Judge Kimberly Cocroft
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Receivership Plan, Receiver Progress Report
Court-wide- Upon Filing
Adjournments
- Continuance requests should be made as soon as possible and will be granted only for good cause.
- Counsel should confer before contacting the Court, advise whether the continuance request is agreed or opposed, and submit an agreed entry when it is unopposed; agreed requests are preferred.
- A motion to continue must state the reason, whether the request is opposed, the number of prior continuances granted, and the length of time needed.
- +2 more
Request must include
Communication
Phone
Phone
Phone
Phone
Document Format Requirements2 rules
The required attorney certification must be submitted in DOCX format.
Judge Cocroft requires the Attorney Certification (DOCX).
DOCX
Proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, and interrogatories should be emailed in Microsoft Word format before trial to the Staff Attorney in civil cases or the Bailiff in criminal cases.
Proposed jury instructions, verdict forms and/or interrogatories should be emailed in Microsoft Word format before the start of trial to the Staff Attorney (civil cases) or Bailiff (criminal cases).
DOCX
Document Filing Requirements16 rules
When requested under Local Rule 16, counsel must file a joint pretrial statement by the final pretrial conference date.
Upon request and pursuant to Loc.R. 16, counsel shall file a joint Pre-Trial Statement on or before the date of the final pre-trial conference.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Statement
Before default or summary judgment in a residential foreclosure action, plaintiff’s counsel must personally certify the authenticity and accuracy of all documents supporting judgment.
Accordingly, before any judgment is granted on any dispositive motion (for either default or summary judgment) in a residential foreclosure action, plaintiff’s counsel must personally certify the authenticity and accuracy of all documents submitted in support of judgment.
Document Type
Residential Foreclosure Dispositive Motion
Every filed motion must include a proposed entry for the Court’s consideration.
Counsel must submit a proposed entry for the Court’s consideration for all motions filed.
Document Type
Motion
Counsel must submit a proposed order for the Court’s consideration with every motion.
When appropriate, please indicate whether opposing counsel agrees with the motion and, additionally, counsel must submit a proposed entry for the Court’s consideration for all motions filed.
Document Type
Motion
Before judgment on a default or summary-judgment motion in a residential foreclosure, plaintiff’s counsel must personally certify the authenticity and accuracy of all supporting documents.
Accordingly, before any judgment is granted on any dispositive motion (for either default or summary judgment) in a residential foreclosure action, plaintiff’s counsel must personally certify the authenticity and accuracy of all documents submitted in support of judgment.
Document Type
Attorney Certification
Upon request, counsel must file a joint pre-trial statement by the final pre-trial conference date.
Upon request and pursuant to Local Rule 16, counsel shall file a joint Pre-Trial Statement on or before the date of the final pre-trial conference.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Statement
Plaintiff’s counsel must certify personal verification that plaintiff holds the original note, that the note will be produced upon request, and that attached copies of the note and any assignment accurately represent the originals.
I certify that I have personally verified that plaintiff is the holder of the original note, which is in its possession and will be produced at the court’s request. I certify that the attached copy of the note is a true and accurate representation of the original. I certify that the attached copy of any assignment of the note is a true and accurate representation of the original.
Document Type
Certificate
Before judgment is granted on a default or summary-judgment motion in a residential foreclosure action, plaintiff’s counsel must personally certify the authenticity and accuracy of all documents supporting judgment.
Accordingly, before any judgment is granted on any dispositive motion (for either default or summary judgment) in a residential foreclosure action, plaintiff’s counsel must personally certify the authenticity and accuracy of all documents submitted in support of judgment.
Document Type
Certificate
Plaintiff’s counsel must certify, to the best of their knowledge, information, and belief, that the summons, complaint, and all other support documents are complete and accurate in all relevant respects.
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the summons, complaint and all other documents filed in support of this residential foreclosure action are complete and accurate in all relevant respects.
Document Type
Certificate
An absent or unacceptable certification results in the dispositive motion being overruled and the case being scheduled for trial within ninety days.
Where no certification is submitted, or where the submitted certification is not acceptable to the court, the dispositive motion will be overruled and the case will be scheduled for trial within ninety days.
Document Type
Certificate
Counsel should discuss motions in limine in good faith and certify that they met and exhausted efforts to resolve the issues before filing.
Motions in limine should only be filed after discussion in good faith among counsel, and after counsel certify they have met and exhausted efforts to resolve the issues.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
A motion to withdraw as counsel should be accompanied by an order granting the motion that states where the clerk should forward all information.
Motions to withdraw should be accompanied by an order granting the motion that also includes the address where the Clerk should forward all information.
Document Type
Motion To Withdraw As Counsel
Motions to withdraw as counsel should comply with Local Rule 18.
All motions to withdraw as counsel from a case should comply with Loc.R. 18.
Document Type
Motion To Withdraw As Counsel
A motion to withdraw should include a proposed order granting the motion and specifying where the Clerk should forward information.
All motions to withdraw as counsel from a case should comply with Local Rule 18. Motions to withdraw should be accompanied by a proposed order granting the motion that also includes the address where the Clerk should forward all information.
Document Type
Motion To Withdraw
Plaintiff’s counsel has a continuing obligation to amend the certification when facts discovered after filing require an update.
I understand my continuing obligation to amend this certification in light of any facts discovered following its filing.
Document Type
Certificate
The certifying attorney must identify that he or she represents plaintiff in the residential mortgage foreclosure action, is admitted in Ohio, and has personal knowledge of the certified facts.
I am the attorney for plaintiff in this residential mortgage foreclosure action and am admitted to the practice of law in the state of Ohio. As plaintiff’s attorney of record, I have personal knowledge of the facts in this certification.
Document Type
Certificate
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Criminal continuance motions may be filed electronically, but continuance entries must be executed by all parties in paper form.
In criminal cases, motions for a continuance may be filed electronically; however, entries for continuance must be executed by all parties in paper form.
Page 3 | Continuances or Amended Case Schedules
Criminal continuance motions may be filed electronically, but all parties must execute the continuance entry in paper form.
In criminal cases, motions for a continuance may be filed electronically; however, entries for continuance must be executed by all parties in paper form.
Page 1 | IV. Continuances or Amended Case Schedules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
If no final pretrial is scheduled, counsel must file the joint pretrial statement no later than 14 days before trial.
If no final pre-trial is scheduled, then counsel shall file the joint pre-trial statement no later than fourteen (14) days before trial.
Page 1 | Pre-Trials
If the required certification is missing or unacceptable, the dispositive motion will be overruled and the case scheduled for trial within 90 days.
Where no certification is submitted, or where the submitted certification is not acceptable to the court, the dispositive motion will be overruled and the case will be scheduled for trial within ninety days.
Page 2 | Foreclosure Cases
Leave of court must be obtained before filing a motion or memorandum that is out of rule or beyond the case-management schedule deadline.
It is necessary to obtain leave of court prior to filing a motion or memorandum out of rule or beyond the deadline set in the Case Management schedule.
Page 2 | Motion Practice
A stipulation among counsel cannot change any deadline without court approval.
No stipulation among counsel will change any deadline absent court approval.
Page 2 | Motion Practice
Motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before trial unless extraordinary circumstances are shown.
Motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before trial, absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances.
Page 3 | Motions in Limine
An unacceptable or missing attorney certification causes the dispositive motion to be overruled and the case scheduled for trial within 90 days.
Where no certification is submitted, or where the submitted certification is not acceptable to the court, the dispositive motion will be overruled and the case will be scheduled for trial within ninety days.
Page 1 | VII. Foreclosures
Motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before trial unless extraordinary circumstances are shown.
Motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before trial, absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances.
Page 1 | III. Motions and Memoranda
After notice of settlement, the parties have 20 days to finalize the settlement and submit the appropriate dismissal or settlement entry.
Upon notice of settlement the Court will file a Settled Entry to Follow Order, allowing the parties 20 days to finalize settlement and submit the appropriate dismissal/settlement entry.
Page 1 | V. Mediation
If no final pre-trial conference is scheduled, the joint pre-trial statement must be filed no later than 14 days before trial.
Upon request and pursuant to Local Rule 16, counsel shall file a joint Pre-Trial Statement on or before the date of the final pre-trial conference. Counsel must appear in person for the final pre-trial. If no final pre-trial conference is scheduled, then counsel shall file the joint pre-trial statement no later than 14 days before trial.
Page 1 | I. Status and Pretrial Conferences
A request for leave to file a motion late may jeopardize the trial date and may be denied on that basis alone.
Leave to file motions late in a case may jeopardize the trial date and may be denied for that reason alone.
Page 2 | Motion Practice
More time to submit the settlement dismissal entry will be allowed when Probate Court approval or other unusual circumstances require it.
In matters requiring approval from the Probate Court or other unusual circumstances, more time will be allotted.
Page 1 | V. Mediation
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing any discovery motion, counsel must make reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute independently.
Pursuant to Civ.R. 37, before filing any discovery motions, counsel shall make reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute(s) on their own.
Page 2 | Discovery
Motions in limine will be heard orally on the morning of trial unless counsel requests an advance ruling.
Motions will be heard orally on the morning of trial, unless counsel requests a ruling in advance of trial.
Page 3 | Motions in Limine
A motion in limine may be filed only after good-faith discussions and certification that counsel exhausted efforts to resolve the issues.
Motions in limine should only be filed after discussion in good faith among counsel, and after counsel certify they have met and exhausted efforts to resolve the issues.
Page 1 | III. Motions and Memoranda
When counsel cannot resolve a discovery dispute, the parties should request a status conference.
If counsel cannot resolve a discovery dispute, the parties should request a status conference to discuss outstanding issues.
Page 1 | II. Discovery
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A motion to continue must state the reason, whether the request is opposed, the number of prior continuances granted, and the length of time needed.
Motions to continue must specify: 1.) the reason for the continuance; 2.) whether the continuance is opposed; 3.) how many, if any, prior continuances have been granted; and 4.) the length of time needed.
Page 3 | Continuances or Amended Case Schedules
A continuance motion must state prior continuances, the additional time needed, the reason, and whether the request is opposed; requests should be made as soon as possible and will be granted only for good cause.
Continuances should be requested as soon as possible and will be granted only for good cause shown. Before contacting the Court regarding continuances, counsel should speak with one another. Once the Court is contacted, please advise whether a request for continuance is agreed or opposed. If the continuance is unopposed, then submit an agreed entry. Agreed requests are preferred. Motions to continue must specify:How many, if any, prior continuances have been granted The length of time needed The reason for the continuance Whether the continuance is opposed
Page 1 | IV. Continuances or Amended Case Schedules
Continuance requests should be made as soon as possible and will be granted only for good cause.
Continuances should be requested as soon as possible and will be granted only for good cause shown.
Page 3 | Continuances or Amended Case Schedules
Counsel should confer before contacting the Court, advise whether the continuance request is agreed or opposed, and submit an agreed entry when it is unopposed; agreed requests are preferred.
Before contacting the Court regarding continuances, counsel should speak with one another. Once the Court is contacted, please advise whether a request for continuance is agreed or opposed. If the continuance is unopposed, then submit an agreed entry. Agreed requests are preferred.
Page 3 | Continuances or Amended Case Schedules
Counsel is encouraged to give the Court advance notice of a continuance request.
Counsel is encouraged to give the Court any advance notice for a request for continuance.
Page 3 | Continuances or Amended Case Schedules
Chambers Communication Rules
Counsel who wish to appear in person at a status conference must notify the Court so the appropriate entry can be filed.
If, however, counsel wish to appear in person, then they must notify the Court so that the appropriate entry can be filed.
Page 1 | Status Conferences
Counsel should alert chambers as soon as possible when a case appears genuinely ready for trial so the Court can assign a firm trial date.
If a case genuinely appears to require a trial, alert chambers as soon as possible so that the Court may do its best to assign a "firm" trial date with the Court’s calendar.
Page 1 | VI. Trial Procedures
Counsel may request a status conference from the Court’s Staff Attorney, and Judge Cocroft will conduct the conference.
Counsel may request a status conference by contacting the Court’s Staff Attorney. Status conferences will be conducted by Judge Cocroft.
Page 1 | Status Conferences
Technical problems with the Court’s e-filing system should be directed to the e-filing hotline at (614) 525-2600.
Questions regarding technical issues with the Court’s e-filing system should be directed to the Court’s e-filing hotline at (614) 525-2600.
Page 2 | Motion Practice
If counsel cannot resolve a discovery dispute, the parties should request a status conference to discuss the outstanding issues.
If counsel cannot resolve a discovery dispute, the parties should request a status conference to discuss outstanding issues.
Page 2 | Discovery
The staff attorney may be contacted by email to report settlement activity, address its effect on pending motions, or report settlement of a civil case.
Report that parties are engaging in settlement and address how that may impact pending motions. Report settlement of a civil case, pursuant to Local Rule 22 (PDF.)
Page 1 | Report that parties are engaging in settlement and address how that may impact pending motions
Courtroom staff may be called for a telephone status conference, general court information, and classroom-visit scheduling.
Call in for a telephone status conference. General court information. Schedule a classroom visit to the courtroom.
Page 1 | Courtroom Staff
The quote directs readers to inquire about procedures and processes in any criminal matters.
Inquire about procedures and processes in any criminal matters.
Page 1 | Inquire about procedures and processes in any criminal matters
The staff attorney may be contacted by email to request a status conference or inquire about pending civil matters.
Request a status conference or to inquire about any pending civil matters before the court.
Page 1 | Request a status conference or inquire about pending civil matters
The magistrate may be contacted by email about scheduling mediation, magistrate trials, and damages hearings.
Inquire about scheduling mediation, magistrate trials, or damages hearings.
Page 1 | Courtroom Staff