Putnam County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Adjournments
- Civil Rule 12's pleading Rule Day will be enforced, and extensions of time require a written court order.
- A continuance in a case assigned for trial requires evidence of good cause, and if based on a witness’s absence, evidence of counsel’s reasonable diligence; the judge must approve it, and the requesting party bears the cost of calling a jury.
- Requests for Temporary Orders must be set for hearing within 14 days after filing; either party may receive one 7-day continuance for good cause, and no further continuances are allowed.
- +1 more
Request must include
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Documents must be no longer than twenty pages.
- Page limit
- Up to 20 pages
Document Format Requirements2 rules
All pleadings motions shall be legibly typewritten on 8 ½ x 11" paper or printed on paper securely bound at the top.
- Paper size
- Letter
A faxed or emailed filing must conform to Civil Rules 10 and 11 and be preceded by a cover page containing the required information.
Court's wording
Any facsimile or email copy filed pursuant to this rule shall conform to the requirements of Civil Rules 10 and 11 in both form and substance, and shall be preceded in transmission by a cover page which includes the following information:
Document Filing Requirements50 rules
When entering a new case, clerk staff must check for fingerprinting and an ITN and record them on the case jacket to notify the Judge of any absence.
Court's wording
Clerk staff shall inquire at time of entering a new case as to the existence of fingerprinting and corresponding Incident Tracking Number (ITN). Staff shall note the ITN and fingerprinting on the case jacket in the designated area. This shall serve to give notice to the Judge of the need to address fingerprint/ITN absence.
Subsequent pleadings, motions, briefs, or other litigation documents shall set forth the case number, the name of the first party plaintiff and the first party defendant.
- Document
- Subsequent litigation document
Must include
- •Case number
All motions shall be accompanied by a brief stating the grounds thereof and citing the authorities relied upon.
Every complaint's caption must state each party's name and address if known and the general nature of the action.
- Document
- Complaint
- Placement
- Caption
Court's wording
The caption in every complaint shall state the name and address, if know, of each party. Each complaint shall also state in the caption the general nature of the action, e.g. action of divorce, dissolution, foreclosure, personal injury, contract, injunction, habeas corpus, declaratory judgment et al.
The attorney must use a cover sheet when making transmissions and provide all required information. Fax or email transmissions without a cover sheet will not be accepted for filing.
The transmission cover page must identify the Court, case, case number, assigned judge, document, transmission date and time, sender’s fax number or email address, attorney registration number, and page count.
Court's wording
(1) The name of the Court; (2) The title of the case; (3) The case number; (4) The assigned judge; (5) The title of the document being filed (i.e. Defendant Jones' Answer to Amended Complaint); (6) The date and time of transmission; (7) The transmitting fax number or email address; (8) Ohio Supreme Court registration number of attorney; (9) Number of pages in document being forwarded
Thereafter, any party requesting discovery by Interrogatories, Request for Production of Documents, or Request for Admissions shall file with the Clerk as required by Civil Rule 26 through 37.
The name of the counsel and of the trial judge shall be typed or printed upon the entry.
Counsel shall promptly submit an entry of dismissal to the judge following settlement of any case.
Unless the trial judge directs otherwise, prevailing counsel must prepare and submit a judgment entry within ten days, and opposing counsel must approve or reject it within five days of receipt.
Court's wording
Unless the trial judge otherwise directs, counsel for the party in whose favor an order, decree, or judgment is rendered, shall within ten (10) days thereafter prepare the proper judgment entry, and submit it to the counsel for the adverse party, who shall approve or reject the same within five (5) days after the receipt thereof.
When the entry is approved by counsel, it shall be so endorsed and presented to the Court for approval and if signed by him shall then be filed with the Clerk.
All judicial reports must be issued by a title insurance company, and must disclose the identify and address of all parties with an interest in the property to be foreclosed.
The property legal description must be reviewed and include the property address, parcel numbers, and deed reference numbers; the completed approval form and stamped approved original description must be submitted with the complaint for attachment to the Order of Sale.
Court's wording
The legal description of the property must be reviewed by the Putnam County Auditor's Office, tax map department. The property address, parcel number(s), and deed reference number(s) must be listed under the legal description. The completed form "Property Description Approval Form" (found in Appendix) along with the "stamped approved original legal description must be submitted to the Putnam County Clerk of Courts Office upon filing of the complaint to be attached to the Order of Sale.
Conveyance forms are to be prepared by plaintiff's counsel.
It shall be the duty of any attorney upon accepting representation of the defendant in any civil or criminal matter to immediately notify the Court of such representation, even though his appearance may not as yet have been entered in the case.
Every request for temporary custody, support, or spousal support must include a Civil Rules affidavit with the listed information about the parents, children, income, childcare costs, and employer pensions.
Court's wording
1. With every request for temporary custody, support, or spousal support, the affidavit required by the Civil Rules shall contain: a. The names and addresses of the parents of the children involved. b. The names and present ages, date of birth, social security numbers, and school attended of each child for whom custody or support is sought. c. The amount of the wife's wages, salary or commission from employment and other sources; if known, and if not known, a statement to that effect. d. The amount of the husband's wages, salary or commission from employment and income from other sources; if known, and if not known, a statement to that effect. e. A statement of and child's day care costs. f. A statement of whether either party has a pension through their employer.
A. Unless an emergency situation exists, as determined by the Court, based upon supporting affidavits pursuant to Rule 75 of the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, no ex-parte orders will issue.
A. In all dissolution of marriage actions where only one party is represented by counsel, it must be affirmatively stated in writing by the unrepresented party and filed with the Clerk that said party waives representation by counsel and is proceeding without advice of counsel.
In divorce actions, plaintiff’s counsel must give the client a copy of the rule, and the Clerk must attach a copy to the summons with the complaint.
Court's wording
B. The attorney representing the plaintiff in any divorce action hereinafter filed in this Court shall furnish his/her client a copy of this rule, and the client, upon the filing of the complaint, shall be bound by the terms of this rule. The Clerk of this Court shall attach a copy of this rule to the summons along with the complaint.
A motion for conciliation must name the conciliator, generally describe the requested procedures, and guarantee their costs.
Court's wording
1. Any party moving for conciliation pursuant to O.R.C. 3105.09.1 shall set forth the name of the conciliator and shall generally describe the conciliation procedures requested. In addition, thereto, said movant shall guarantee the costs of such conciliation procedure.
Parties must immediately notify the Court in writing of employment changes and provide information about the new employment and other child-support-related information requested or deemed important.
Court's wording
It is further ordered that the parties shall immediately notify the Court, in writing, of any change of employment, including self-employment. Such notification shall include a description of the nature of any new employment, and other information reasonably required by the Court, or any other information which may be deemed important for the purposes of child support.
In all cases where there are children involved, unless the Court specified otherwise, the Judgment Entry shall include the following provision: If the party having custody of the children herein shall move more than 75 miles from the seat of this county, fifteen days advance notice shall be given to the other party in the divorce case.
All parties to a support order shall notify the Court of his or her current mailing address at the time of any issuance or modification of an order, and shall continue to keep the Court apprised of current addresses.
A. In all domestic actions, original or being reopened upon motion where any issue involving minor children or alimony is involved, both parties are required to fill out and file an approved D-1 form.
C. In all dissolution of marriage actions a D-3 form shall be filed if appropriate.
B. In all domestic actions involving custody or visitation both parties shall file a D-2 form with the Court which is an affidavit designed to comply with O.R.C. 3109.27.
An IV-D application completed by the Obligee. It shall be the responsibility of the attorney for the Obligee to insure that two (2) copies of the application are filed with the Court.
All support orders submitted to the Court shall clearly state the support payments shall be made to the CSEA and shall set forth the appropriate fee to be paid. Orders failing to do so will be returned.
All judgment entries which initiate child support shall include or have attached thereto: 1. The orders, as applicable, which are contained in Section 3113.21 of the Ohio Revised Code.
All judgment entries which initiate child support shall include or have attached thereto: 2. If employed, the employer must enroll the child(ren) in the Obligor's health insurance benefit plan.
The parties shall file a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet in all cases where custody is determined by the Court.
The Guardian ad Litem is to file a written report seven days prior hearing, copies are to be made available to counsel.
A support guideline worksheet must accompany any order for support including any deviation which results in no payment of support.
The opposing party shall, if represented by counsel, file a brief statement indicating his client's position regarding the change of custody.
Any motion requesting a change of custody shall contain a brief statement by the moving party setting forth the change requested and the reason therefore.
If the parties can agree between themselves regarding the change of custody, a Judgment Entry to that effect shall be presented to the Court, and if approved, filed.
1. Specifically state the basis for the contempt citation
2. Contain notice of hearing and after filing shall be submitted to the assignment commissioner for scheduling.
A motion requesting a contempt citation must include the specified notice concerning failure to appear, counsel, continuances, and potential penalties.
Court's wording
3. Include the following language: FAILURE TO APPEAR MAY RESULT IN THE ISSUANCE OF AN ORDER OF ARREST AND IN THE ISSUANCE OF AN ORDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF SUPPORT BY WITHHOLDING AN AMOUNT FROM YOUR PERSONAL EARNINGS OR BY WITHHOLDING OR DEDUCTING AN AMOUNT FROM SOME OTHER ASSET YOU MAY OWN. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO COUNSEL AND IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE INDIGENT YOU MAY APPLY FOR COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL WITHIN THREE (3) BUSINESS DAYS AFTER YOUR RECEIPT OF THIS SUMMONS. THE COURT MAY REFUSE TO GRANT A CONTINUANCE AT THE TIME OF THE HEARING FOR THE PURPOSE OF YOUR OBTAINING COUNSEL, IF YOU FAIL TO MAKE A GOOD FAITH EFFORT TO RETAIN COUNSEL PRIOR OT THE HEARING IF YOU ARE FOUND GUILTY OF CONTEMPT, THE COURT MAY IMPOSE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PENALTIES: (Ohio Revised Code Section 2705.05(A) (1) FOR A FIRST OFFENSE, A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN $250.00, A DEFINITE TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OF NOT MORE THAN 30 DAYS IN JAIL, OR BOTH; (2) FOR A SECOND OFFENSE, A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN $500.00, A DEFINITE TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OF NOT MORE THAN 60 DAYS IN JAIL, OR BOTH; (3) FOR A THIRD OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE, A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN $1,000.00, A DEFINITE TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OF NOT MORE THAN 90 DAYS IN JAIL, OR BOTH.
The prosecuting attorney shall prepare the Judgment Entries in all criminal cases.
He shall provide a copy to opposing counsel and shall evidence this fact by his certificate on the entry filed with the Court.
In the stated circumstances, responsible counsel must file a Motion to Convey with a Proposed Order to Convey to transport the incarcerated person to the hearing.
Include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
Motions to Convey Prisoners, not help on the underlining pending charge within Putnam County, is the responsibility of counsel for a party who is incarcerated, or who issues a subpoena for a witness who is incarcerated, to file a Motion to Convey with a Proposed Order to Convey to transport the person to the hearing.
A certificate of attendance will be filed in the case file for each participant after each class.
The Clerk is authorized to refuse to accept for filing any document which does not comply with the above.
A signature on an electronically transmitted document is treated as the purported attorney’s or party’s signature, but an unauthorized transmission must be stricken.
Court's wording
Any signature on electronically transmitted pleading or papers shall be considered that of the attorney or party it purports to be for all purposes. If it is established that the pleadings or papers were transmitted without authority, the Court shall order the filing stricken.
If counsel are unable to agree upon the entry, it shall be submitted to the Court, who will direct what entry shall be made.
The "Real Estate Purchaser Information Form" (found in appendix) is to be used to provide the new purchaser information which the Sheriff is required to obtain at a judicial sale of real estate. If not provided by the Plaintiff or their representative the officer conducting the sale will collect this information and file it with the sale return and other records in the Court of Common Pleas.
At the Court's discretion, counsel shall file within five (5) days of a pre-trial submit a "Pre-Trial Statement" containing the following required data: 1. The counsel who will be trial counsel and who is fully authorized to act and negotiate on behalf of the party. 2. A statement of the issues involved and a statement in writing of all questions of law which it is expected will be involved in cases. 3. All exhibits which are expected to be offered in evidence at the trial; an itemization of all special damages claimed; the names of all witnesses, both expert and non-expert and, expected to be called at the trial; whether or not a view will be requested; whether or not a jury trial if previously demanded, will not be waived, and if not, the number of jurors demanded, and whether the case is one where the issue of liability should be tried separately with a subsequent trial on the issue of damages if liability be found.
The final Judgment Entry shall contain a provision for the discharge of the Guardian Ad Litem at the conclusion of the matter for which the Guardian Ad Litem was appointed unless otherwise directed by the Court.
1) Any comments or complaints regarding the performance of Guardian's Ad Litem shall be in writing and submitted directly to the Common Pleas Court, Domestic Relations Division.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Faxed or emailed documents and signatures are accepted as originals under Civil Rule 5(E), except when filing a new case.
A fax or email document will be accepted as original and the signature accepted as original consistent with Civil Rule 5(E) except in the filing of a new case.
Page 15 | RULE 3-A — E-MAIL AND FAX FILINGS
Pleadings and other papers may be filed electronically.
The filing of pleadings and other papers may be made by electronic means.
Page 15 | RULE 3-A — E-MAIL AND FAX FILINGS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Dispositions must be reported to required agencies within three business days, unless an applicable rule or statute mandates a different timeframe.
All dispositions, including dismissals, bond forfeitures, and failure to appear, with corresponding issuance of bench warrant, shall be reported to required agencies as mandated by Rule or Statute, within three (3) business days, or within the time mandated by applicable Rule or Statute.
Page 5 | A. Obtaining & Reporting Fingerprinting
Unless the Court orders otherwise, summary judgment motions are heard without oral argument 30 days after service; if the adverse party also moves for summary judgment, the hearing is 30 days from service of that later motion.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, motions for summary judgment shall be heard on briefs and other materials authorized by Civil Rule 56(C) without oral arguments thirty days after service of the Motions upon opposing party. If an adverse party also files a motion for summary judgment, the hearing date shall be extended to thirty days from the service upon the opposing party of the latter motion.
Page 14 | RULE 3 — Summary Judgment Motions
A party seeking judicial sale must file a preliminary judicial report within fourteen days after filing the complaint.
Any party seeking judicial sale must file a preliminary judicial report within fourteen days after filing its complaint. §2329.191(B).
Page 18 | RULE 7 — FORECLOSURE ACTIONS
A party seeking judicial sale must file a final judicial report when submitting the foreclosure decree to the Court.
Upon submitting a decree of foreclosure to the court, a party seeking judicial sale must also file a final judicial report. §2329.19(B).
Page 18 | RULE 7 — FORECLOSURE ACTIONS
Actions to establish or modify a support order must be heard within 90 days after filing.
All actions to establish a support requirement or to modify a previously issued support order shall be heard within 90 days after they are initially filed.
Page 25 | RULE 21 — SCHEDULE FOR SUPPORT ACTIONS
The Guardian ad Litem is to file the written report seven days before the hearing.
The Guardian ad Litem is to file a written report seven days prior hearing, copies are to be made available to counsel.
Page 28 | RULE 25-A — THE ROLE OF THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM
A Motion to Convey must be filed at least two weeks before the hearing when the party or witness is incarcerated outside Putnam County.
A Motion to Convey must be filed at least two weeks prior to the hearing date is the party or witness is incarcerated outside of Putnam County.
Page 41 | RULE 31 — CRIMINAL PRE-TRIALS
Documents with statutory or Ohio Supreme Court rule filing deadlines must be filed within those deadlines unless the assigned judge grants a written extension after notice to opposing counsel or the party.
Where the time for filing bills of exceptions, assignments of errors and briefs is fixed by statute or rule of the Ohio Supreme Court, they shall be filed within such time or extension thereof as may be granted in writing by the judge to whom the case is assigned after notice to opposing counsel or party.
Page 44 | A. Statutory Time Limit
Any reply brief must be filed within 5 days after the appellee’s brief is filed.
any reply brief shall be filed within five (5) days after the filing of the Appellee's brief.
Page 44 | B. Time Limits
The appellee must file a brief within 10 days after the appellant’s brief is filed.
the Appellee shall file his brief within ten (10) days after the filing of the brief of the Appellant
Page 44 | B. Time Limits
If an appellant’s demand or request to the agency is a prerequisite to preparing and filing the transcript, the appellant must file it with the agency when filing the notice of appeal, unless law or an Ohio Supreme Court rule provides otherwise.
In all cases, in which demand or request to the agency by the Appellant is prerequisite to the preparation of filing of the transcript of the record by the agency, such demand or request shall be filed by the Appellant with the agency at the time of filing the notice of appeal, unless otherwise provided by law, or Rule of the Ohio Supreme Court.
Page 44 | B. Time Limits
When no statute or Ohio Supreme Court rule sets the deadline, the appellant must file a brief within 20 days after the transcript of the record is filed.
Where the time for filing is not fixed by statute or rule of the Ohio Supreme Court, the Appellant shall file a brief within twenty (20) days after the filing of the transcript of the record;
Page 44 | B. Time Limits
An appellant’s failure to timely file the bill of exceptions, assignments of error, brief, or transcript demand may result in dismissal for want of prosecution or another disposition at the assigned judge’s discretion.
Failure of Appellant to file his bill of exceptions, assignments of error, his brief or demand for a transcript of the record within the time required shall be cause for dismissal of the appeal for want of prosecution or other disposition of the case at the discretion of the judge to whom the case is assigned.
Page 44 | D. Briefs
The attorney must transmit the item to a Clerk-specified phone number or email address, ordinarily during normal business hours.
The Attorney must transmit the item to a phone number or email address specified by the Clerk. Such time will ordinarily be within the normal business hours.
Page 15 | RULE 3-A — E-MAIL AND FAX FILINGS
If counsel do not present a dismissal entry within twenty days after representing to the Court that the case settled, the judge may dismiss the case for want of prosecution.
If counsel fail to present such an entry to the judge within twenty (20) days after representation to the Court that a case has been settled, the judge may order the case dismissed as for want of prosecution.
Page 17 | RULE 4 — ENTRIES
If counsel do not present an entry within twenty days, the judge may prepare and file it without notice or submission to counsel or take other appropriate action.
If counsel fail to present an entry within twenty (20) days after the order is decreed, or judgment is rendered, the judge may cause the proper entry to be prepared and filed without submission or notice to counsel or take such other action as may be appropriate under the circumstances.
Page 17 | RULE 4 — ENTRIES
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The serving Deputy must complete a proof-of-service document recording the date, time, and location of service.
The serving Deputy completes the proof of service document, which records the date, time, and location of respondent/Defendant was served.
Page 6 | B. Reporting of Protection Orders
A certified copy of a sealing or expunging entry is provided to law enforcement agencies.
Certified copy of sealing or expunging entry is given to law enforcement agencies.
Page 8 | E. Procedures for Sealing & Expunging Records
A certified copy of a sealing or expunging entry is provided to the county Crime Victim Services Agency, or directly to the victim or victim advocate upon the victim’s request.
Certified copy of sealing or expunging entry is given to Crime Victim Services Agency of Putnam County, or directly to Victim or Victim Advocate if requested by Victim.
Page 8 | E. Procedures for Sealing & Expunging Records
A certified copy of a sealing or expunging entry is emailed to BCI.
Certified copy of sealing or expunging entry is emailed to BCI.
Page 8 | E. Procedures for Sealing & Expunging Records
Within three business days after transmission, the sender must provide the Clerk with copies marked “Previously Faxed or Emailed Document” for service; the Clerk is not responsible for making those copies.
The sending party must supply the Clerk with appropriate copies with a notation of "Previously Faxed or Emailed Document" prescribed by these rules for service on parties within three business days from the date of the transmission. It shall not be the responsibility of the Clerk to make copies of the fax or email transmission for service on interested parties.
Page 15 | RULE 3-A — E-MAIL AND FAX FILINGS
The responding party must file discovery responses with the Clerk and serve them on all parties.
The responding party shall then file with the Clerk and serve upon all parties his responses to the requested discovery.
Page 17 | RULE 5 — FILING OF DISCOVERY
The Clerk must accept interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admissions filed with the original complaint for filing and service.
Pursuant to Civil Rule 5(D), the Clerk shall accept for filing and service, Interrogatories, Request for Production of Documents, and Request for Admissions filed with the original Complaint.
Page 17 | RULE 5 — FILING OF DISCOVERY
The Clerk must post the notice conspicuously at the designated locations for six consecutive weeks, then remove it, complete and file the return of service, and notify counsel as provided by law.
B. The Clerk of this Court shall cause the requisite notice to be posted in a conspicuous place and manner in the above denominated places for the requisite six (6) consecutive weeks. Upon completion of posting for six (6) consecutive weeks, the Clerk shall remove the notice, complete the return of service, file the same and notify counsel as provided by law.
Page 20 | Rule 10-B Publication by Posting
For service by publication, the attorney filing the affidavit must at that time furnish the Clerk with a publication notice form that complies with Rule 4.4 ORCP.
In any action where service is to be made by publication as authorized by Rule 4.4 ORCP, the attorney filing the necessary affidavit shall, at the time, furnish to the Clerk the form of notice of publication which is to be published. Such form shall comply with the requirements of the aforesaid Rule 4.4 ORCP.
Page 20 | Rule 10-A Service by Publication
Unless the Court directs otherwise, the Guardian Ad Litem must mail or hand deliver the report to the Court and counsel or any unrepresented party at least seven days before the hearing.
Unless otherwise directed by the Court, the Guardian Ad Litem shall prepare a report and shall mail or hand deliver the report to the Court and counsel, or any party unrepresented by counsel, not less than seven (7) days in advance of the hearing date.
Page 29 | H
Parties and counsel must contact the Guardian Ad Litem within ten days after the appointment order is filed to provide requested information and releases.
G. All parties and counsel will contact the Guardian Ad Litem within ten (10) days of the filing of the Order Appointing Guardian Ad Litem to provide information and releases required by the Guardian Ad Litem
Page 29 | G
Within five days after receipt, the Court will provide the subject Guardian Ad Litem with the comments or complaint and notice of the response date.
2) Within five (5) days of receipt, the Court will provide a copy of the comments or complaints and a Court notice of the response date to the Guardian Ad Litem who is the subject of the comments or complaint.
Page 30 | K(2)
Within thirty days after receiving all appropriate information, including any requested supplements or amendments, the Court will issue a disposition and notify the complainant and the Guardian Ad Litem.
4) After receipt of all appropriate information, including any supplements or amendments requested by the Court, the Court will issue a disposition within thirty (30) days and notify the person making the comment or complaint and the Guardian Ad Litem of the disposition.
Page 30 | K(4)
The movant must initiate service of the contempt motion and hearing notice on the subject party under the summons-service rules in Civil Rules 4 through 4.6.
B. Notice of such motion and of the hearing thereon shall be served upon the subject party pursuant to the rules of service of summons contained in Civ. R. 4 through Civ. R. 4.6, incl., and the responsibility for initiating such service shall be on the movant.
Page 40 | POST JUDGMENT RELIEF ACCOMPANIED BY CITATION FOR CONTEMPT
The prosecuting attorney must provide opposing counsel a copy of the entry and certify that provision on the filed entry.
He shall provide a copy to opposing counsel and shall evidence this fact by his certificate on the entry filed with the Court.
Page 41 | RULE 30 — CRIMINAL ACTIONS - ENTRIES
The serving Deputy completes a proof-of-service document recording the date, time, and location of service.
**Submit Proof of Service:** The serving Deputy completes the proof of service document, which records the date, time, and location of respondent/Defendant was served.
Page 54 | B. Reporting of Protection Orders
Preliminary to the trial of cases assigned for trial, counsel may within their discretion, or upon request of the judge, file trial briefs containing questions of law involved in the case. All trial briefs shall be furnished to opposing counsel.
Preliminary to the trial of cases assigned for trial, counsel may within their discretion, or upon request of the judge, file trial briefs containing questions of law involved in the case. All trial briefs shall be furnished to opposing counsel.
Page 20 | Rule 9 Trial Briefs
The Guardian ad Litem, as a party, should be served with all pleadings, motions, and other case documents.
The Guardian ad Litem, as a party to the case, should be served with all pleadings, motions and other documents filed in the case.
Page 28 | RULE 25-A — THE ROLE OF THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM
The Guardian Ad Litem may respond in writing as directed by the accompanying Court notice, and the Court will provide a copy of any response to the commenting or complaining party.
3) The Guardian Ad Litem may respond in writing to the comments or complaints in conformance with the Court notice accompanying the comments or complaints. A copy of any response will be provided to the commenting or complaining party by the Court.
Page 30 | K(3)
Filing Fees and Waivers
A $300 advance deposit is required for a divorce or dissolution complaint.
Divorce and Dissolution Complaint ... $300.00
Page 12 | Security for Costs
A $200 advance deposit is required for a counterclaim, crossclaim, or third-party claim.
Counterclaims, Crossclaims or Third Party Claims... $200.00
Page 12 | Security for Costs
An $820 advance deposit is required for a precipe for an order of sale.
Precipe for Order of Sale...$820.00
Page 12 | Security for Costs
A $150 advance deposit is required for a foreign subpoena.
Foreign Subpoena...$150.00
Page 12 | Security for Costs
A civil action or proceeding may not be accepted for filing until the required advance deposit is paid, unless otherwise provided by law.
No civil action or proceeding shall be accepted by the Clerk for filing unless the party or parties offering the same for filing shall have first deposited a sum to secure the payment of the costs that may accrue in such action or proceeding except as otherwise provided by law.
Page 12 | Security for Costs
A $450 advance deposit is required for a foreclosure.
Foreclosure...$450.00
Page 12 | Security for Costs
The stated total fee for qualifying private foreclosure precipes is $1,330.
for a total fee of $1,330.00, with all precipes filed on or after September 1, 2025 for the judicial sale of real property.
Page 12 | Security for Costs
A $125 deposit is required when a motion is filed to reopen a concluded case.
C. After a case is concluded, upon motion being filed to reopen ...$ 125.00
Page 12 | Security for Costs
The Clerk of Courts will collect a $500 Real Auction fee for the specified private foreclosure judicial sales.
The Clerk of Courts will collect a Real Auction fee of $500.00,
Page 12 | Security for Costs
The Clerk of Courts will collect a $10 clerk fee for the specified private foreclosure judicial sales.
plus a clerk fee of $10.00
Page 12 | Security for Costs
A $100 advance deposit is required for a proceeding in aid of execution.
B. Proceeding in aid of execution ...$ 100.00
Page 12 | Security for Costs
A $250 advance deposit is required for civil petitions and complaints.
A. Civil Petitions, Complaints ... $250.00
Page 12 | Security for Costs
A $100.00 fee is charged for expungement proceedings.
Expungement proceedings ...$100.00
Page 13
A filing to reopen a case will not be accepted unless the requesting individual pays all prior court costs or fees and the deposit, unless the Court permits otherwise.
H. No filings to re-open a case will be accepted unless all prior court costs or fees have been paid by the individual requesting to re-open the case, in addition to the deposit. An individual may make a request to the Court for permission otherwise to this rule.
Page 13
A $50.00 fee is charged at the commencement of civil, domestic relation, and criminal cases effective February 1, 2009.
Pursuant to the authority of R.C. 2303.201(E)(1) it is determined that for the efficient operation of the Court, the fee of $50.00 shall be charged at the commencement of all civil, domestic relation, and criminal cases effective February 1, 2009.
Page 13 | RULE 2-A — SPECIAL PROJECT FUNDS
A request for an Attorney Guardian ad Litem requires an $800 deposit, while a CASA Guardian ad Litem request requires a $400 deposit; the Court may allocate final costs later.
G. Request for Guardian ad Litem shall include an $800 deposit for the appointment of an Attorney Guardian ad Litem or $400 for a request for a CASA Guardian ad Litem. The Court shall reserve the right to allocate final costs of the Guardian ad Litem at a later hearing.
Page 13
A $35.00 fee is charged for a cognovit note.
Cognovit Note...$35.00
Page 13
Defendants ordered to complete community service must pay $50.00 per 100 hours as court costs to the designated county program.
F. All defendants ordered to complete community service shall pay a fee of $50.00 per 100 hours of community service. The fee shall be collected as court costs and payable to the Putnam County Department of Human Services, Jobs Program.
Page 13
An additional $300.00 must be posted with the Clerk of Courts 14 days before a jury trial.
D. Fourteen days prior to a jury trial an additional $300.00 is to be posted with the Clerk of Courts.
Page 13
Court costs are $3 per transmission plus $1 per page, for both incoming and outgoing documents.
Court costs are three dollars ($3.00) per transmission, plus ($1.00) per page. All costs are on both incoming and outgoing documents.
Page 16 | RULE 3-A — E-MAIL AND FAX FILINGS
The Clerk must collect $200 of the civil foreclosure filing fee for a separate fund, and disbursements from the fund may be made only by Court order.
$200.00 of the Civil Foreclosure filing fee shall be collected and placed in an account separately identified from court costs and the general fund by the Clerk of Courts and shall be paid out only upon the order of the Court.
Page 18 | RULE 7 — FORECLOSURE ACTIONS
At the property sale, a deposit equal to one percent of the appraised value must be paid to the Putnam County Sheriff for recording and conveyance fees and associated sheriff recording costs.
A deposit of one percent (1%) of the appraised value of the property will be deposited with the Putnam County Sheriff at the time of the sale of the property to be used for recording and conveyance fees and associated sheriff costs of recording.
Page 18 | RULE 7 — FORECLOSURE ACTIONS
A $3.00 additional fee is charged upon filing each cause or appeal covered by the cited statute.
The Clerk of this Court is directed and hereby authorized to charge and collect an additional fee of three dollars ($3.00) upon the filing of each cause or appeal under R.C. 2303.20(A), (Q), and (U).
Page 47 | RULE 39 — 2.11 FEES FOR COMPUTER RESEARCH AND SERVICES
A $10.00 additional fee applies to each listed filing or docketing and indexing event.
The Clerk of this Court is directed and hereby authorized to charge an additional fee of ten dollars ($10.00) upon the filing of each cause of action, appeal, certificate of judgment, or the docketing and indexing of each aid in execution or petition to vacate, revive, or modify a judgment under R.C. 2303.20(A), (P), (Q), (T), and (U).
Page 47 | RULE 39 — 2.11 FEES FOR COMPUTER RESEARCH AND SERVICES
An additional $25 is required when service is by publication.
With service by publication, an additional ... $ 25.00
Page 12 | Security for Costs
In Domestic Relations Cases involving the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities including visitation, each party shall be responsible for A-OK payment at time of class.
In Domestic Relations Cases involving the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities including visitation, each party shall be responsible for A-OK payment at time of class.
Page 12 | Security for Costs
Jail costs for reimbursement are $55.00 per day and are payable under the specified county resolution and statute.
E. The per diem jail costs for purposes of reimbursement are $55.00 per day. Said costs are payable pursuant to the resolution of the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners under Ohio Revised Code Section 341.1
Page 13
If a party files a poverty affidavit, the deposit rule does not apply and the clerk proceeds as if the deposits were made.
If a party files a poverty affidavit, this rule shall not apply and the clerk shall proceed as if the deposits were made.
Page 13
Funds collected under this rule must be held in a separate account and may be disbursed for Court special projects only by court order and subject to county appropriation.
All funds collected pursuant to this rule shall be paid to the County Treasurer and maintained by the County Auditor in a separate account, to be disbursed, upon an order of the Court of Common Pleas and subject to appropriation by the Board of County Commissioners, to acquire and pay for special projects of the Court.
Page 13 | RULE 2-A — SPECIAL PROJECT FUNDS
Unless the Court orders otherwise, the Clerk must assess as costs expenses directly associated with calling and serving jurors in civil cases, including jury-view expenses, meals, lodging, and attendance fees.
Pursuant to R.C. 2335.28, the Clerk shall assess as costs all those expenses which are directly associated with the calling and serving of jurors in all civil cases unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Said expenses shall include, but not limited to jury view expenses, meals, lodging, and attendance fees.
Page 17 | RULE 6 — JURY COSTS
Conveyance fees must be paid from the proceeds of sale.
Conveyance fees are to be taken from the proceeds of sale.
Page 18 | RULE 7 — FORECLOSURE ACTIONS
The appointment order will state the initial deposit amount and payment deadline; untimely payment may result in the Guardian Ad Litem’s release.
The Court will set forth the amount of initial deposit and the deadline for payment of the deposit in the Order Appointing Guardian Ad Litem. Failure to timely pay the deposit may result in the release of the Guardian Ad Litem and in such instance, the case will proceed without a Guardian Ad Litem
Page 29 | F
The Court may waive the required Guardian ad Litem court-cost deposit upon application and a showing of good cause.
Upon application, and for good cause, the Court may waive the required court cost deposit when the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem is requested.
Page 29 | F
No deposit or fee is required for a qualifying emancipation affidavit or notice to the Child Support Enforcement Agency that results in a court order terminating support.
Any Affidavit or notice concerning emancipation of a child to the Child Support Enforcement Agency and resulting in a Court order for the termination of support shall not require any deposit or fees.
Page 12 | Security for Costs
The Court may apportion final fees between the parties and may order payment through income withholding.
The Court will, in its discretion, apportion the final payment of fees between the parties and may order the payment of fees by income withholding.
Page 29 | J
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Personal and private information, including the listed identifiers, must be omitted from case documents submitted to the court or filed with the Clerk of Courts.
Pursuant to Rule 45 of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio, effective July 1, 2009, the following information is defined as personal and private and is to be omitted from all case documents submitted to the court or filed with the Clerk of Courts: A. Social Security numbers, except for the last four digits; B. Financial account numbers, including but not limited to debit card, charge card and credit card numbers; C. Employer and employee identification numbers; D. Juvenile's name in an abuse, neglect, or dependency case, except for the juvenile's initials or a generic abbreviation such as "CV" for "child victim"; E. Any other information deemed personal and private by any federal or state statute, regulation, executive order, or court ruling.
Page 50 | RULE 43 — PROTECTION OF PERSONAL AND PRIVATE INFORMATION IN COURT RECORDS
Personal and private information must be submitted on the court's separate standard form and kept as a non-public record in a case-file envelope marked “Confidential.”
Personal and private information must be submitted on a separate form which will be deemed by the Court as non-public record. The Clerk of Courts will provide a standard form for use by all parties. The information will be kept in a separate envelope within the case file marked "Confidential".
Page 50 | RULE 43 — PROTECTION OF PERSONAL AND PRIVATE INFORMATION IN COURT RECORDS
Journal entries containing personal and private information must be submitted in an unredacted non-public copy and a redacted public copy bearing the specified notation wherever information was removed; the court will sign both.
Journal entries that necessarily include personal and private information must be submitted to the Clerk of Courts office as follows: a copy that includes the personal and private information for placement in the non-public envelope and a copy with the personal and private information redacted for placement in the public file. The copy not containing the personal and private information (for the public file) will have the notation "personal and private information redacted" at all places in the document where such information was removed. The court will sign both journal entries.
Page 50 | RULE 43 — PROTECTION OF PERSONAL AND PRIVATE INFORMATION IN COURT RECORDS
The Clerk will not remove personal and private information from file-stamped documents without a court order; specified older or transferred information remains public unless a removal petition is granted, in which case the information is placed in a non-public envelope and a redacted copy in the public file.
The Clerk of Courts will not remove any personal and private information from a file stamped document including records or transcripts transmitted to this court from another court, without a court order to do so. Any personal and private information in documents filed prior to July 1, 2009 is considered public. Any personal and private information in records or transcripts transmitted to this court from another court is considered public. A party or an attorney in a case, or any other person whose personal and private information is contained in a public record of this court may petition the court for the removal of personal and private information. If the request is granted, the personal and private information will be removed from the file-stamped document and placed in a separate envelope and deemed a non-public record. A redacted copy of the document will be placed in the public case file.
Page 50 | RULE 43 — PROTECTION OF PERSONAL AND PRIVATE INFORMATION IN COURT RECORDS
Filing Bundling Requirements
A cover sheet may accompany papers for only one case.
Papers for no more than one case can be transmitted with a given cover sheet.
Page 15 | RULE 3-A — E-MAIL AND FAX FILINGS
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
After a case is set for pretrial, a motion may be filed only with prior leave of the trial judge, who may set the briefing and submission schedule.
No motion shall be filed in any case after it has been set for pre-trial without leave of the trial judge first obtained, who may establish the times for filing of briefs and submission of the motion.
Page 14 | RULE 3 — Summary Judgment Motions
An answer brief may be filed by the fourteenth day after filing, a reply brief by the twenty-first day, and the motion is deemed submitted on the twenty-first calendar day after filing.
The opposing counsel or party may file an answer brief by the fourteenth day after the day on which the motion was filed. The moving party may file a reply brief by the twenty-first day following the day on which such motion was filed. On the twenty-first calendar day after the motion was filed, the motion shall be deemed submitted to the Court.
Page 14 | RULE 3 — Hearing and Submission of Motion
Oral argument will be ordered only if a party requests it or the Court orders it.
Oral arguments will be ordered only when requested by the parties or otherwise ordered by the Court.
Page 14 | RULE 3 — Hearing and Submission of Motion
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Civil Rule 12's pleading Rule Day will be enforced, and extensions of time require a written court order.
Civil Rule 12 prescribing Rule Day for Pleadings will be enforced. Extensions of time will be granted only by written order of the Court.
Page 14 | RULE 3 — Rule Day Extensions
A continuance in a case assigned for trial requires evidence of good cause, and if based on a witness’s absence, evidence of counsel’s reasonable diligence; the judge must approve it, and the requesting party bears the cost of calling a jury.
In cases assigned for trial, application for continuance must be supported by evidence of good cause for continuance, and when such application is based upon the absence of a witness, it must be supported by evidence of reasonable diligence on the part of counsel. All such applications for continuances must be approved by the judge, and if a jury has been called, the expense of calling such jury will be borne by the party requesting the continuance.
Page 21 | RULE 12 — CONTINUANCES
Requests for Temporary Orders must be set for hearing within 14 days after filing; either party may receive one 7-day continuance for good cause, and no further continuances are allowed.
B. Requests for Temporary Orders shall be set for hearing within fourteen (14) days of filing. One continuance of seven (7) days may be granted to either party for good cause shown. No further continuances shall be granted.
Page 22 | EX-PARTE ORDERS
The assigned judge may grant extensions of time by entry.
Extensions of time may be granted by entry by the judge to whom the case is assigned.
Page 44 | B. Time Limits
Chambers Communication Rules
An attorney faxing or emailing any praecipe must telephone the Clerk’s Office.
The attorney must telephone the Clerk's Office if a praecipe of any nature is being faxed or emailed (subpoena, Service of Summons, Reissued Service, etc.).
Page 15 | RULE 3-A — E-MAIL AND FAX FILINGS