written report from an expert, counsel for the party must demonstrate that a good faith effort was made to obtain the report and must advise the Court and opposing counsel of the name and address of the expert, the subject of the expert’s expertise together with his qualifications and a detailed summary of his testimony.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary judicial report

A preliminary judicial report with the specified ownership, title, lien, and plaintiff-interest information must accompany pleadings requesting a judicial sale.

In every action demanding the judicial sale of real property, including actions to quiet title, partition, marshaling of liens, and foreclosure, the party or parties seeking such judicial sale shall file, together with the filing of the pleadings requesting such relief, a preliminary judicial report prepared by a licensed “title insurance company,” as that term is defined in Section 3953.01(c) of the Ohio Revised Code, showing: 1. the name of the owners of the property to be sold; 2. a reference to the volume and page of the recording by which the owners acquired title to such real estate; 3. a description of all exceptions to said owner’s fee simple title and liens thereon; 4. the name and address, as shown on the record lien, of the lien holder(s); and 5. a reference to the volume and page of the recording by which the named plaintiff claims its lien or other interest in the property.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A motion seeking confirmation of sale and distribution of proceeds must include the Treasurer’s statement on a court-approved form with the specified tax and assessment amounts.

After the real property is foreclosed, all motions requesting a confirmation of sale that include a request for distribution of the proceeds, shall be accompanied by a statement from the Ashtabula County Treasurer, on a court-approved form, stating the amount of the delinquent taxes, unpaid current year taxes, current year penalty and interest, pro-rated taxes, future assessments, and the total taxes due and to be paid out of the proceeds from the sale of the real property.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Final judicial report

A final judicial report updated to a date after judgment must be filed when the final foreclosure decree is filed.

At the time of the filing of the final decree in foreclosure, the party or parties submitting the same shall file a final judicial report, updating the preliminary report to a date subsequent to the date of judgment, to insure that all necessary parties are properly before the Court in the pending action.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Distribution entry

The party requesting an Order For Sale must prepare a distribution entry showing assessed court costs, the title-examination invoice, other costs, and distribution of sale proceeds.

The party or parties requesting the Order For Sale shall prepare a distribution entry showing court costs assessed, which includes the invoice for the cost of the title examination, and all other costs and distribution of sale proceeds.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit a

In the specified real-estate actions, the plaintiff’s attorney must file a separate Exhibit A with the precipe for Order For Sale containing the case caption and number, legal description, and Auditor notation.

In actions for the marshaling and foreclosure of liens, any other judicial sale of real estate, or any action involving title to real estate, the attorney for the plaintiff shall file simultaneously with the precipe for Order For Sale, a separate Exhibit “A,” that must include all of the following: 1. the caption of the case and the case number; 2. the legal description of the subject real estate; and 3. a notation by the Ashtabula County Auditor that the legal description is acceptable for transfer purposes.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Speedy trial form

At arraignment, the Prosecuting Attorney must provide the Court the Defendant’s jail time credit and speedy trial deadline using the Speedy Trial Form.

For every indictment filed, the Prosecuting Attorney shall provide to the Court, the Defendant’s jail time credit, as well as the speedy trial deadline, at the time of the Arraignment, by using the Speedy Trial Form (See Appendix 3).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Oral hearing request

An oral hearing requires a written request and the assigned Trial Judge’s or, for an unassigned case, the Administrative Judge’s approval.

No oral hearing shall be held unless requested in writing and granted by the Trial Judge or in the case of an unassigned case, by the Administrative Judge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application

An application for remittance or release from bond responsibility must be verified and state the reason for remittance in detail.

All Applications seeking a remittance or a release from a bond responsibility shall be made on a verified Application setting forth, in detail, the reason for the remittance.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit of Property and Debt

Both parties in every divorce, dissolution, or legal separation must file the prescribed Affidavit of Property and Debt.

In every Divorce, Dissolution or Legal Separation, both parties shall file an Affidavit of Property and Debt in the form prescribed by Civ. R. 84, Uniform Domestic Relations Form - Affidavit 2.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion and Affidavit or Counter Affidavit for Temporary Orders Without Oral Hearing

A party requesting child support, spousal support, or parenting rights in a divorce or legal separation must file the prescribed temporary-orders motion and affidavit or counter affidavit.

In every Divorce or Legal Separation, in which a party is requesting child support, spousal support, or parenting rights, the party shall file the Motion and Affidavit or Counter Affidavit for Temporary Orders Without Oral Hearing in the form prescribed by Civ. R. 84, Uniform Domestic Relations Form - Affidavit 5.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Counter Affidavit

The other party must file a prescribed Affidavit 5 counter affidavit within 14 days of service.

Within fourteen (14) days of service, the other party shall file a counter Affidavit in the form prescribed by Affidavit 5.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit of Basic Information, Income and Expenses

A party moving for spousal or child support must also file the prescribed Affidavit of Basic Information, Income and Expenses.

If a party is requesting spousal support or child support, the moving party shall also file an Affidavit of Basic Information, Income and Expenses on the form prescribed in Civ. R. 84, Uniform Domestic Relations Form - Affidavit 1.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit of Basic Information, Income and Expenses

The other party must file the affidavit within fourteen (14) days of service of the motion for child or spousal support.

The other party shall file the affidavit within fourteen (14) days of service of the motion for child or spousal support.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Parenting Proceeding Affidavit and Health Insurance Affidavit

Each party in a case involving a parenting determination must file the prescribed Parenting Proceeding Affidavit and Health Insurance Affidavit with the party’s first pleading.

In any case involving a parenting determination, including Divorces, Dissolutions, Legal Separations, Domestic Violence Petitions, and Post Judgment Motions to Modify the Allocation of Parental Rights, each party shall file a Parenting Proceeding Affidavit and a Health Insurance Affidavit in the form prescribed by Civ.R.84, Uniform Domestic Relations Form - Affidavit 3 and Uniform Domestic Relations Form - Affidavit 4 with their first pleading.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Health Insurance Affidavit

The moving party must file a Health Insurance Affidavit with any motion to modify child support.

A Health Insurance Affidavit, shall also be filed by the moving party with any Motion to Modify Child Support.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Health Insurance Affidavit (Affidavit 4)

The other party must file Affidavit 4 within 14 days after service of a motion to modify child support.

The other party shall file Affidavit 4 within fourteen (14) days of service of the Motion to Modify Child Support.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Forms required above

All forms required by this rule must be the most recently approved forms available on the Ohio Supreme Court website.

All forms required above, shall be those forms most recently approved by the Ohio Supreme Court and available on the Ohio Supreme Court Website.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte motion

Must include

proposed order

An Ex Parte motion must be written, include the moving party’s affidavit detailing the grounds and irreparable harm, and include a proposed Judgment Entry.

Ex Parte motions must: 1. Be in writing. 2. Include a Supporting Affidavit from the party filing the motion, detailing the grounds and irreparable harm to that party, should the motion not be granted. 3. Include a proposed Judgment Entry.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for exclusive use of premises

A Motion for Exclusive Use of Premises must be supported by the moving party’s affidavit stating the specific reasons and facts for the motion.

A Motion for Exclusive Use of Premises is to be supported by affidavit of the moving party that states the specific reasons and facts for the motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Temporary support hearing disclosures

By the temporary-support hearing, each party must provide the opposing party or counsel with the listed financial, insurance, and expense information.

E. Mandatory Disclosure. By the date of the hearing on a request for temporary support, each party shall submit to opposing party or counsel: 1. A recent earnings statement/pay stub 2. Tax returns for the prior three (3) years 3. A copy of the health insurance card, if any 4. A list of current monthly expenses 5. Child care expenses, if any 6. Cost of health insurance for the children.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Temporary support or parental rights motion

Motions for temporary support or temporary allocation of parental rights must comply with Ohio Civil Rule 75(N) and the Local Rules.

Motions for temporary support and temporary allocation of parental rights shall comply with Rule 75(N) of the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure and with Local Rules.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Child support request

All requests for child support must include a proposed Child Support Worksheet.

A proposed Child Support Worksheet shall accompany all requests for child support.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Motions to establish or modify child or spousal support must include a completed IV-D Application signed by the obligee.

All pending and post decree motions requesting that child support and/or spousal support be established or modified must be accompanied by a completed IV-D Application signed by the obligee.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A request for a psychological or forensic evaluation must be made by written motion accompanied by a memorandum setting forth its basis; the Court may grant it in its discretion.

Upon written motion and upon cause shown by accompanying memorandum specifically setting forth the basis, the Court may, at its discretion, order the parties and minor child(ren) to submit to psychological evaluation or forensic evaluation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment entry

When directed by the Court, a Judgment Entry must be submitted within five days of the hearing order for the psychological evaluation.

At the Court’s direction, a Judgment Entry shall be submitted within five (5) days of the hearing order the psychological evaluation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Child support computation worksheet

When either or both parties have counsel, a completed child-support worksheet identifying its preparer must be submitted before a hearing concerning support of a minor child.

Where either one or both parties are represented by counsel, a Child Support Computation Worksheet shall be completed and submitted prior to the time of any hearing where support of a minor child(ren) is at issue. The person preparing the worksheet shall be identified thereon.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed or agreed judgment entry

A child-support worksheet must be attached to and incorporated by reference in each proposed or agreed judgment entry that orders support or reflects an agreement that no support will be paid.

A Child Support Computation Worksheet shall be attached to and incorporated by reference in every proposed or agreed judgment entry wherein child support is ordered or for which no support is paid by agreement.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Child support disclosure

In the specified child-support proceedings, the parties or counsel must submit the listed income, expense, insurance, parenting-time, and arrearage materials to the Court at least 14 days before the hearing.

In every action involving an objection to an original administrative order setting child support, a hearing request or an objection to an administrative modification of child support, or a motion seeking modification of an existing child support order, the parties or counsel shall submit the following to the Court no less than fourteen (14) days before the date of the hearing: 1. Copies of complete federal tax returns as filed for the three previous years including W-2s, 1099s, or other income statements, schedules, and documentation supporting income and expenses. 2. Year-to-date income as evidenced by the three most recent paystubs or pay advices. 3. Documentation of the annual cost of healthcare for private insurance covering the child(ren). 4. Documentation and summaries of any out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. 5. Documentation and summaries of current childcare expenses. 6. Documentation supporting any claimed statutory deviation from the basic child support guidelines. - 69 - ===== PAGE 70 ===== 7. In the event a party claims to be on SSI disability or otherwise claims there is no income for child support purposes, a copy of the most recent award letter from the Social Security Administration or acceptable medical documentation. 8. The visitation schedule or agreement, if any, under which the parties are exercising parenting time. 9. The amount in which the obligor is in arrears, if any, as of the last day of the full month preceding the month in which the action or motion was filed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Child support order or decree

Every divorce, dissolution, or other order or decree providing for child support must include the specified language preserving assigned support arrearages as an enforceable obligation.

The following language is required in all divorce, dissolution, and any other order or decree providing for child support: “IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all child support arrearages for the minor child(ren) herein payable either by temporary or final order accruing during any period of time when either parent assigned support rights and received or receives benefits from any Job & Family Services for said child(ren) shall survive and continue as an enforceable obligation due Job & Family Services that provided said benefits, until paid in full.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A motion alleging nonpayment of medical or dental bills or nonperiodic support orders must itemize the expenses and state whether payment was demanded before filing.

If a motion asserts nonpayment of medical or dental bills, or support orders other than periodic payments, the motion shall also itemize such expenses and state whether demand for payment has been made prior to the filing of the motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Guardian ad litem list application

Attorneys seeking placement on the guardian ad litem list must submit a letter and copies of their pre-service and continuing-education certificates to the Domestic Relations Division.

Attorneys who meet this criteria and desire to be placed on the Court’s guardian ad litem list must submit a letter, a copy of the certificate of pre-service guardian ad litem training and a copy of the certificate of any continuing guardian ad litem education to the Domestic Relations Division.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Guardian ad litem appointment

The guardian ad litem appointment must state the guardian’s name, the amount and responsible depositor for the service deposit, and the deposit date.

The appointment of the guardian ad litem shall state the name of the guardian ad litem, the amount to be deposited with the Clerk of Court’s office for the guardian ad litem’s services and by whom, and the date when the deposit is to be made.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Guardian ad litem fee statement

A guardian ad litem must file an itemized fee statement every sixty days during the appointment.

The guardian ad litem shall file an itemized fee statement every sixty days during the term of the guardian ad litem’s appointment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Guardian ad litem report

The guardian ad litem must prepare a written final report complying with Sup.R. 48(F), file it with the Court, and make it available to the parties seven days before the dispositional hearing.

Prepare a written and final report that complies with the requirements of Sup.R. 48(F), file it with the Court and make it available to the parties seven (7) days before the dispositional hearing; and,

CRITICAL

Applies to

Parenting coordinator appointment order

The parenting coordinator appointment order must set forth the listed appointment and coordination terms.

The Court’s appointment order shall set forth all of the following: a. The name of the parenting coordinator and any contact information the Court may choose to include; b. The specific powers and duties of the parenting coordinator; c. The term of the appointment; d. The scope of confidentiality; e. The parties’ responsibility for fees and expenses for services rendered by the parenting coordinator; f. Parenting coordination terms and conditions;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Parenting coordinator decision

Must include

caption, case number

If the parties do not reach agreement, the parenting coordinator must issue a written decision containing the listed information, including the case caption and number, and immediately file it with the Court.

If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the parenting coordinator shall issue a written decision that is effective immediately and remains effective unless otherwise ordered by the Court. The parenting coordinator shall provide copies to the parties and their attorneys, if any. The decision shall be immediately filed with the Court and include all of the following: i. Case caption, including the case number; ii. Date of the decision; iii. The decision of the parenting coordinator; iv. Facts of the dispute and facts upon which the decision is based; v. Reasons supporting the decision; vi. The manner in which the decision was provided to the parties; vii. Any other necessary information.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

Must include

caption, case number

A complaint must be submitted to the Court and include the case caption and number, coordinator’s name, complainant’s name and contact information, the alleged misconduct or violation, and its date.

The complaint shall be submitted to the Court, and include all of the following: i. The case caption and case number; ii. The name of parenting coordinator iii. The name and contact information for the person making the complaint; iv. The nature of any alleged misconduct or violation; v. The date the alleged misconduct or violation occurred.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice

Ashtabula County Mediation & Conflict Management Services must file a notice with the Clerk after each party attends the class.

Ashtabula County Mediation & Conflict Management Services shall file a notice with the Clerk of Court after each party attends the class.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition to register foreign parenting order

A Petition to Register a Foreign Parenting Order must include a certified copy of the previously issued order from the originating court.

The Petition to Register a Foreign Parenting Order must have a certified copy from the originating court of the previously issued order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to waive mediation

A motion to waive mediation must include the parties’ signed agreement allocating parental rights and responsibilities and visitation rights, and a copy of both must be provided to the MCMS office.

Mediation may be waived upon the filing of a Motion to Waive Mediation which shall have attached a signed agreement of the parties allocating parental rights and responsibilities and visitation rights. A copy of the motion with the signed agreement shall also be provided to the MCMS office.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Mediation status report

Upon completing mediation, the mediator must file a status report with the Clerk of Courts that complies with the cited statutes.

The mediator will file a Mediation Status Report with the Clerk of Courts in regard to the status of the mediation process upon completion of the mediation. All Mediation Status Reports shall be in compliance with R.C. §3109.052 and R.C. §2710.03-2710.05.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Mediator forms and evaluations

Private mediators selected under the Court’s mediation order must complete the forms and evaluations required by the Court.

All private mediators chosen by the parties pursuant to the Court's Order to Attend Mediation shall complete the forms and evaluations required by the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Appointed court reporter appointment entry

A privately employed court reporter must be appointed and sworn by the Trial Judge, and an entry recording the appointment must be filed with the Clerk of Courts in the case file.

The privately employed court reporter will be appointed and sworn as the ad hoc Appointed Court Reporter by the Trial Judge and an entry recording such appointment shall be filed with the Clerk of Courts in the case file.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcription request

A transcription requires a filed written request on the court-approved Transcription Request form submitted to the Court Reporter.

A transcription is ordered by submitting a written request on the court-approved form entitled "Transcription Request" to the Court Reporter, who will secure the preparation of the transcription. No transcription will be prepared without such a request being filed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition to register foreign parenting order

If the foreign child custody order was issued in a language other than English, a certified English translation must be attached.

____ (check if applicable) A certified translation to English of the foreign child custody order is attached because the foreign order was issued in a language other than English.

WARNING

Applies to

Scanned document containing a live signature

The Court accepts a scanned document with a live signature, but the submitting party must retain the original signed document.

The Court will also accept a scanned document containing a live signature but the submitting party must maintain the original document with the live signature.

WARNING

Applies to

Attorney fee request

At the final hearing, the attorney seeking fees must be prepared to present evidence about case complexity, the attorney’s experience and expertise, and the parties’ incomes and expenses if not otherwise disclosed.

At the time of the final hearing on the motion or pleading that gives rise to the request for attorney fees, the attorney seeking the fees shall be prepared to present information, including, but not limited to the following: 1. testimony as to whether the case was complicated by any or all of the following: new or unique issues of law; difficulty in ascertaining or valuing the parties’ assets; problems with completing discovery; any other factor necessitating extra time being spent with the case; 2. testimony regarding the attorney’s years of practice and expertise; and 3. evidence of the parties’ respective incomes and expenses, if not otherwise disclosed during the hearing.

WARNING

Applies to

Real property bond

For qualifying real-property bonds, the Court may require a filed title guarantee or abstract and disclosure of all liens and encumbrances before accepting the bond.

Where real property bonds are accepted by the Court in criminal or civil actions, executed by an Ashtabula County property owner, the Court will consider the fair current market value to be three times the appraised value for tax purposes, as shown in the county records, for the purpose of determining the owner’s equity. Prior to the Court’s acceptance of the real property bond, the Court may require evidence of title in the form of a title guarantee or abstract of title to be filed, as well as disclosure of any and all liens and encumbrances on the property.

WARNING

Applies to

Post decree ex parte motion affecting children

Post-decree motions seeking Ex Parte orders that affect children are discouraged.

Post-decree motions requesting Ex Parte orders that affect children are discouraged.

WARNING

Applies to

Parenting time deviation

Parents must follow the ordered parenting-time schedule unless they have a clear mutual understanding to deviate, and any deviation must be documented in writing.

The parents shall follow the parenting time schedule set forth in a temporary or final order, unless there is a clear, mutual understanding between parents to deviate. Any such deviation shall be in writing to document the parents’ mutual understanding.

WARNING

Applies to

Written request for support arrearage certification

For child-support proceedings, the CSEA must provide an arrearage certification upon written request, and the request must identify the parties, case number, and date of the last support order if known.

For all child support proceedings and, specifically in relation to those seeking to terminate support, waive support and/or arrears, or for those in which a previous obligee will become a child support obligor, the CSEA shall provide certification of support arrearages upon receipt of a written request from the parties or counsel. All written requests must identify the parties and case number and date of last support order, if known.

WARNING

Applies to

Parenting coordinator resume

A parenting coordinator must submit a resume documenting compliance with Section III, update it for substantive changes, and notify the Court of changes to listed contact information.

A parenting coordinator shall submit a resume to the Court documenting compliance with Section III; provide an updated resume to the Court in the event of any substantive changes; and notify the Court of any changes to name, address, telephone number and, if available, electronic mail address contained in the resume.

WARNING

Applies to

Parenting coordinator report

When requested by the Court or at the parenting coordinator’s discretion, a written report must include the listed information about sessions, rescheduling requests, agreements, attendance, future sessions, and written decisions.

Upon request by the Court or at the parenting coordinator’s discretion, the parenting coordinator shall prepare a written report including, but not limited to, all of the following: i. Dates of parenting coordination session(s); ii. Whether the parenting coordination session(s) occurred or was terminated; iii. Requests to reschedule a parenting coordination session(s), including the name of the requestor and whether the request was approved; iv. Whether an agreement was reached on some, all, or none of the issues; v. Who was in attendance at each session(s); vi. The date and time of a future parenting coordination session(s); vii. Whether any decisions were written and if so, the date(s).

WARNING

Applies to

Mediation statement

In cases without children, parties are advised to submit mediation statements as directed by the referral order.

Additionally, in cases where no children are involved, parties should submit mediation statements in accordance with the order referring the matter to mediation (See Appendix 6).

WARNING

Applies to

Compensation documentation

Appropriate compensation documentation must be submitted for indigent criminal appeals.

In the case of indigent criminal appeals, the appropriate documentation for compensation shall be submitted.

WARNING

Applies to

Transcript request

A party or counsel requesting or requiring a transcript must notify the Official Court Reporter directly and obtain a cost estimate.

Any party or counsel requesting or requiring a transcript of any proceedings for any purpose shall notify the Official Court Reporter directly of the request and obtain an estimate of the anticipated cost (See Appendix 7).

WARNING

Applies to

Filing designation form

The Court asks filers to identify and mark the case type on the filing designations form and give it to the Clerk when filing.

The Court asks that you determine the type of case you are filing and mark it on this form, which you will give the Clerk of Courts at the time of filing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Applies to

Courtesy copy email ?

The subject line of the email shall state the short form of the case title, case number, and the name of the document.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Applies to

Affidavit of Property and Debt ?

Plaintiff shall file the Affidavit with the Complaint for Divorce or Legal Separation.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Applies to

Affidavit of Property and Debt ?

Defendant shall file the Affidavit within the time that an Answer would be required to be filed.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Applies to

Motion for exclusive use of premises ?

Must include

proposed order

A proposed Order shall be submitted with the written motion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Applies to

Child support modification motion ?

Motions seeking modification shall state with particularity the facts supporting a substantial or material change of circumstances or other grounds supporting the requested modification.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Applies to

Transcription request ?

The original of the request shall be filed in the case file.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Applies to

Petition to register foreign parenting order ?

Two copies of the foreign order, including one certified copy, are attached.