Oakwood Municipal Court, Ohio
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Adjournments
- In traffic and criminal cases, a continuance request may be submitted to the Clerk by letter.
- A continuance in a replevin action will be granted only by Court order and written stipulation of all parties.
- In civil and criminal cases, parties or counsel must make diligent efforts to notify witnesses of scheduled dates and promptly move to continue if a witness is unavailable.
- +4 more
Request must include
- Except in actions for forcible entry and detainer or in replevin, when a party in any case is not prepared to move or plead on the answer day, one (1) extension of time may be obtained upon application to the Court for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days. Notice by the moving party shall be served on the opposing party or counsel, as applicable, and whenever possible, obtain consent of the opposing party or counsel. Any leave to move or plead thereafter may be had only with the approval of the Court, with notice to opposing party or counsel, and for good cause shown. Consent of opposing party or counsel shall not, in and of itself, constitute good cause. Applications for extensions of time, regardless of consent of opposing counsel, must be filed at least one (1) day prior to the due date.
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Facsimile filings shall not exceed ten (10) pages in length.
- Facsimile filing
- Up to 10 pages
Document Format Requirements17 rules
(A) All pleadings and motions shall be legibly typewritten or printed on paper sized & 1/2 inches by 11 inches.
A document authorized for facsimile filing must include a copy or scan of the original signature, or a printed-name signature line in the stated /s/ format.
Court's wording
A document that may be filed by facsimile pursuant to the local rules of this Court or by Court order shall include a copy of the signature or scanned version of the person's original signature or a signature line with a backslash followed by a "s" followed by a backslash and then the person's name in print (e.g., /s/ John T. Smith).
All motions shall be made in writing, and accompanied by a written memorandum containing the arguments of counsel.
- Motion
Formatting
- •Motions shall be made in writing
Opposing counsel shall respond in writing, within fourteen (14) days of service of the motion, unless a different time is set by Court order.
- Response
Formatting
- •Opposing counsel shall respond in writing
All motions must be in writing and accompanied by a written memorandum containing citations or the arguments of counsel.
(C) The report shall be in the format as prescribed by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
All documents submitted for e-Filing shall be filed in Portable Document Format (PDF).
- File type
- E-filed document
A document bearing the signature of a nonparty must be submitted electronically only as a hand-signed, scanned PDF.
- File type
Formatting
- •Must be hand-signed and scanned in before electronic submission
Court's wording
A document containing the signature of a party, who is not a party to the action (i.e., affidavit signed by a doctor, military affidavit signed by a staff member or company representative, etc.), shall be electronically submitted only as a hand-signed, scanned-in PDF document.
For good cause shown, the Clerks are authorized to waive this requirement for cases involving small claims, forcible entry and detainer or other types of cases or proceedings in the interest of justice when the party is not represented by counsel.
Signatures signed by another person and initialed by the person signing the document are not permitted.
Fax filings must be legible when received; the Clerks may reject an illegible document and must promptly notify the sender.
Court's wording
All documents filed with the Clerks by facsimile transmission must be legible when received by the Clerks. The Clerks may reject any document which is illegible, in whole or part and upon doing so, shall promptly notify the sender of the condition or quality of the document.
The electronically produced citation or ticket shall conform in all substantive respects to the Ohio Uniform Traffic Ticket or criminal citation, as applicable.
Affidavits and orders in aid of execution proceedings shall be typed
- Affidavit
- Order
Formatting
- •Documents must be typed
An e-Filed document may not contain internal or external links to other documents or reterences to the court's E-Filing Portal.
Only one captioned document may be filed per e-Filing. This provision does not preclude the inclusion of attachments to a motion, brief, or other filed document in the same e-Filing.
the use of incorrect electronic file forms; ... submitting multiple documents in one uploaded file
Formatting
- •Use correct electronic file forms
- •Do not submit multiple documents in one uploaded file
The Court may strike an accepted document that does not substantially comply with its formatting rules, on its own or on a party's motion.
Formatting
- •Documents must substantially comply with the Court's formatting rules
Court's wording
(A)If, despite the Clerk's review, a document accepted for filing does not substantially comply with this Court's formatting rules, the Court may, either sua sponte or on the motion of any party, strike the improperly formatted document.
Document Filing Requirements39 rules
The caption of the complaint shall state the name and address, if known, of each party. Subsequent pleadings and motions shall state the case number, the name of the first party plaintiff and the first party defendant on each side. For all subsequent pleadings in which new parties are joined, the name and the address, if known, of each new party shall be stated in the caption of the pleading.
- Document
- Complaint and subsequent pleadings or motions
Must include
- •Caption
- •Case number
Every pleading, motion, brief or other paper filed in a case shall be identified by title, and shall bear the name of the individual attorney, the firm, if any, office address and telephone number of the attorney filing the same, or if there be no attorney, then the party filing the same.
The original filed document must be signed by the party’s attorney, or by the party if unrepresented.
Court's wording
The original of every document filed in the Court shall be signed by an attorney representing the party on whose behalf the document is filed. A party who is not represented by an attorney shall sign the document being filed.
All pleadings, motions and other documents filed with the Court shall contain the signature of the party or attorney representing the party in accordance with Civil Rule 11.
The moving party must serve and file with the motion a brief statement of reasons and supporting authorities, plus relevant documentary evidence if the motion relies on facts outside the record.
Court's wording
(B) The moving party shall serve and file with his or her motion a brief written statement of reasons in support of the motion and a list of citations of the authorities on which he or she relies. If the motion requires the consideration of facts not appearing in the record, he or she shall also serve and file copies of all affidavits, depositions, photographs or other documentary evidence which he or she desires to submit in opposition to the motion.
The Law Department also requires a waiver of time be filed in the case in exchange for this approval.
A motion or brief citing a statute or regulation outside the listed Ohio sources must include a copy of that statute or regulation.
Court's wording
(G) All motions and briefs containing references to statutes or regulations other than the Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Administrative Code or the Ohio Rules of Court shall have attached to the motion or brief a copy of the statute or regulation.
The civil-jury trial brief must cover the issues and law counsel expects the judge to present to and use to instruct the jury.
Court's wording
In all civil jury cases, attorneys for all parties to the action shall, at least five (5) days before date of trial, furnish to the Court a brief of the issues and the law they expect the judge to present to and instruct the jury.
The briefs shall relate to the issues referred to in the order and contain authorities supporting the propositions which counsel intends asserting during trial.
Copies of unreported Court decisions cited or referred to in a motion or brief shall also be attached to the motion or brief.
(D) Motions for advancement of proceedings shall be submitted to the Court in writing with a copy served upon opposing parties or counsel.
All motions shall be made in writing, and accompanied by a written memorandum containing the arguments of counsel.
All motions must be in writing and accompanied by a written memorandum containing citations or the arguments of counsel.
Upon filing of motion and affidavit by the defending party, as required by O.R.C. 1925.10, and upon payment of the required cost, the small claim may be transferred to the regular docket.
Final settlement, by agreed judgment entry, dismissal or other, must be fully executed and filed with the Court prior to the date of the hearing or trial.
In a criminal or civil case, the party requesting a Court appointed interpreter or translator shall make a written request to the Court at least one week before the date of the trial or hearing. The request shall state the specific language required and any dialect, if applicable. The Court may waive the written request requirement.
sufficient copies of the affidavit and order shall be furnished for service upon the garnishee and the defendant(s) as are required to be served.
Each defendant accepted into this pretrial diversion program must sign a written agreement setting out the conditions of participation in the program.
Further, all prospective jurors shall be required to complete a jury questionnaire and, if appropriate, a request for excuse, exemption or a deferral.
Except in exigent circumstances or for good cause shown, all requests for excuse, exemption or deferral must be made in writing and shall be accompanied by appropriate documentation.
The Clerk of Courts shall docket the completion of Form 95, maintain the original case file and transmit a copy of the completed form to the Oakwood Police Department
For the specified criminal adjudications, the Court must complete Form 95 with all required information at the time of plea or adjudication.
Court's wording
Upon a Defendant pleading guilty or being found guilty of an offense of violence as defined by Ohio Revised Code, Section 2901.01(A)(9)(a) or any substantially similar municipal ordinance; or pleading guilty or being found guilty of conspiracy or attempt to commit or complicity in committing an offense of violence as defined by Ohio Revised Code, Section 2901.01(A)(9)(a); or any substantially similar municipal ordinance and being ordered to a mental health evaluation; or being found not guilty by reason of insanity; or being found incompetent to stand trial, the Court shall complete Form 95: NCIC Mental Health Notice with all required information at the time of plea or adjudication.
(D) The completed and executed Protection Order and Form 10-A shall be docketed and imaged in the Court Management System (CMS).
(C) Ensure Form 10-A: Protection Order Notice to NCIC has been completed.
(A) Review and obtain Defendant signature in all required areas.
An e-filed document requiring an attorney’s or filing party’s signature must be signed by hand or use one of the specified signature formats.
Court's wording
E-filed documents that require an attorney's or filing party's signature must be signed by hand or as follows: /s/Attorney Name Attorney Name, Registration Number Attorney tor [Party] Law Firm Address Telephone Number Email Address or /s/Party Signature Party's Name Address Telephone Number Email Address
To register for E-Filing, an attorney must complete the Attorney Access Form, which can be found on the Clerk of Court's website and submit the completed form to the Clerk's Office via hard copy or email.
A revised document must be identified as revised and include the original filing date in its title.
Court's wording
(C) The revised document must be so identified and must reference the date of the filing of the document being revised in its title. For example, a document submitted in place of a motion to dismiss that was filed on June 1, 2025 should be titled, "Revised Motion to Dismiss (original filed on June 1, 2025)."
Any motion seeking to deem an outage-delayed document filed as of its attempted submission date must be properly supported.
Court's wording
3. Motion to Deem Filed as of Date Electronically Submitted. Filers who are unable to electronically submit their filings due to a system outage, and who then submit their filings no later than the next business day after an official acknowledgement of the system outage, may file a properly supported motion for an order permitting the document to be deemed filed as of the date it was electronically submitted.
Surety bail bond agents need not register with the Court before posting a bond, but must present the listed license, identification, and case-specific power-of-attorney documents before posting bail.
Court's wording
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 3905.87(A), surety bail bond agents are not required to register with the Court prior to posting a surety bond. They will, however, be required to present all of the following documents prior to posting bail: 1. A COPY OF SURETY BAIL BOND LICENSE 2. A COPY OF DRIVER'S LICENSE OR STATE I.D. CARD 3. A CERTIFIED COPY OF POWER OF ATTORNEY FROM THE INSURER FOR THE SPECIFIC CASE INVOLVED AND THE SPECIFIC AMOUNT AS SET BY THE COURT.
a. The motion must be accompanied by a signed declaration explaining the failure to meet the deadline.
The pretrial conference shall be conducted in accordance with Rule 17.1 of the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure and, if necessary or ordered, a memorandum of the matters agreed upon should be filed in the case.
To obtain a downloaded recording for a transcript, a party must file a written praecipe or request and provide an email address and new, unopened digital media.
Court's wording
If a party seeks to obtain a transcript of the proceedings for appeal or use in other Court proceedings, a praecipe/request in writing shall be filed to obtain a downloaded copy of the proceedings, which will be provided to the requesting party by the Clerk. The party must provide an email address and digital means (CD, Flash Drive, etc), new and unopened, for the recording to be downloaded to.
If counsel or a party desires a Court reporter then the counsel or party must make a written request for a Court reporter.
Documents submitted via the e-File Portal shall not also be mailed or provided via hard copy to the Court or the Clerk of Courts.
Before acceptance, a filer may timely request rejection of a document, and the request must identify the case number or e-file confirmation number.
Court's wording
(A) Prior to acceptance for filing, the Clerk may reject document from the E-Filing Portal upon timely request by the e-Filer. The request for rejection must contain either the case number or the e-File Confirmation Number of the Filing sought to be rejected.
your marriage license/certificate is required at the time of the ceremony.
A hard copy document which is a search warrant or a Court order and which was signed electronically by a Judge or a Law Enforcement Officer may be filed with the Court, just as a document which has an original signature may be filed with the Court (See "D" below).
With Law Department approval, a defendant through counsel may waive formal arraignment without appearing in order to enter a written not-guilty plea.
Court's wording
In accordance with Rule 10 (B) of the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure, and with the approval of the Oakwood Law Department, a defendant, by or through counsel, may waive formal arraignment without the presence of the defendant, for the purpose of entering a written not guilty plea, similar to the procedure set out in Ohio Traffic Rule 8(C).
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Appellate filings must be submitted on paper.
Appellate filings shall be submitted by paper document filing.
Page 23 | Local Rule 31: E-Filing
Unrepresented parties may e-file; those who do not must file all documents by mail, commercial carrier, or personal delivery to the Clerk’s Office.
Unrepresented parties may utilize the e-Filing system. Unrepresented filers who do not utilize the e-Filing system must file all documents by mail, commercial carrier service, or by personal delivery to the Clerk of Court's Office.
Page 23 | Local Rule 31: E-Filing
Fax filings must be sent directly through the Court’s specified fax machine or another machine specifically ordered by the Court; indirectly transmitted documents may not be accepted in place of the original unless the Court orders otherwise.
All documents filed with the Court by facsimile transmission must be done directly through the Oakwood Municipal Court's facsimile machine at (937) 297-2939, or some other telephone number and facsimile machine specifically ordered by the Court. Documents indirectly transmitted through some other facsimile machine and indirectly presented to the Clerks may not be accepted in lieu of the original, unless specifically ordered by the Court.
Page 6 | Local Rule 6: Filing with the Clerk of Court
During a technical failure of the E-Filing Portal, filers may file documents on paper or by facsimile to meet jurisdictional and non-jurisdictional deadlines.
2. When the E-Filing Portal is subject to a technical failure, filers may file documents in paper format or via facsimile to comply with jurisdictional and non-jurisdictional deadlines.
Page 27 | Local Rule 31: E-Filing
A pleading, motion, or other document requiring a Civil Rule 11 signature may be fax-filed directly from a computer without a separate paper copy if signed as required by the rule.
A pleading, motion or other document that requires a signature by Civil Rule 11 may be filed by facsimile directly from a computer without the need for a separate paper copy if signed in accordance with this rule.
Page 5 | Local Rule 5: Signature
Pleadings, motions, and other documents in civil or criminal cases may be filed directly with the Clerks during regular Court hours.
All pleadings, motions and other documents in either civil or criminal cases may be filed directly with the Clerks during regular Court hours.
Page 6 | Local Rule 6: Filing with the Clerk of Court
Pleadings, motions, and other documents may be faxed to the Clerks, except an original complaint, third-party complaint, or pleading joining or adding a new party.
All pleadings, motions and other documents other than the original complaint, third party complaint or any other pleading that joins or adds a new party, may be transmitted to the Clerks by facsimile transmission.
Page 6 | Local Rule 6: Filing with the Clerk of Court
The Court permits the use and filing of traffic or criminal citations or tickets produced electronically.
Pursuant to Superintendence Rule 27, Traffic Rule 3 and ORC section 1306, the use and filing of a traffic or criminal citation or ticket that is produced by a computer or other electronic means is hereby authorized by the Court.
Page 7 | Local Rule 7: Electronically Produced Citations/Tickets
The Clerk accepts electronic filings in civil and criminal/traffic cases.
The Clerk of Courts currently accepts filings for civil and criminal/traffic cases by electronic transmissions.
Page 23 | Local Rule 31: E-Filing
Attorneys are encouraged to use the court's e-Filing system.
All attorneys are encouraged to use the court's e-Filing system.
Page 23 | Local Rule 31: E-Filing
Criminal and traffic filings may be e-filed through the Court’s portal, except documents filed under seal.
All criminal/traffic filings, except documents to be filed under seal, may be e-Filed using the Court's e-Filing portal.
Page 23 | Local Rule 31: E-Filing
Documents may be submitted electronically to the Clerk at any time, seven days a week.
(A) Documents may be submitted to the Clerk for e-Filing 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Page 25 | 31.06 Filing Date and Time of E-Filed Documents
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
For evening or weekend proceedings, the Court accepts filings only in cases scheduled for that specific hearing.
(B) For the purpose of any evening or weekend Court proceedings the Court willaccept documents for filing only in those cases that are scheduled for that specific hearing.
Page 3 | Local Rule 2: Hours and schedule
A document filed by fax is deemed received for filing when it is received by the Clerks.
A pleading, motion, or other document filed with the Court by facsimile transmission shall be deemed received for filing when received by file stamped [ See "p" below] the Clerks will have the same force and effect as the original of the document being transmitted.
Page 6 | Local Rule 6: Filing with the Clerk of Court
Documents generally must be received during regular Clerk office hours; those received after 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday are deemed received the next business day, subject to the stated weekend and holiday exception.
All documents which are submitted to the Court must be received by the Clerks during the regular office hours of the Clerk of Court as set out in these rules. Any document received after 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, shall be deemed received for filing the next business day. For the purpose of this local rule, 4:00 p.m. shall be determined by the notation on the Court's facsimile machine unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Documents filed on weekends or holidays due to the time constraints imposed by law or necessity (e.g. incarcerated suspects, search warrants, Court orders for electronic records) may be filed outside normal hours as deemed necessary by the Clerks or by the Judge.
Page 6 | Local Rule 6: Filing with the Clerk of Court
Documents filed by mail are deemed filed on the date the Clerks receive them.
All pleadings, motions or other documents filed by mail shall be deemed filed as of the date of receipt by the Clerks.
Page 6 | Local Rule 6: Filing with the Clerk of Court
Opposition papers must be served and filed within 14 days after the motion unless the Court orders another period.
(C) Each party opposing the motion shall serve and file within fourteen (14) days thereafter, unless another period of time is ordered by the Court, a brief written statement of reasons in opposition to the motion and a list of citations of the authorities on which he or she relies. If the motion requires the consideration of facts not appearing of record, he or she shall also serve and file copies of all affidavits, depositions, photographs or other documentary evidence which he or she desires to submit in opposition to the motion.
Page 8 | Local Rule 12: Hearings, Submission of Motions and Objections to Discovery
The adverse party must serve and file opposing affidavits and a memorandum before the scheduled non-oral hearing date.
The adverse party shall serve and file opposing affidavits and memorandum prior to the day set for non-oral hearing.
Page 9 | Local Rule 12: Hearings, Submission of Motions and Objections to Discovery
In civil jury cases, each party's attorney must furnish the Court a brief of the issues and law expected to be presented to and used to instruct the jury at least five days before trial.
In all civil jury cases, attorneys for all parties to the action shall, at least five (5) days before date of trial, furnish to the Court a brief of the issues and the law they expect the judge to present to and instruct the jury.
Page 9 | Local Rule 13: Trial Briefs
When the Court orders trial briefs, each party's counsel must file and serve the brief at least one weekday before trial unless the Court orders otherwise.
When a trial brief is required by order of Court, counsel for each party shall file the brief with the Court and serve all other counsel at least one (1) weekday prior to commencement of trial unless otherwise ordered by Court.
Page 9 | Local Rule 13: Trial Briefs
A Civil Rule 56 motion for summary judgment is taken under review on the fifteenth day after service unless the Court orders a different time.
All motions for summary judgment filed pursuant to Civil Rule 56 will be taken under review on the fifteenth day following service of the motion upon the adverse party, unless a different time is set by Court Order.
Page 9 | Local Rule 12: Hearings, Submission of Motions and Objections to Discovery
Criminal motions must meet the deadlines in the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure unless the Court orders a different time.
Motions must be filed within the time limits established by the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure, unless a different time is ordered by the Court.
Page 11 | Local Rule 16: Case Management (A) Traffic and Criminal Cases
A final settlement must be filed with the Court before the hearing or trial date.
Final settlement, by agreed judgment entry, dismissal or other, must be fully executed and filed with the Court prior to the date of the hearing or trial.
Page 14 | Local Rule 18: Notice of Settlement
A request for a court-appointed interpreter or translator is due at least one week before the trial or hearing.
In a criminal or civil case, the party requesting a Court appointed interpreter or translator shall make a written request to the Court at least one week before the date of the trial or hearing.
Page 15 | Local Rule 21: Request for Interpreter
Court actions must be reported to the BMV within 7 days.
(A) Reporting of Court actions to the BMV shall be done within 7 days as prescribed by law.
Page 22 | Local Rule 30: Reporting to Law Enforcement & Compliance Plan, 30.04(A)
An e-filing's effective filing date and time are the date and time the Clerk approves it.
(B) The electronic timestamp, and the effective date and time of filing, will correspond to the date and time the e-Filing was approved by the Clerk.
Page 25 | 31.07 E-Filed Document Accepted
A rejected document is not part of the official court record, and the Clerk emails the filer the rejection and its reason.
(B) If the Clerk rejects a submitted document, the document will not become part of the official court record. The Clerk will notify the e-Filer by email if the e-Filer's submission has been rejected and the reason why.
Page 25 | 31.08 E-Filed Document Rejected
The time to respond to a properly filed revised document runs from the date the revised document is filed.
(E) The time for filing a response to a revised document properly filed under this rule begins to run from the date the revised document is filed.
Page 25 | 31.09 Filing Errors — Filings Amended After Submission
A stricken, improperly formatted document is treated as unfiled, and the filer must seek leave to refile if the deadline has expired.
(B) If the improperly formatted document is stricken, it will be treated as if it were not filed. If the deadline has expired for filing the document in question, the filer must seek leave of court to re-file it.
Page 26 | Formatting Errors
After an acknowledged system outage, an affected filer may submit the filing by the next business day and may seek a properly supported order deeming it filed as of the attempted electronic submission date.
3. Motion to Deem Filed as of Date Electronically Submitted. Filers who are unable to electronically submit their filings due to a system outage, and who then submit their filings no later than the next business day after an official acknowledgement of the system outage, may file a properly supported motion for an order permitting the document to be deemed filed as of the date it was electronically submitted.
Page 26 | 31.10 System Errors
If the Court finds that a system failure prevented e-filing, it must deem the document filed as of the attempted submission date.
4. Order to Deem Filed as of Date Electronically Submitted. If the Court determines from the motion described in these Rules that a system failure prevented a filer from e-Filing a document, the Court must enter an order deeming the document filed as of the date of the attempted electronic submission.
Page 26 | 31.10 System Errors
Technical failures cannot extend jurisdictional deadlines, including statutes of limitation and appeal deadlines.
1. Technical failures, whether the fault of the E-Filing Portal or otherwise, cannot extend jurisdictional deadlines (such as statutes of limitation or deadlines for appeal).
Page 27 | Local Rule 31: E-Filing
A party who misses a non-jurisdictional deadline because of technical problems may move to file the document instanter by the next business day after resolving the problems; the judge decides the motion in his or her discretion.
1. Non-jurisdictional Deadlines. A party who misses a non-jurisdictional deadline because of technical problems with the filer's equipment, software, or internet access may move the Court to file a document instanter no later than the next business day following the resolution of the party's technical problems. a. The motion must be accompanied by a signed declaration explaining the failure to meet the deadline. b. The judge assigned to the case may grant or deny such motion in his or her discretion.
Page 27 | Local Rule 31: E-Filing
A summary judgment motion receives no oral hearing unless ordered; oral-argument assignment does not change briefing deadlines unless specifically ordered, and a cross-motion's hearing date runs from service of the later motion.
An oral hearing on a motion for summary judgment will not be conducted unless by order of Court. Assignment of a summary judgment motion for oral argument shall not alter time periods for serving and filing briefs and permitted evidentiary materials unless specifically ordered by the Court. If the adverse party also files a motion for summary judgment, the hearing date shall be from the service upon the opposing party of the latter motion.
Page 9 | Local Rule 12: Hearings, Submission of Motions and Objections to Discovery
For paper filings by unrepresented filers, the Clerk must accept, docket, and scan the filing by the end of the next business day or as soon as practicable, and retain the original for the case file.
The Clerk must accept the paper document filing, docket the document and scan the document before the end of the next business day or as soon as practicable, and retain the original for placement in the case file.
Page 23 | Local Rule 31: E-Filing
A filer may file a revised document if no party has responded to the original, but must do so within the time allowed for the original filing.
(A) An e-Filer who wishes to make corrections or additions to a previously filed document may file a revised document if no response has been made to the original filing by any party. (B) The revised document must be filed within the time permitted for the filing of the original
Page 25 | 31.09 Filing Errors — Filings Amended After Submission
The Clerk reviews e-filing submissions during normal business hours and accepts or rejects them.
(C) The Clerk will perform a Clerk review of the submission during normal business hours and will either accept or reject the submission.
Page 25 | 31.06 Filing Date and Time of E-Filed Documents
An e-filing may be rejected for errors including incorrect docketing codes or file forms, unpaid fees, multiple documents in one upload, or inaccurate party or case information.
(A) Reasons for rejection of an e-Filed document include, but are not limited to, incorrect case docketing codes; the use of incorrect electronic file forms; failure to pay correct filing fees, including those for a requested jury demand; submitting multiple documents in one uploaded file; incomplete or inaccurate party information; and incorrect case numbers.
Page 25 | 31.08 E-Filed Document Rejected
A filer may timely request rejection of a document before the Clerk accepts it for filing.
(A) Prior to acceptance for filing, the Clerk may reject document from the E-Filing Portal upon timely request by the e-Filer.
Page 26 | Documents Filed in Error
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Documents must be served on the prosecutor or opposing party under the applicable civil or criminal rule, and the filed document must show proof of service or it may be struck.
all documents must be served on the prosecutor or opposing party in accordance with Civil Rule 5 or Criminal Rule 49, as applicable. Failure to show proof of service on the document filed shall be grounds for striking the document from the Court'srecord.
Page 5
Once counsel has appeared, filed documents, court orders, and motions must be served on designated counsel or the party’s representative.
Upon the entry appearance of counsel, all documents filed with the Court and all Court orders and motions shall be served upon the designated counsel or the party's representative.
Page 7 | Local Rule 8: Appearance and Withdrawal of Counsel
When an electronic citation or ticket is issued at the scene, the issuing officer must provide the defendant with a paper copy.
If an electronically produced citation or ticket is issued at the scene of an alleged offense, the issuing officer shall provide the defendant with a paper copy of the ticket.
Page 7 | Local Rule 7: Electronically Produced Citations/Tickets
Opposition papers and any applicable supporting evidence must be served and filed within the stated period.
(C) Each party opposing the motion shall serve and file within fourteen (14) days thereafter, unless another period of time is ordered by the Court, a brief written statement of reasons in opposition to the motion and a list of citations of the authorities on which he or she relies. If the motion requires the consideration of facts not appearing of record, he or she shall also serve and file copies of all affidavits, depositions, photographs or other documentary evidence which he or she desires to submit in opposition to the motion.
Page 8 | Local Rule 12: Hearings, Submission of Motions and Objections to Discovery
The moving party must serve the motion and its required supporting statement, authorities, and any applicable evidence when filing the motion.
(B) The moving party shall serve and file with his or her motion a brief written statement of reasons in support of the motion and a list of citations of the authorities on which he or she relies. If the motion requires the consideration of facts not appearing in the record, he or she shall also serve and file copies of all affidavits, depositions, photographs or other documentary evidence which he or she desires to submit in opposition to the motion.
Page 8 | Local Rule 12: Hearings, Submission of Motions and Objections to Discovery
When the Court orders trial briefs, each party's counsel must serve the brief on all other counsel at least one weekday before trial unless the Court orders otherwise.
When a trial brief is required by order of Court, counsel for each party shall file the brief with the Court and serve all other counsel at least one (1) weekday prior to commencement of trial unless otherwise ordered by Court.
Page 9 | Local Rule 13: Trial Briefs
The adverse party must serve opposing affidavits and a memorandum before the scheduled non-oral hearing date.
The adverse party shall serve and file opposing affidavits and memorandum prior to the day set for non-oral hearing.
Page 9 | Local Rule 12: Hearings, Submission of Motions and Objections to Discovery
Trial briefs and proposed jury instructions must be exchanged with opposing counsel when filed.
All trial briefs and proposed jury instructions are required to be exchanged with opposing counsel at the time of filing.
Page 9 | Local Rule 13: Trial Briefs
Notice of a proceeding requiring a personal appearance must be provided to the parties or counsel by mail, fax, or another provided method at least ten days before the appearance, except as otherwise noted.
Notice of any proceeding requiring personal appearance of parties or counsel, except as noted herein, shall be mailed, communicated by facsimile transmission, or as otherwise provided to the parties or counsel, not less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the appearance.
Page 10 | Local Rule 14: Assignment of Cases
A copy of a motion to advance proceedings must be served on opposing parties or counsel.
(D) Motions for advancement of proceedings shall be submitted to the Court in writing with a copy served upon opposing parties or counsel.
Page 10 | Local Rule 14: Assignment of Cases
If service fails, the Clerk must timely notify counsel or an unrepresented party; failure to instruct the Court and make good-faith efforts to obtain service within three months after filing may result in dismissal.
In the event there is a failure of service, the Clerk shall timely notify counsel or the party if there is no counsel. Failure to instruct the Court and make good faith efforts to obtain service of summons within three (3) months from the date the case has been filed may result in dismissal of the action in accordance with Civil Rule 4(E).
Page 12 | Local Rule 16: Case Management (B) General Civil Cases
Civil summonses and complaints must be served in accordance with the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure.
The summons and complaint shall be served in accordance with the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure.
Page 12 | Local Rule 16: Case Management (B) General Civil Cases
The Clerk must timely notify all counsel of record of a pretrial conference by mail, electronic or facsimile transmission, or telephone.
Notice of pretrial conference shall be timely given to all counsel of record, by mail, by electronic or facsimile transmission, or by telephone from the Clerk.
Page 12 | Local Rule 16: Case Management (B) General Civil Cases
For a claim for monetary damages, the plaintiff must make a good-faith attempt to serve the defendant at the defendant’s last known address, even if the defendant complies with the address rule.
Notwithstanding the defendant's compliance with this rule, the plaintiff is required to make a good faith attempt to serve the defendant at his or her last known address.
Page 13 | Forcible Entry & Detainer Proceedings
A copy of the writ or entry must be served on the parties.
A copy of the writ or entry shall be served on the parties.
Page 13 | Forcible Entry & Detainer Proceedings
Service in proceedings in aid of execution must comply with the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure and the Ohio Revised Code.
Service will be made in accordance with the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure and the Ohio Revised Code.
Page 15 | Local Rule 23: Proceedings in Aid of Execution
The Court must provide a copy of the protection order to the Defendant.
(B) Provide a copy to the Defendant.
Page 22 | Local Rule 30: Reporting to Law Enforcement & Compliance Plan, 30.03(B)
The Court and Clerk will issue, journalize, and serve notices, orders, and other documents electronically when available.
The Court and Clerk will issue, journalize, and serve notices, orders, and other documents electronically, when available.
Page 23 | Local Rule 31: E-Filing
Filing Fees and Waivers
A document requiring a filing fee will not be accepted until the fee is paid in full.
If the document being filed by either party requires a filing fee, it will NOT be accepted by the Court until payment in full is made.
Page 6 | Local Rule 6: Filing with the Clerk of Court
A civil jury deposit is due when the jury demand is filed unless the Court orders otherwise; failure to make it timely waives a jury trial, an indigent person may petition for waiver, and criminal jury trials require no deposit.
For jury trials in civil cases, a deposit, as set out in the Court's cost schedule, shall be made at the time the jury demand is filed with the Court, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. The failure to timely make the deposit as required by Court order or rules of Court shall be deemed a waiver of the right to a trial by jury. A person determined to be indigent may petition the Court for a waiver of the jury deposit requirement. In criminal cases, no deposit shall be required for a trial by jury.
Page 7 | Local Rule 9: Security for Costs
The filing fee must be deposited before an action or proceeding is accepted, but the court must waive security for costs after an indigency affidavit and a finding of indigency.
No action or proceeding shall be accepted for filing by the Clerks unless there first shall be deposited the filing fee required by this Court in the Court's schedule of costs, except that upon representation by affidavit of indigency, the judge shall investigate the accuracy of any representation and upon finding that indigency does exist, the security for cost shall be waived.
Page 7 | Local Rule 9: Security for Costs
A small-claims transfer requires the defending party’s motion and affidavit and payment of the required filing costs before the transfer may be granted.
Upon filing of motion and affidavit by the defending party, as required by O.R.C. 1925.10, and upon payment of the required cost, the small claim may be transferred to the regular docket. No transfer will be granted until the filing costs are paid.
Page 13 | Small Claims Cases — Transfer to Civil Docket
An alias writ or order is permitted only after service of the original writ has failed and an additional deposit is made with the Clerk.
No alias writ or order shall be allowed unless there has been failure of service on the writ and only after an additional deposit is made with the Clerk.
Page 15 | Local Rule 23: Proceedings in Aid of Execution
The required deposit must be made with the Clerk when the affidavit is filed.
The deposit required by the Court schedule of fees and deposits, shall be made with the Clerk at the time of the filing of the affidavit.
Page 15 | Local Rule 23: Proceedings in Aid of Execution
When the bailiff must perform services involving property, a deposit sufficient to cover the probable charge is required.
In cases where it becomes necessary for the bailiff to perform services in connection with property, the bailiff shall require a deposit sufficient to secure the probable charge in each case.
Page 15 | Local Rule 24: Fees for Additional Services
All court costs must be paid before the Clerk may enter a satisfaction of judgment.
No satisfaction of judgment shall be entered by the Clerks unless and until all Court costs have been paid.
Page 15 | Local Rule 22: Satisfaction of Judgment/Payment of Costs
The statutory fee for each garnishee must accompany the affidavit.
The garnishee fee as required by statute per garnishee shall accompany the affidavit.
Page 15 | Local Rule 23: Proceedings in Aid of Execution
Approved reasonable charges are taxed as action costs, and property seized under a writ or court process need not be released until the charges are approved and paid.
Any reasonable charge, when approved by the Court, shall be taxed as part of the costs of the action, and any property seized under any writ or process of the Court need not to be released until said charges are approved and paid.
Page 16 | Local Rule 24: Fees for Additional Services
Correct filing fees, including any fee for a requested jury demand, must be paid to avoid rejection.
failure to pay correct filing fees, including those for a requested jury demand
Page 25 | 31.08 E-Filed Document Rejected
Deposits and advance fee or cost payments may be returned only by court order and only if paid by the party against whom they were assessed.
Deposits and advance payments of fees and costs shall be returned only by order of Court and only when the same have been paid by the party against whom they are assessed by the Court.
Page 7 | Local Rule 9: Security for Costs
The Court may assess a fee for persons referred to diversion and may waive an administrative fee in its discretion, including for indigence and inability to pay.
(G) All persons referred to the pretrial diversion program may be assessed a fee. The Court, upon its own motion or upon request of prosecutor or defendant, may waive any administrative fee for any individual defendant who is indigent and unable to pay the fee or for other grounds in the exercise of the Court's discretion.
Page 17 | Local Rule 26: Pre-Trial Diversion Program
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
When a protection order is pending or issued, the victim's or alleged victim's name and information must not be released unless law or a court order provides otherwise.
When there is a protection order pending or issued, the name of the victim or alleged victim, including any information regarding that person, shall not be released except as provided by law or ordered by the Court.
Page 4 | Local Rule 3: File Management
Before providing a document copy, Clerks must redact social security numbers, financial account numbers, dates of birth, and employer and employee identification numbers, unless law or a court order provides otherwise.
The Clerks shall not provide a copy of any document, except as provided by law or ordered by the Court, without redacting (1) social security number, (2) financial account numbers such as debit cards, (3) Date of Birth, and (4) employer and employee identification numbers.
Page 4 | Local Rule 3: File Management
The Clerk must maintain expunged and sealed records in a confidential file and may release them only pursuant to a court order or within the parameters of R.C. 2953.34.
(D) Expunged and sealed records shall be maintained by the Clerk of Courts in a confidential file and only released pursuant to a court order or within the parameters of RC 2953.34.
Page 22 | Local Rule 30: Reporting to Law Enforcement & Compliance Plan, 30.05(D)
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Each opposing party must serve and file an opposition within 14 days after the motion, unless the Court orders another period, including reasons, authorities, and applicable evidence concerning facts outside the record.
(C) Each party opposing the motion shall serve and file within fourteen (14) days thereafter, unless another period of time is ordered by the Court, a brief written statement of reasons in opposition to the motion and a list of citations of the authorities on which he or she relies. If the motion requires the consideration of facts not appearing of record, he or she shall also serve and file copies of all affidavits, depositions, photographs or other documentary evidence which he or she desires to submit in opposition to the motion.
Page 8 | Local Rule 12: Hearings, Submission of Motions and Objections to Discovery
Before the Court considers an opposed discovery procedure under Rules 26 through 37, the requesting party must consult in good faith, initiate the conference, and advise the Court in writing of the impasse and conference details.
To curtail undue delay in the administration of justice, no discovery procedure filed under Rule 26 through 37 of the Rules of Civil Procedure to which objection or opposition is made by the responding party shall be taken under consideration by the Court, unless the party seeking discovery first advises the Court, in writing, that after personal consultation and sincere attempts to resolve differences, they are unable to reach an accord. This statement shall recite those matters which remain in dispute, and in addition, the date, time and place of the conference, and the names of all parties participating therein. It shall be the responsibility of counsel for the party seeking discovery to initiate the conference.
Page 9 | Local Rule 12: Hearings, Submission of Motions and Objections to Discovery
Opposition to a civil motion is due within 14 days after service unless the Court sets another time; motions are considered submitted when the required period ends unless the Court extends it.
Opposing counsel shall respond in writing, within fourteen (14) days of service of the motion, unless a different time is set by Court order. All motions will be considered submitted at the end of the required period unless time is extended by the Court.
Page 12 | Local Rule 16: Case Management (B) General Civil Cases
Reply or additional briefs may be filed only with the Court’s leave.
(D) Reply or additional briefs upon motions and submissions may be filed only with leave of the Court.
Page 8 | Local Rule 12: Hearings, Submission of Motions and Objections to Discovery
Motions are generally decided on the motion and applicable supporting documents; oral argument may be allowed on written application and proper showing or by court order.
(A) Motions, in general, shall be submitted and determined upon the motion and supporting documents, if applicable. Oral arguments of motions may be permitted by written application and proper showing to the Court, or by Court order.
Page 8 | Local Rule 12: Hearings, Submission of Motions and Objections to Discovery
Counsel is encouraged to participate in pretrial discovery conferences to reduce unnecessary discovery filings.
Counsel is encouraged to participate in pretrial discovery conferences to reduce, in every way possible, the filing of unnecessary discovery procedures.
Page 9 | Local Rule 12: Hearings, Submission of Motions and Objections to Discovery
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Except in actions for forcible entry and detainer or in replevin, when a party in any case is not prepared to move or plead on the answer day, one (1) extension of time may be obtained upon application to the Court for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days. Notice by the moving party shall be served on the opposing party or counsel, as applicable, and whenever possible, obtain consent of the opposing party or counsel. Any leave to move or plead thereafter may be had only with the approval of the Court, with notice to opposing party or counsel, and for good cause shown. Consent of opposing party or counsel shall not, in and of itself, constitute good cause. Applications for extensions of time, regardless of consent of opposing counsel, must be filed at least one (1) day prior to the due date.
Except in actions for forcible entry and detainer or in replevin, when a party in any case is not prepared to move or plead on the answer day, one (1) extension of time may be obtained upon application to the Court for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days. Notice by the moving party shall be served on the opposing party or counsel, as applicable, and whenever possible, obtain consent of the opposing party or counsel. Any leave to move or plead thereafter may be had only with the approval of the Court, with notice to opposing party or counsel, and for good cause shown. Consent of opposing party or counsel shall not, in and of itself, constitute good cause. Applications for extensions of time, regardless of consent of opposing counsel, must be filed at least one (1) day prior to the due date.
Page 8 | Local Rule 11: Leave to Move or Plead
A continuance in a replevin action will be granted only by Court order and written stipulation of all parties.
(A) Actions for replevin shall be set for hearing in accordance with the provisions of ORC Chapter 2737. No continuance will be granted unless by order of Court and written stipulation of all parties.
Page 10 | Local Rule 14: Assignment of Cases
In civil and criminal cases, parties or counsel must make diligent efforts to notify witnesses of scheduled dates and promptly move to continue if a witness is unavailable.
Although the Court will attempt to schedule trials and hearings to accommodate counsel and witnesses, it is the primary responsibility of the party or counsel to make diligent efforts to notify the witness, including police officers, building inspectors, or other city employees of the scheduled date, and to promptly file a motion to continue if a witness is not available.
Page 11 | Local Rule 16: Case Management
Continuance motions must be written, briefly state the reasons, and be made with reasonable notice or the other side’s consent; the Court may grant them for good cause, and an undecided motion is denied as of the hearing date.
All motions for continuances shall be submitted to the Court in writing and shall include a brief statement setting forth the reasons requiring the continuance. No continuance shall be granted without reasonable notice or consent of the other party (s) or their counsel. Motions for continuance, when submitted in accordance with the above, will be granted in the discretion of the Court, for good cause shown. A continuance that has not been ruled on by the date of the hearing shall be considered denied.
Page 13 | Continuances
A continuance requires a timely written motion and good cause; if filed within two days of the trial or hearing, the moving party must first confer with the opposing side and explain why it could not have filed earlier.
No case assigned for trial or hearing may be continued except on written motion and for good cause shown. The motion shall be timely filed with the Court. In the event the motion is filed within two (2) days of the trial or hearing, the moving party is required to first discuss the continuance with all opposing counsel, or opposing parties if there is no counsel, and state specifically why the motion could not have been filed prior to the two (2) day time limit.
Page 14 | Local Rule 17: Continuance of Hearing
In traffic and criminal cases, a continuance request may be submitted to the Clerk by letter.
The Clerks also may receive requests by letter in traffic and criminal cases regarding continuance, reinstatement of driving privileges, and other similar proceedings.
Page 4 | Local Rule 4: Pleadings and Motions
After notice of settlement in a civil case, the Court may, in its discretion, continue a pretrial conference.
Upon notice of settlement of any civil case, including cases on the small claims or forcible entry and detainer docket, the Court may, in its discretion, continue a pretrial conference.
Page 14 | Local Rule 18: Notice of Settlement
Unless the Court orders otherwise, notice of settlement is not grounds to continue a trial or other evidentiary hearing.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, a notice of settlement is not grounds to continue a trial or other evidentiary hearing.
Page 14 | Local Rule 18: Notice of Settlement
Chambers Communication Rules
If a document was electronically signed without authority, the party must notify the Court and the other party.
It is established that a document was electronically signed without authority, then the party shall notity the Court and the other party.
Page 5 | Local Rule 5: Signature
The Clerk's office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except designated holidays, unless the presiding Judge orders otherwise.
The Clerk of Court's office shall be open between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, designated holidays excepted, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding Judge.
Page 3 | Local Rule 2: Hours and schedule
Allow two business days after paying the debt in full before contacting the Court for a Warrant Block Release.
Please call 866-871-8838, allow two business days after your debt is paid in full to contact the Court for the Warrant Block Release.
Page 1 | Court Information
Call the Court in advance to schedule a wedding ceremony.
Call the Court in advance to schedule.
Page 1 | Wedding Ceremonies