Judge
Judge Mary Margaret Rowlands
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Summit County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
These 147 rules apply across Summit County Court of Common Pleas, General Division. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.
A written praecipe for transcript must be served on the chief court reporter within three days after filing objections, an appeal, contra-objections, or an appeal reply.
If the court so orders, counsel must provide opposing counsel of record, in writing and within a reasonable time before trial, the names and addresses of additional witnesses and the general nature of their testimony, except for rebuttal witnesses.
The judgment creditor must serve written notice under Civil Rule 5 on the judgment debtor and each other action party no later than two weeks before the sheriff's sale.
The praecipe must be filed with the Clerk.
The plaintiff's attorney must file a Preliminary Judicial Report or authorized Title Commitment with the Clerk when filing the complaint.
The attorney must file and sign a Certificate of Readiness with required supporting documentation demonstrating that the plaintiff is the real party in interest and the case is ready against all necessary parties.
When a transcript is necessary to support objections or an appeal, the moving party must file it within 30 days after filing the objections or appeal, unless the assigned judge extends that time in writing because the court reporter cannot complete the transcript.
The Clerk will not accept a foreclosure complaint for filing if the required Preliminary Judicial Report or Title Commitment, Certificate of Readiness, and supporting documentation are not presented with the complaint.
An order to withdraw or cancel a sheriff's sale must be filed at least 72 hours before the scheduled sale.
The Order of Sale Publication deposit filing fee is $620.00 effective October 1, 2007.
The online sheriff-sale licensing fee is a one-time charge of $220.00 per case.
For each case requiring publication of calendars or notices whose fees are not fixed by law, the filing party must pay The Akron Legal News $14.50.
Judge Rowlands was first elected to the Common Pleas Court in 2008, after 19 years in private practice representing clients in civil and criminal matters nationwide. Judge Rowlands graduated from Youngstown State University and The University of Akron School of Law. She often describes her educational and career path as a long and meandering road full of interesting twists and turns, each of which provided priceless experience to better serve the community. In addition to her assigned civil and criminal docket, Judge Rowlands leads an Ohio Supreme Court certified Re-entry Court, providing intensive supervision, support and direction to recently released inmates to promote their law abiding behavior and social and economic productivity. Judge Rowlands is dedicated to furthering an understanding of the law and related topics. She frequently speaks at community gatherings, as well as to lawyers, judges, journalists, teachers and students to create and advance dialogue on these important issues. She is also active in our community, currently serving on the boards of The Civic Theatre and Gay Community Endowment Fund. In 2017 and 2018, Judge Rowlands was selected as an International Association of Women Judges’ delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. IAWJ has more than 5,000 members from 82 countries; Judge Rowlands was one of only 20 judges honored to join the delegations. Overcoming barriers to gender equality and access to justice are among her highest priorities. Joining the collective action at the United Nations was instrumental and gratifying; Judge Rowlands always finds tremendous joy in the company of smart, committed women.
**Courthouse:** 209 S. High Street, Akron, OH 44308 (court phone 330.643.2162) **Court:** Judge Rowlands’ Court Judge Rowlands’ Courtroom is located on the Third Floor of the Main Courthouse. When you enter the Courthouse, you are entering on the Basement Level. The Courtroom is fully equipped with an Electric Light Magnifying Object (ELMO) with audiovisual capabilities. If you require additional technology, please contact the Court at least one week before trial. **Chambers Staff** - Bailiff: Dorianne Denard, 330.643.5014 - Judicial Attorney/Magistrate: Martha Hom, 330.643.5015 - Judicial Assistant: Kristi van der Meer, 330.643.5016 **Zoom Links** - ZOOM LINK – https://summitcpcourt.zoom.us/my/judgerowlandscourt **Fax:** 330.643.5017
Participants must contact the Court at least one week before trial if they require additional technology.
Participants must contact the Court at least one week before trial if they require additional technology.