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

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Paper

Must include

caption, judge name, case number

The first page of each filed paper must identify the parties, case number, judge, filing, and the filing counsel’s or party’s contact and registration information.

Each paper filed by each party shall designate on the first page thereof the parties, the case number, the name of the judge, the identification of the filing, the name, address, Ohio Supreme Court registration number, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address, if any, of the counsel filing the paper or if there is no counsel, then the party filing the paper.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading

A pleading with an endorsed jury demand must include "Jury demand endorsed hereon" in its caption, but omission does not waive a jury demand stated in the pleading's body.

If a jury demand, pursuant to Rule 38 of the Ohio Civil Rules of Procedure, is endorsed upon a pleading, the caption of the pleading shall state, "Jury demand endorsed hereon". Failure to comply with Ohio Civil Rule 38 shall result in the case being tried to the Court and failure to include this statement on the caption shall be a waiver of jury trial, unless the demand for jury is contained in the body of the pleading.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Video deposition

A video-deposition filing must comply with Sup.R. 13 and include a typed certified transcript and a list of objections.

The filing of video deposition shall conform to Sup.R. 13, and in addition, a typed certified copy of the transcript and a list of objections shall be filed along with the video deposition.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Magistrate decisions and orders

Must include

judge name

Magistrate decisions and orders must include the issuing magistrate's or judge's name below the signature line.

All Magistrate's decisions and all orders of the Magistrates and Judges shall have the name of the respective Magistrate or Judge printed or typed below their respective signature line.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to show cause

A domestic-relations motion to show cause or contempt must include an affidavit from the alleging party that specifically identifies the violations of the court order.

Motions to show cause/contempt of Court in domestic relations cases shall include an affidavit by the party alleging the contempt, with specificity as to the violations of the Court order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial exhibits

Must include

exhibit list

All trial documents and exhibits must be marked for identification and shared with opposing counsel at least seven days before trial, with failure potentially preventing admission.

1. All documents and exhibits must be marked for identification purposes and shared with opposing counsel at least seven (7) days prior to trial. Failure to do so may result in said documents and exhibits not being admitted into evidence.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial exhibits

Plaintiff exhibits must use Arabic numerals, defendant exhibits must use letters, and stipulated joint exhibits must use Roman numerals.

2. Plaintiff's exhibits are to be marked with Arabic numerals; Defendant's exhibits to be marked with letters; and stipulated joint exhibits to be marked with Roman numerals.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial exhibits

Each exhibit sticker must include the case number and date, with the first trial date permitted for a multi-day trial.

3. Exhibit stickers shall also be marked with the case number and the date (if a trial is to be conducted over a period of consecutive days it may be dated with the first date of trial).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to show cause

A domestic-relations contempt motion alleging nonpayment of medical or health-care bills must include the completed Explanation of Health Care Bills form, with supporting documentation presented at the motion hearing.

All motions to show cause/contempt of Court in domestic relations cases alleging non-payment of medical/health care bills shall include the Form titled "Explanation of Health Care Bills" (Appendix G, Form 4) as approved by the Supreme Court of Ohio, Uniform DR forms. This form shall be completed and filed with the motion. The supporting documentation shall be presented at the motion hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial exhibits

Must include

exhibit list

Counsel must provide a complete exhibit list to opposing counsel and the court at least seven days before trial, provide any updated list before trial begins, and furnish a copy to the court reporter when one is present.

4. Counsel shall also provide opposing counsel and the Court a full and complete Exhibit List of all proposed trial exhibits, including their proper identification, at least seven (7) days prior to trial. Additionally, an updated list, if any, shall be presented to the opposing counsel and the Court prior to the start of trial. In the event that there is a Court reporter, a copy of said exhibit list shall be provided to the Court reporter.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Each motion must be submitted as a separate pleading supported by factual representations and a memorandum of law containing citations to supporting authority.

A. Each motion must be submitted by separate pleading with representations of fact to support the motion and a memorandum of law containing citations to authority in support of the motion.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Continuance or hearing vacation motion

For a continuance, hearing- or trial-vacation, or similar citation-exempt motion, the memorandum must contain attorney-verified factual representations or be supported by an affidavit.

C. If the motion is one to continue a matter, to vacate a hearing or trial, or a similar motion where citations are not necessary, the memorandum must contain representations of fact verified by the attorney or an affidavit in support of the motion. (See also, Local Rule 4.01(C)).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Every motion must be accompanied by a separate proposed order.

D. All motions must be accompanied by a separate proposed Order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to amend pleading

A motion to amend a pleading must include a proposed judgment entry with the proposed amended pleading attached; if granted, the court files the amended pleading with the clerk.

G. When a party files a motion to amend a pleading, he shall provide the Court with a proposed judgment entry which shall have attached thereto the proposed amended pleading. If the motion is granted, the amended pleading shall be filed with the Clerk by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to show cause

A motion to show cause or contempt must state the date of the prior court order and the specific provisions alleged to have been violated.

H. All motions to show cause/contempt of Court shall state the date of the prior Court order(s) and the specific provision(s) of the prior Court order(s) that are alleged to be violated.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment entry or order

Counsel-prepared judgment entries and orders of dismissal by compromise must be approved by all counsel of record and submitted within 28 days after notice of settlement unless the Court agrees otherwise.

Judgment entries and orders of dismissal by compromise prepared by counsel shall be approved by all counsel of record, and submitted to the Court within twenty-eight (28) days after notice to the Court of settlement or as otherwise agreed by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Submitting letter

The submitting letter must certify the specified delivery method, recipient counsel, date, and that the entry or order was not returned, revised, or objected to.

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE FOREGOING ENTRY OR ORDER WAS (MAILED, DELIVERED, OR FAXED) TO ____________, COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF/ DEFENDANT, ON THE ____________ DAY OF ____________, 20__ AND HAS NOT BEEN RETURNED, REVISED NOR OBJECTED TO.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order directing motor vehicle title

Every order directing issuance of a motor-vehicle title must include the VIN, year, make, and model.

The Court shall include the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make and model in every order directing the issuance of title to a motor vehicle.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement memorandum

Trial counsel must submit a written settlement memorandum to the court at least 10 days before the settlement pretrial conference.

Trial counsel shall be required to submit a written settlement memorandum to the Court ten (10) days prior to the settlement pretrial conference.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of filing

Counsel must submit a notice of filing of the settlement memorandum to the Clerk of Courts.

Counsel shall further submit a notice of filing of the settlement memorandum with the Clerk of Courts.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

A complaint for a cognovit judgment must contain or be accompanied by an affidavit stating the maker's county of residence, execution of the warrant of attorney in that county, and that the instrument is not from a consumer loan or consumer transaction.

When a complaint is presented to the Court for the rendering of a cognovit judgment, it shall contain or be accompanied by an affidavit to the effect: 1. That the maker of the cognovit note now resides in the county in which the action is brought; 2. That the maker, or any one of several makers, of the cognovit note signed the warrant of attorney in the county in which the action is brought; 3. That the instrument does not arise out of a consumer loan or a consumer transaction. (ORC Section 2323.13(E)).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

The judgment creditor's attorney must include in the complaint a statement of the defendants' last known addresses, to the best of the attorney's knowledge.

The attorney who represents the judgment creditor shall include in the complaint a statement setting forth to the best of his knowledge the last known address of the defendant or defendants.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of limited appearance

An attorney with a limited appearance must file and serve a Notice of Limited Appearance describing the scope and confirming client authorization.

The attorney must file and serve a "Notice of Limited Appearance" that clearly describes the scope of the limited appearance and states that the limitation has been authorized by the client.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of completion of limited appearance

An attorney may terminate a limited appearance by filing and serving a Notice of Completion of Limited Appearance.

As provided by Civ.R. 3(B), an attorney's limited appearance may be terminated by filing and service of a "Notice of Completion of Limited Appearance."

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Statement of owners and lienholders or preliminary judicial report

In quiet-title, partition, and real-property lien foreclosure cases other than delinquent real estate tax foreclosures, plaintiff’s counsel must file a current title report or statement of owners and lienholders with the original complaint or petition.

In cases to quiet title, for partition, and for the marshalling and foreclosure of liens on real property, (other than delinquent real estate tax foreclosure actions) counsel for plaintiff must file the following with the Clerk at the time of the filing of the original complaint or petition: 1. A statement of owners and lienholders or a preliminary judicial report, including the names of the owners of the property, and a reference to the volume and page and date of recording of the next preceding recorded instrument by or through which the owners claim title, as the same shall have been prepared and extended by a responsible title company to a date not over thirty (30) days prior to the filing of the complaint, the costs of which are taxed as costs;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Updated title report

After all defendants are served, plaintiff’s counsel must obtain and file an updated title report showing that all lienholders were made parties and served with the complaint.

After all the defendants have been served with complaint, counsel for the plaintiff shall obtain and file an updated title report establishing all lienholders have been made parties and served with the complaint.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Written declaration

Before approval of an order of sale, counsel must file a written declaration stating that all record lienholders were notified of the sale application.

Counsel has filed a written declaration to the Court that all lien holders of record have been notified of the application for order of sale;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order of sale must include a legal description certified as accurate by the appropriate county official.

The proposed order of sale contains a legal description certified by the appropriate county official as being accurate.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Receivership plan

A written receivership plan must be provided at the outset or as soon as reasonably available information permits, and it must be updated for significant developments or ongoing periodic reporting.

At the outset of the receivership, or as soon thereafter as information becomes reasonably available, the court shall be provided with a written plan for the receivership. The plan shall, thereafter, be updated as significant developments warrant, or as part of ongoing periodic reporting to the court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Foreign judgment

A proponent submitting a foreign judgment must provide a judgment entry with original certifications of authenticity from the foreign jurisdiction.

B. The proponent submitting the foreign judgment must provide a judgment entry with original certifications of authenticity from the foreign jurisdiction.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Document or evidence

Must include

ai disclosure

Attorneys and parties must disclose their use of AI technology or AI-assisted material when creating or editing any document or evidence submitted to or filed with the court.

Attorneys and parties shall disclose the use of AI Technology or AI-Assisted Material in the creation or editing of any document or evidence submitted to the Court or filed with the Clerk. The disclosure shall include a description of the AI Technology utilized

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ai disclosure certification

Must include

ai disclosure

At submission, the AI disclosure must be an attached written certification identifying the AI technology used and affirming final review, approval of the AI-assisted material, and compliance with the local rule.

Such disclosure shall be made at the time of submission by way of a written certification attached to the document or evidence. The certification shall identify the type of AI Technology used and affirm that the attorney or party has conducted a final review, approved the AI-Assisted Material, and is aware of and in compliance with this Local Rule.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Parental rights allocation pleading

A DR 3 Parenting Proceeding Affidavit and IV-D Application for Child Support Services must be filed with any complaint or pleading requesting allocation of parental rights and responsibilities for minor children.

In all cases in which allocation of parental rights for minor child(ren) may be involved, a DR 3 form (Parenting Proceeding Affidavit) and IV-D Application for Child Support Services (Schedule E) shall be filed at the time of the complaint or any other pleading requesting the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities for minor child(ren). No case involving the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities for minor child(ren) may be filed without a DR-3 form and a IV-D Application.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Dissolution

Dissolution cases require a petition for dissolution, separation agreement, waiver of entry of appearance and service of summons, and signed DR-1 and DR-2 affidavits; cases involving minor children also require specified child-support and parenting forms.

In all actions for dissolution, the parties shall file a petition for dissolution, separation agreement and a waiver of entry of appearance and service of summons. Completed DR-1 (Affidavit of Income and Expenses) and DR-2 (Affidavit of Property) forms signed by both parties shall be filed in all dissolutions. If there are minor children, the parties shall file Child Support Guidelines, IV-D Application for Child Support Services, DR-3 (Parenting Proceeding Affidavit) and DR-4 (Health Insurance Affidavit).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Divorce annulment legal separation

The initiating party in divorce, annulment, and legal-separation cases must file DR-1 and DR-2 forms with the complaint, and must file additional forms when minor children are involved; the responding party must file applicable DR forms within the allotted response time.

In all actions for divorce, annulment and legal separation, the party bringing the action shall file their DR-1 and DR-2 forms with their complaint. If there are minor children, Plaintiff shall also file a IV-D Application for Child Support Services, DR-3 and DR-4 forms. Within time allotted for response, the responding party shall also file the applicable DR forms.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Response

A responding party must file a DR-1 form with the answer, response, objections to ex parte orders, counterclaims, or counter-motions.

The responding party shall file a DR-1 form with his or her answer, response, objections to ex parte orders, counterclaims or counter-motions.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Response

If a responding party does not file a response, the party must file a DR-1 form at least ten days before a hearing on temporary matters.

If the responding party does not file a response, (s)he must file a DR-1 form at least ten (10) days prior to a hearing on temporary

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte order

Every ex parte order must advise the opposing party of the right to request a hearing and include the specified bold-print language.

All ex parte orders shall advise the opposing party of the right to request a hearing and shall contain the following language in bold print: The Court has made this order solely upon the evidence provided by ________. You may request a hearing on this matter. You have the right to counsel and should have counsel present with you at any hearing. This is a temporary order and the Court will review all the evidence of the parties at any requested hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Child support order

A child-support modification order is effective on the filing date of the modification motion unless the parties agree otherwise or the court orders otherwise.

E. All Court orders modifying a child support obligation shall be effective the date of the filing of the motion to modify, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties or otherwise ordered by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Child support order

When the court adopts an administrative child-support modification, the effective date is the date stated in the administrative determination unless the court orders otherwise.

E. All Court orders modifying a child support obligation shall be effective the date of the filing of the motion to modify, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties or otherwise ordered by the Court. In cases in which an administrative modification is adopted by the Court, unless otherwise ordered, the effective date shall be as set forth in the administrative determination.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Final child support order

Final support orders must state whether arrears from temporary support orders are carried forward; failure to reserve the carryover waives those arrears.

F. All final orders shall state whether any arrears accruing from temporary orders for support shall be carried forward. Failure to specifically reserve the carryover of arrears shall result in those arrears being waived.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Child support order

Must include

certificate of service

Orders establishing or modifying child support must include a certificate of service certifying that a file-stamped judgment entry was provided to the county Child Support Enforcement Agency.

G. All orders establishing or modifying a child support obligation shall contain a certificate of service certifying that a file-stamped copy of the judgment entry has been provided to the county Child Support Enforcement Agency.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Support order

Every support order must determine the person or persons responsible for the children's health care and include an appropriate health-insurance order; if this information is not stated in substantially similar form in the order body, Schedules C and D must be completed and included, and Medicaid alone cannot satisfy the requirement.

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code 3119.30, every support order shall include a determination of the person or persons responsible for health care of children, to include an appropriate order for provision and maintenance of health insurance for the minor child(ren) of the parties. No court order shall specify the provision of Medicaid by either party as satisfying this requirement. If not contained in the body of the support order in substantially similar form, schedules C and D shall be completed and included in every support order issued by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Guardian ad litem appointment order

When the Court appoints a Guardian ad Litem, it must issue an appointment order substantially following the prescribed Court Order #2 form and including the required items.

An order of appointment shall be issued when a Guardian ad Litem is appointed by the Court, as provided in the form attached to these Rules as "Court Order #2," issued pursuant to Rule 48.02(A) of the Ohio Rules of Superintendence, which shall include, but not be limited to, the items set in Sup.R. 48.02(A) and the following:

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment entry

Every judgment entry must be submitted to the Guardian ad Litem for approval.

All judgment entries shall be submitted to the Guardian ad Litem for approval.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Appointment order

When ordering parenting coordination, the court must issue an appointment order containing specified information about the parenting coordinator, appointment terms, responsibilities, procedures, and party contact requirements.

When ordering parenting coordination, the court or division shall issue an appointment order that does all of the following: a) Includes the name and contact information of the parenting coordinator and outlines the definition and purpose of the parenting coordinator; b) Specifies the scope of authority of the parenting coordinator; c) Sets forth the term of the appointment; d) Allocates the responsibility for fees and expenses related to parenting coordination; e) Addresses procedures for decision-making of the parenting coordinator; f) Addresses procedures for objections to parenting coordinator decisions; g) Addresses other provisions as the court considers necessary and appropriate; h) Orders the parties to contact the parenting coordinator within the time period specified by the court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

QDRO

Unless otherwise agreed or ordered, counsel for the alternate payee must prepare the QDRO for submission to the Court.

A. Unless otherwise agreed or ordered, counsel for the alternate payee entitled to the pension or retirement plan, or a portion thereof, shall prepare the Qualified Domestic Relations Order ("QDRO") for submission to the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

QDRO

When the parties agree to divide a pension or retirement program by QDRO, the parties or their counsel must sign and approve the original and any subsequent QDRO, unless the Court waives the signature requirement.

B. Whenever the parties agree to divide a pension or retirement program by a QDRO, they or their counsel shall sign and approve the original of a QDRO submitted to the Court and shall sign and approve any subsequent QDRO submitted to the Court, unless signature is waived by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

QDRO

The QDRO's division of benefits must follow the language of Hoyt v. Hoyt, 53 Ohio St. 3d 177 (1999), and its progeny.

2. The division of benefits shall be based on the language of the case of Hoyt v. Hoyt, 53 Ohio St. 3d 177 (1999), and its progeny;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

QDRO

The QDRO must assign all temporary and supplemental benefits, including early retirement subsidies, to the alternate payee and recalculate the alternate payee's benefits if they begin before the participant retires.

3. The benefits assigned to the alternate payee shall include any and all temporary and supplemental benefits. Further, the benefits, as assigned to the alternate payee, shall include all early retirement subsidies and, should the alternate payee commence receipt of the benefits prior to participant's retirement, the alternate payee's benefits will be recalculated to reflect the subsidy;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Final judgment

Whenever a DOPO will be issued, the final judgment entry must contain the specified language reserving the Court's jurisdiction and stating that the order is final and appealable.

F. In all cases in which a DOPO is to be issued, the final judgment entry shall contain the following language: The Court retains jurisdiction with respect to the Division of Property Order to the extent required to maintain its qualified status and the original intent of the parties. The Court also retains jurisdiction to enter further orders as are necessary to enforce the assignment of benefits to the non-participant as set forth herein, including the recharacterization thereof as a division of benefits under another plan, as applicable, or to make an award of spousal support, if applicable, in the event that the participant fails to comply with the provisions of this order. Notwithstanding the reservation of jurisdiction to insure that the Division of Property Order is qualified, this is a final appealable order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Letter of approval qualified

If the Plan Administrator does not file the Notice of Qualification, the parties or their attorneys must file the Plan Administrator’s approval letter with the Clerk of Courts within 30 days after receipt.

If the Plan Administrator fails to file Notice of Qualification, the parties or attorneys for the parties shall file a copy of the letter of approval/qualified issued by the Plan Administrator with the Clerk of Courts within thirty (30) days of receipt.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Drug testing motion

A request for drug testing must be made by motion and include a supporting affidavit.

A request for drug testing shall be made in the form of a motion with supporting affidavit.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Drug testing results report

A report of drug-testing results must be placed in the family file and may not be used in criminal actions or for prosecutorial purposes.

The report of the results of any such drug testing shall not be utilized in any criminal actions or for prosecutorial purposes and shall, as required by these Rules, be placed in the family file.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody evaluator report

A custody evaluator must prepare and file a written report with the court at least 30 days before the final hearing.

A custody evaluator shall prepare and file with the court a written report at least 30 days prior to the final hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody evaluator report

The custody evaluator report must include the specified notice in bold.

The written report shall include the following statement in bold: This document is being provided to the court, unrepresented parties and legal counsel of record. If you are an attorney, you may share its contents with your client. However, any additional disclosure of this report must be approved in advance by the court. Any person who copies this report, posts on social media or other mediums or discloses all or portions of this report to another person, without prior approval, shall be subject to court action, including penalties for contempt which include incarceration and fines.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Recognizance bond application

A defendant seeking release on a recognizance bond must sign a written bond application.

A. Any defendant seeking release upon a recognizance (O.R.) bond shall be required to sign a written bond application.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Property bond title search

For a property bond, the defendant's or surety's attorney must provide the clerk a title search with specified property certifications and a court-approved appraiser's real-estate appraisal.

E. In all criminal cases where the defendant posts a property bond, his attorney or an attorney for the surety whose property is being used to secure the bond must provide the Clerk of Courts with a title search certifying the following: a short description of the property, the names that appear on the deed, the true value of the property as shown on the records in the County Auditor's Office and whether there are any liens on file against the property, together with an appraisal of the real estate prepared by an appraiser approved by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Appointed counsel request

Before appointment as felony counsel, an attorney must verify compliance with Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 120-1-10 and submit a written appointment request with the Appointed Counsel Compliance Form to the Court Administrator for the Judge's review.

A. All attorneys seeking felony counsel appointments must verify compliance with Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 120-1-10. A written request to be appointed along with the Appointed Counsel Compliance Form (See Appendix C) shall be submitted to the Court Administrator for review by the Judge prior to any appointments as legal counsel.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit of indigency financial disclosure

Appointed counsel must file the Court-provided Affidavit of Indigency/Financial Disclosure with the Clerk of Courts within 15 days after the defendant's arraignment.

D. Attorneys appointed by the Court to represent an indigent defendant shall be responsible for the filing of the Affidavit of Indigency/Financial Disclosure with the Clerk of Courts on the form provided by the Court within fifteen (15) days of the arraignment of the defendant.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Electronic petition

The petitioner must file the completed electronic petition with the Common Pleas Clerk together with the Notice to Court of Petition and include the DRC Electronic Petition Number on that notice.

C. Petitioner shall print the fully completed Electronic Petition and file the same along with the Notice to Court of Petition (Appendix D) with the Common Pleas Clerk of Courts. The Petitioner shall include the DRC Electronic Petition Number on the Notice.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Guardian ad litem report

The written GAL report must affirmatively confirm completion of the GAL's responsibilities and detail the work, attendance, interviews, documents, experts, and other information supporting the recommendations.

A written GAL report shall affirmatively state that the GAL's responsibilities have been met and shall detail the activities performed, hearings attended, persons interviewed, documents reviewed, experts consulted, and all other relevant information considered by the GAL in reaching the GAL's recommendations and in accomplishing the duties required by statute, court rule, and in the Order of Appointment.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for interim fees

When a guardian ad litem's fees exceed $2,500, the guardian must file and serve on all parties an interim-fee motion containing a detailed statement and description of services rendered.

At any time the fees of a guardian ad litem exceed $2,500.00, the guardian ad litem shall file a motion for interim fees, served upon all parties, which must include a detailed statement and description of rendered services.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Monthly statement of fees and expenses

A non-volunteer guardian ad litem must provide all parties with a monthly statement of fees and expenses.

Unless the GAL is a volunteer, the GAL shall provide a monthly statement of fees and expenses to all parties.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for payment

Upon concluding guardian ad litem responsibilities, the GAL must give the court a motion for payment containing an itemized statement and accounting and provide a copy to each responsible party or entity.

Upon the conclusion of his or her responsibilities, the GAL shall provide a motion for payment with an itemized statement and accounting to the Court, with a copy to each party or other entity responsible for payment.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Written proof of health insurance coverage

Within 30 days after entry of the order, the obligor must furnish the Child Support Enforcement Agency with written proof that health-insurance coverage has been obtained.

The Obligor shall, within thirty (30) days of the date of the Order, furnish written proof to the Child Support Enforcement Agency that the coverage has been obtained.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Investigation report

The investigator's report must include the specified notice in bold print in the report body.

The Investigator shall include the following NOTICE in BOLD print within the body of their report: This document is being provided to the Court, unrepresented parties and legal counsel of record. If you are an attorney, you may share its contents with your client. However, any additional disclosure of this report must be approved in advance by the Court. Any person who copies this report, posts on social media or other mediums or discloses all or portions of the report to another person, without prior approval, shall be subject to Court action including penalties for contempt which include incarceration and fines.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Certificate of qualification petition

The petitioner's street address must be in Williams County.

Street (must reside in Williams County)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026INFO

Applies to

Motion for payment

Before a case concludes, a guardian ad litem may submit a motion for payment.

In addition, at any time prior to the conclusion of a case, the GAL may submit a motion for payment.

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

Applies to

Continuance motion ?

Must include

proposed order

All motions shall be accompanied by a proposed order which shall include the new date.

Summary: Every continuance motion must include a proposed order specifying the new date.

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

Applies to

Brief

B. Copies of briefs and memoranda provided for the Court and for all parties shall have attached thereto a copy of all unreported cases, or other references cited or referred to, and counsel may highlight on all copies what they want the Court to review.

Summary: Copies of briefs and memoranda furnished to the court and all parties must attach copies of all cited or referenced unreported cases and other references; counsel may highlight material for the court on all copies.

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

Applies to

Judgment entry ?

All judgment entries incorporating a separation and property settlement agreement or shared parenting plan shall have attached thereto a copy of the separation and property settlement agreement or shared parenting plan.

Summary: A judgment entry that incorporates a separation and property settlement agreement or shared parenting plan must attach the incorporated agreement or plan.

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

Applies to

Judgment entry ?

Judgment entries in all actions involving title to real property shall include a legal description of the property in question. Said legal description shall be certified by the appropriate county official as being accurate.

Summary: Judgment entries involving title to real property must include a legal description certified by the appropriate county official as accurate.

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

Applies to

Cognovit judgment ?

In all cases, the original note shall be presented for cancellation by the Court, or its absence adequately explained.

Summary: In every cognovit judgment case, the original note must be presented for court cancellation unless its absence is adequately explained.

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

Applies to

Receivership plan

The initial receivership plan shall identify:

Summary: The initial receivership plan must identify the business and circumstances, objective, significant assets, anticipated costs, duration, operational or liquidation details, and anticipated litigation or administrative proceedings.

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

Applies to

Child support order

All orders establishing or modifying a child support order shall contain the following language: Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code §3119.86, this child support order will remain in effect beyond the age of eighteen (18) as long as the child continuously attends any recognized and accredited high school on a full time basis. Support will continue during seasonal vacations until the order terminates. Nevertheless, no current obligation for support will remain in effect beyond the child's attainment of the age of nineteen (19) subject to the continuing jurisdiction of the Court. In the event the child is not attending an accredited high school, support will terminate upon the child's eighteenth (18th) birthday.

Summary: Unless a stated exception applies, every order establishing or modifying child support must contain the specified statutory language concerning continued support through high school.

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

Applies to

Child support order

C. All Orders establishing or modifying a child support order shall contain the following information, as required by Ohio Statute which requirements may change periodically.

Summary: Orders establishing or modifying child support must contain the statutory information listed in the order requirements, which may change periodically.

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

Applies to

Child support order ?

D. A copy of the worksheet shall be attached to all orders establishing or modifying a support obligation, including temporary orders.

Summary: A worksheet must be attached to every order establishing or modifying a support obligation, including temporary orders.

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

Applies to

Guardian ad litem report

The requirement that the Guardian ad litem report, when issued shall contain the following language in bold print:

Summary: Any Guardian ad Litem report must contain the quoted notice in bold print.

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

Applies to

Guardian ad litem report ?

Each report shall contain the language referred to above in paragraph (C)(2) of this rule in the body of the report.

Summary: The body of each Guardian ad Litem report must contain the specified notice language referenced in paragraph (C)(2).

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

Applies to

QDRO

1. The QDRO will be a separate interest QDRO, meaning the alternate payee's benefits shall be independent of those of the participant;

Summary: A defined-benefit QDRO must be structured as a separate-interest QDRO so that the alternate payee's benefits are independent of the participant's benefits.

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

Applies to

QDRO ?

4. The alternate payee will be deemed to be the surviving spouse of the participant to the extent of benefits assigned for the purpose of a preretirement survivor annuity;

Summary: For purposes of a preretirement survivor annuity, the alternate payee is deemed the participant's surviving spouse to the extent of the benefits assigned.

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

Applies to

QDRO ?

5. The division of the benefits will be made as of the date of final hearing of dissolution or as of the date upon which the final hearing of divorce concludes.

Summary: The QDRO must divide benefits as of the date of the final dissolution hearing or the date the final divorce hearing concludes.

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

Applies to

Qualified domestic relations order

Following the last page of the QDRO, Counsel or self-represented party shall include the following NOTICE in BOLD print requiring the Plan Administrator to file a notice that the Qualified Domestic Relations Order has been qualified with the Clerk of Courts.

Summary: A bold notice must follow the last page of the qualified domestic relations order and require the plan administrator to report qualification to the clerk.

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

Applies to

Division of property order

# NOTICE TO PLAN ADMINISTRATOR THIS DIVISION OF PROPERTY ORDER HAS BEEN SERVED UPON YOU. PLEASE PROVIDE WRITTEN VERIFICATION OF ITS QUALIFICATION TO

Summary: The DOPO must contain a notice to the plan administrator requesting written verification that the order has been qualified.

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

Applies to

Investigation report ?

This report is being provided to the court, unrepresented parties and legal counsel of record. If you are an attorney, you may share its contents with your client. However, any additional disclosure of this report must be approved in advance by the court. Any person who copies this report, posts on social media or other mediums or discloses all or portions of this report to another person, without prior approval, shall be subject to court action, including penalties for contempt which include incarceration and fines.

Summary: The investigation report must contain this notice, warning that further disclosure requires advance court approval and may result in sanctions, contempt, incarceration, or fines.

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

Applies to

Cover sheet

When the report is sent to the attorney(s) and/or unrepresented parties, a cover sheet containing the NOTICE stated in Paragraph D above shall be attached to the report.

Summary: A cover sheet containing the notice specified in Paragraph D must accompany each copy of the investigation report sent by the court.

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

Applies to

Court appointed counsel compliance form ?

Must include

local rule certificate ?

In order to be appointed, you must submit a current certificate of malpractice insurance with this form.

Summary: An attorney seeking appointment must submit a current certificate of malpractice insurance with the court-appointed counsel form.

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

Applies to

Court appointed counsel compliance form ?

Must include

local rule certificate ?

I certify that I have reviewed Ohio Administrative Code 120-1-10 and I will accept appointments as provided by this section. I further agree to inform the Court if I am not qualified within OAC 120-1-10 to accept further appointments.

Summary: The applicant must certify review of OAC 120-1-10, accept appointments under the section, and notify the court if no longer qualified.

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

Applies to

Certificate of qualification petition ?

DRC Electronic Petition No. _______________ (required before filing)

Summary: A DRC Electronic Petition number is required before filing the petition.

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

Applies to

Certificate of qualification petition ?

see completed Electronic Petition attached as Exhibit A

Summary: The petition must include the completed Electronic Petition as Exhibit A.

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

Applies to

Guardian ad litem report ?

This report is being provided to the Court, unrepresented parties and legal counsel of record. If you are an attorney, you may share its contents with your client. However, any additional disclosure of this report must be approved in advance by the Court. Any person who copies this report, posts on social media or other mediums or discloses all or portions of the report to another person, without prior approval, shall be subject to Court action including penalties for contempt which include incarceration and fines.

Summary: The GAL report must contain the prescribed notice concerning recipients, limited attorney sharing, approval requirements for further disclosure, and possible contempt sanctions.

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

Applies to

Guardian ad litem report notice ?

In addition, the Guardian ad Litem, when providing the report to unrepresented parties and legal counsel of record shall attach a cover sheet entitled NOTICE which sets out the language required above in bold print in 22-point font or larger.

Summary: When providing the GAL report to unrepresented parties and counsel, the GAL must attach a NOTICE cover sheet containing the prescribed language in bold, 22-point font or larger.

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

Applies to

Motion for payment

The motion for payment shall contain an itemized list of duties performed, time expended, and costs and expenses.

Summary: A guardian ad litem's motion for payment must include an itemized list of duties performed, time expended, and costs and expenses.

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

Applies to

Receivership plan and progress report ?

A duplicate copy shall be submitted to chambers, together with a proposed entry approving the plan and report.

Summary: Each submission of a receivership plan and report to chambers must include a proposed entry approving those documents.