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

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Protective order

Must include

proposed order

If the parties determine a protective order is necessary, they will submit a joint proposed order to the Court.

☐ The parties currently do not anticipate the need for a protective order. If the parties determine that one is necessary, they will submit a joint proposed order to the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

Civil pretrial statements are due at least one week before the pretrial conference and should address the specified factual, witness, damages, exhibit, expert-opinion, settlement, motion, and other relevant matters.

Pretrial statements are due at least one week before the pretrial conference and should include the following: Factual and legal issues, including any stipulations of fact List of all witnesses and a summary of their expected testimony As to plaintiff(s), an itemized list of special damages and expenses, if applicable List of exhibits to be used at trial Copies of available opinions of all persons who may be called as expert witnesses, including physicians, which shall not constitute a waiver of privilege granted under R.C. 2317.02, as set forth in Civil Rule 16 Current status of settlement discussions Any pretrial motions, including motions in limine Any other items you believe the Court should know prior to trial

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

Each party must file a pretrial statement at least one week before the final pretrial, addressing the case synopsis, settlement status, expected trial length and potential witnesses, and anticipated special issues or trial needs.

Each party must file a pretrial statement no less than one week prior to the final pretrial. The final pretrial statement should provide the Court with a brief synopsis of the case, the status of any settlement negotiations, the expected length of trial including the number of potential witnesses, and any special issues or trial needs anticipated.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instructions

Counsel must confer to seek agreement on jury instructions, interrogatories, and the proposed introductory statement; filings should identify agreed and disputed instructions and interrogatories and provide authority for disputed proposals.

Counsel are directed to confer about proposed jury instructions and interrogatories, as well as a proposed introductory statement under Civ.R. 47(A), to reach agreement thereon to the extent possible.  The parties’ filings should indicate which instructions and interrogatories are agreed and which are disputed, and provide supporting authority for proposed instructions and interrogatories that are disputed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Each party must include as an exhibit the curriculum vitae of every expert who may testify at trial.

Each party shall include as one of their exhibits the curriculum vitae of any expert(s) that may be called to present evidence or testimony at trial for the use of the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instructions

The parties must confer to identify agreed and disputed jury instructions and label proposed instructions as such in their filings.

The parties are directed to confer to identify agreed and disputed jury instructions and to identify proposed instructions as such in their filings.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulations

The parties must file any proposed stipulations no later than 14 days prior to trial.

The parties shall file any proposed stipulations no later than 14 days prior to trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

New media access application

An online organization seeking new-media courtroom access must establish that it meets the new-media definition and submit links to two qualifying bylined articles published within the past six months.

It is the responsibility of the requesting online organization to show proof that it meets the definition of “new media.” In order for members of the “new media” to obtain media access to the Courtroom, links to two bylined articles clearly displaying publication titles and publication dates within the past six months must be submitted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

New media access application

A new-media applicant must submit one of three specified forms of documentation identifying the applicant and media outlet.

Additionally, the requesting applicant must submit: (1) a copy of the media outlet’s current masthead with the media representative’s name and title appearing in it; (2) a business card with the applicant’s name, title and media outlet’s logo; or (3) an official letter of assignment from the “new media” outlet.

CRITICAL

Applies to

New media access application

A new-media applicant must provide proof that the outlet covered the judicial branch or the case within the past six months.

Finally, proof that the media outlet has, within the past six months, previously covered either the judicial branch or the case before the Court must also be provided.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Civil jury materials

The parties must provide one consolidated set of civil jury materials that includes agreed matters and identifies disputed matters.

With respect to civil Jury Instructions, Jury Interrogatories, and Jury Verdict Forms, the Parties are to provide the Court with one consolidated set of Instructions/Interrogatories/Verdict Forms that includes all those to which the Parties agree and that identifies all those to which the Parties disagree.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Bond motion

Bond motions must be in writing and filed at least ten calendar days before the hearing.

Motions Regarding Bond must be in writing and filed at least ten calendar days before the hearing.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Continuance motion

A continuance motion must be filed in writing and state its grounds.

Motions to Continue must be filed in writing at least seven days before the trial or hearing and state the grounds.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

A Pretrial Statement must identify trial readiness and issues, and include potential witnesses, exhibits, motions in limine, specified jury instructions, settlement status, and case-specific issues.

A Pretrial Statement alerts the Court that the parties are ready for trial and the issues the parties intend to be tried. A Pretrial Statement includes a list of potential witnesses, exhibits, motions in limine, jury instructions not included in OJI, the status of settlement, and any issues unique to the case.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

Pretrial Statements are required in all civil and criminal trials.

Pretrial Statements are Required in All Trials (Criminal and Civil).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial brief

Each party must file a Trial Brief two weeks before a bench trial, in lieu of jury instructions, addressing facts, law, stipulations, and legal issues related to claims, defenses, and remedies.

Each party is required to file a Trial Brief two weeks before the bench trial. A Trial Brief is filed in lieu of jury instructions. Include in the brief: a statement of the facts or proposed findings of fact; a discussion of controlling law or proposed conclusions of law; stipulations; and briefing on legal issues related to claims, defenses, and remedies.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notification form

Plaintiff’s counsel, all counsel, and self-represented litigants must file a Notification Form immediately upon representation, provide direct phone, email, and current mailing address, and file a new form whenever that information changes.

Plaintiff counsel and all counsel and self-represented (pro se) litigants must file a Notification Form immediately upon representation. This form gives the Court and all parties the ability to contact counsel/parties directly. Be sure to include your direct dial phone number and email address as well as current mailing address. File a new Notification Form whenever any contact information changes.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

An unopposed motion must identify that status in its caption.

A motion shall state in the caption when the motion is unopposed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Bond modification motion

Every motion to modify bond conditions must state the changed circumstance necessitating the motion.

Once Judge Branch sets a bond, all motions to modify the bond conditions must state the changed circumstance necessitating the motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instructions

The parties must work together to submit Joint Proposed Jury Instructions one week before trial, unless the Court orders otherwise.

The parties are to submit Joint Proposed Jury Instructions one week before trial unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Parties are to work together to submit joint jury instructions.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Sentencing memorandum

In Special Felony, Felony 1, and Felony 2 cases without an agreed-sentence recommendation, the State and Defendant must file a sentencing memorandum five business days before sentencing addressing all relevant sentencing factors.

Counsel for the State and the Defendant must file sentencing a memorandum five business days before sentencing in Special Felony, Felony 1, and Felony 2 cases where the parties do not recommend an agreed sentence. The memorandum must address all relevant factors the Court should consider at sentencing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

A pretrial statement is required at every pretrial, and a copy should be dropped off in the courtroom two days beforehand.

Pretrial statements are required at all pretrials and a copy should be dropped off in the courtroom two days before the pretrial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instructions

Submit complete civil jury instructions by email to the law clerk two days before trial.

Civil jury instructions in a complete form should be submitted by e-mail to the law clerk two days before trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement and jury instructions

At pretrial, attorneys should provide hard copies and electronic Word or WordPerfect copies of the pretrial statement and jury instructions.

At pretrial, attorneys should give the court a hard copy of the pretrial statement, jury instructions, and an electronic copy in Word or WordPerfect of these documents.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Exhibits must be marked in advance, and an exhibit list must be submitted to the Court and court reporter; civil exhibits should be in a tabbed binder.

All exhibits need to be marked in advance and a list submitted to both the Court and the court reporter (civil exhibits should be in the format of a tabbed binder see below).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Witness list

The witness list must be provided to the Court and court reporter before trial.

The witness list needs to be provided to both the Court and the court reporter before trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instructions

For civil jury instructions, interrogatories, and verdict forms, the parties must submit one consolidated set that includes agreed items and identifies disputed items.

With respect to civil Jury Instructions, Jury Interrogatories, and Jury Verdict Forms, the Parties are to provide the Court with one consolidated set of Instructions/Interrogatories/Verdict Forms that includes all those to which the Parties agree and that identifies all those to which the Parties disagree.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Plea forms

Plea forms must be completed and submitted to the Bailiff before the plea hearing.

These forms must be completed and submitted to Bailiff before the plea hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Rule 26f discovery plan

Counsel must meet 21 days before the CMC to prepare a joint proposed discovery plan.

Pursuant to Civil Rule 26(F), counsel must meet 21 days before the CMC to prepare a joint proposed discovery plan.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

Pretrial statements must include a case synopsis, unresolved legal issues, estimated trial length, witness count, and settlement status.

Pretrial Statements must include: a case synopsis, unresolved legal issues, trial length estimate, number of witnesses, and the status of settlement.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial submissions

For jury trials, submit proposed instructions, interrogatories, and verdict forms; for bench trials, submit trial briefs instead of jury instructions.

Jury trials: Include proposed jury instructions, interrogatories, and verdict forms. Bench trials: Submit trial briefs in lieu of jury instructions.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

Exchange exhibit lists, include them in the pretrial statement, and clearly identify joint exhibits.

Exhibit Lists must be exchanged and included in the pretrial statement. Clearly identify any joint exhibits.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial brief

Each party's trial brief must contain the listed facts, claims and defenses, authority, stipulations, witness summaries, and exhibit descriptions.

Each party must file a trial brief containing: A concise statement of the facts Summary of claims and defenses Controlling legal authority Any stipulations Witness list with brief summaries of testimony Exhibit list with descriptions

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial brief

Bench-trial briefs must include proposed findings and conclusions, authority, anticipated issues, stipulations, witness testimony, and exhibit descriptions.

Trial briefs must include: Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law Controlling legal authority Anticipated legal or evidentiary issues Stipulations Witness list with expected testimony Exhibit list with descriptions

CRITICAL

Applies to

Bond modification motion

Bond-modification motions are due 7 days before the next hearing; if opposed, the State should file its opposition at least 3 days before the hearing, and the motion and response should detail relevant factors.

Motions to modify bond must be filed 7 days in advance of the next hearing to allow victim notification. If the motion to modify bond is opposed, the State should file a memorandum in opposition at least three days before the scheduled hearing on the motion. The parties should detail all relevant factors in the motion and in any response.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Sentencing memorandum

Sentencing memoranda are encouraged generally but required in F1, F2, and special felony cases without an agreed sentence, and are due 5 business days before sentencing for sharing with the Court and opposing counsel.

Sentencing memoranda are encouraged in all cases, and required in F1, F2, and special felony cases without an agreed sentence. Sentencing memorandum are due 5 business days before sentencing and should be shared with the Court and opposing counsel.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Guilty plea

Check all applicable registration requirements and attach the corresponding registry plea addenda to the plea.

I further understand that being convicted of certain offenses may come with registration duties. The offenses I am pleading to involve the following registration requirements (check all that apply and attach the appropriate forms to this plea): ___ Sexual offender or child victim offender registration (attach Sex Offender/Child Victim Offender Registry Plea Addendum) ___ Arson offender registration (attach Arson Offender Registry Plea Addendum) ___ Violent offender registration (attach Violent Offender Database Plea Addendum) ___ None of my offenses have registration requirements

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Plea

Attach the corresponding registry plea addendum for each applicable registration requirement.

The offenses I am pleading to involve the following registration requirements (check all that apply and attach the appropriate forms to this plea): ___ Sexual offender or child victim offender registration (attach Sex Offender/Child Victim Offender Registry Plea Addendum) ___ Arson offender registration (attach Arson Offender Registry Plea Addendum) ___ Violent offender registration (attach Violent Offender Database Plea Addendum)

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Every motion must be written and accompanied by a proposed order.

All motions must be in writing and accompanied by a proposed Order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

Each party must file a pretrial statement at least one week before the final pretrial.

Each party must file a pretrial statement no less than one week prior to the final pretrial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instructions

Counsel must confer about proposed jury instructions with a view to reaching agreement.

Counsel must confer with one another with respect to the proposed jury instructions, with a view to reaching agreement on instructions to be requested.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instructions

Identify agreed and disputed jury instructions, and provide a separate legal-authority citation for each disputed instruction.

The instructions agreed upon by all counsel shall be identified. Disputed instructions shall likewise be identified along with separate citation to legal authority for each.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statement of case

In civil cases, parties must confer and provide a brief case statement for the court to read to the jury before opening statements.

Parties in civil cases are required to confer with one another and provide the Court with a brief statement of the case to be read to the jury by the Court prior to opening statements pursuant to Civ.R. 47(A).

WARNING

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A proposed entry should be emailed to the Court’s staff attorney in Word format when a civil motion is filed.

A proposed entry should be provided to the Court’s staff attorney in Word format via email at the time of filing of a civil motion.

WARNING

Applies to

Exhibit

Exhibits must be marked in advance, and an exhibit list must be submitted to the Court and court reporter; civil exhibits should be provided in a tabbed binder.

All exhibits need to be marked in advance and a list submitted to both the Court and the court reporter (civil exhibits should be in the format of a tabbed binder see below).

WARNING

Applies to

Witness list

The witness list must be provided to the Court and court reporter before trial.

The witness list needs to be provided to both the Court and the court reporter before trial.

WARNING

Applies to

Exhibits

Mark all exhibits in advance of trial.

All exhibits need to be marked in advance

WARNING

Applies to

Exhibit list

Submit an exhibit list to both the court and the court reporter.

a list submitted to both the court and the court reporter.

WARNING

Applies to

Witness list

Provide a witness list to both the court and the court reporter before trial.

A witness list needs to be provided to both the court and the court reporter before trial.

WARNING

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pretrial statement should be delivered on the pretrial date.

As mentioned above, a pretrial statement should be delivered on the pretrial date.

WARNING

Applies to

Plea forms

Criminal cases should use the Court-approved standard plea forms listed.

For criminal cases, please use the standard plea forms approved by the Court Guilty Plea Form (Non-Reagan Tokes) Guilty Plea Form (Reagan Tokes) Guilty Plea – Agreed Sentence (Non-Reagan Tokes) Guilty Plea – Agreed Sentence (Reagan Tokes) Waiver of Trial by Jury Form Misdemeanor Plea Form

WARNING

Applies to

Motion in limine

Each motion in limine should identify the evidence or issue, legal basis, and anticipated effect on trial, including possible prejudice or jury confusion.

Each motion in limine should clearly identify: The evidence or issue to be excluded or admitted; The legal basis for the request, including relevant rules of evidence or case law; and the anticipated impact on trial, including prejudice or confusion to the jury.

WARNING

Applies to

Pretrial statement

A final pretrial statement should summarize the case, settlement negotiations, expected trial length and potential witnesses, and anticipated special issues or trial needs.

The final pretrial statement should provide the Court with a brief synopsis of the case, the status of any settlement negotiations, the expected length of trial including the number of potential witnesses, and any special issues or trial needs anticipated.

INFO

Applies to

Bench book and transcripts

The Court and court reporter should be provided a bench book and transcripts before trial.

Please prove the Court and the court reporter a bench book and transcripts before trial.

INFO

Applies to

Exhibits

Transcripts of audio and video exhibits and a bench book are encouraged, and the Court and court reporter should be provided them before trial.

Transcripts of audio and video exhibits are highly encouraged.  A bench book of exhibits is extremely helpful.  Please provide the Court and the court reporter a bench book and transcripts before trial.

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

Applies to

Discovery plan

Pursuant to Civ.R. 26, counsel are required to meet 21 days prior to the initial case management conference to develop a discovery plan. The Court’s suggested proposed discovery plan form is available here. If the parties cannot agree on an element of the proposed discovery plan, they should indicate their respective positions thereon. The proposed discovery plan should be filed 7 days prior to the initial case management conference.

Summary: Counsel must meet 21 days before the initial case management conference to develop a discovery plan, identify any disagreements in their respective positions, and file the plan 7 days before the conference.

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

Applies to

Trial brief

Parties shall file trial briefs and proposed jury instructions and interrogatories no later than 14 days before trial.

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

Applies to

Trial brief

Trial briefs are to include:  a statement of the facts; a discussion of the controlling law; any stipulations; witness list along with a brief description of the subject matter of the testimony of each witness; exhibit list containing a brief description of each exhibit.

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

Applies to

Trial brief

Parties shall submit trial briefs and motions in limine no later than fourteen (14) days before trial.

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

Applies to

Objections

If any testimony is to be presented by videotape or deposition, objections shall be presented at least one week before trial. All deposition and video testimony shall be reviewed and edited prior to trial.

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

Applies to

Media permission request and ruling ?

Both the request for permission and the ruling on the request must be in writing and made a part of the record of the proceedings.

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

Applies to

Pretrial conference ?

Unless otherwise ordered, Counsel and all parties and persons with authority must be present at the FPTC.

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

Applies to

Bond modification motion ?

Motions to modify bond shall be in writing and filed and served on the State at least 10 days in advance of the next scheduled court date so the victim(s), if any, can be notified of the motion.

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

Applies to

Pretrial statement

A Pretrial Statement alerts the Court that the parties are ready for trial and the issues the parties intend to be tried. A Pretrial Statement includes a list of potential witnesses, exhibits, motions in limine, jury instructions not included in OJI, the status of settlement, and any issues unique to the case

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Protective order ?

Must include

proposed order

If the parties determine that one is necessary, they will submit a joint proposed order to the Court.

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

Criminal cases

Applies to

Guilty plea ?

I further understand that being convicted of certain offenses may come with registration duties. The offenses I am pleading to involve the following registration requirements (check all that apply and attach the appropriate forms to this plea):

Summary: The plea must identify applicable registration requirements and include the corresponding plea addenda.

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

Applies to

Motion ?

Must include

proposed order ?

A proposed entry must be provided in Word format at the time of filing.

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

Applies to

Trial brief

Trial briefs are to include: a statement of the facts; a discussion of the controlling law; any stipulations; witness list along with a brief description of the subject matter of the testimony of each witness; exhibit list containing a brief description of each exhibit.

Summary: Trial briefs must include facts, controlling law, stipulations, a witness list with testimony descriptions, and an exhibit list with descriptions.

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

Applies to

Email ?

Please include the case number in the subject line.

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

Applies to

Discovery plan

Parties should file a Civ. R 26(F) discovery plan before that conference, if possible, (see below).

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

Applies to

Rule 26f discovery plan ?

If the parties cannot agree on an element, each side should state its position.

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

Applies to

Trial brief

While not required in every case, trial briefs are encouraged, particularly in complex or non-routine matters. A trial brief should include: A concise statement of the facts; Identification of the legal issues to be decided; Summary of anticipated evidence; Discussion of applicable law, with citations; Any stipulations between the parties

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Protective order ?

Must include

proposed order

If the parties determine that one is necessary, they will submit a joint proposed order to the Court.

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

Applies to

Sentencing memorandum ?

Sentencing memoranda are appreciated in all other cases.