Warren County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Adjournments
- A mediation continuance requires good cause and a mutually acceptable future date, may be granted by the referring judge or magistrate, generally cannot be justified solely by pending motions, and will not be granted unless the mediation can occur before the final pretrial.
- A party seeking a continuance of a trial or hearing must file a written motion endorsed by the moving party and counsel.
- A continuance motion must state whether the opposing counsel or party supports or opposes it.
- +13 more
Request must include
- A continuance motion based on a conflicting trial assignment must attach documentation of the conflict and be filed at least 30 days before trial.
- The Court may grant an ex parte extension of up to 30 days for filing a memorandum contra if no prior extension was granted; any later or longer extension requires written opposing-party approval or a noticed motion.
Communication
Clerk
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Page & Word Limits4 rules
Opposition memoranda may not exceed 20 double-spaced pages.
(b) Memoranda in opposition shall be no longer than twenty (20) double spaced pages in length; and
Opposition
20 pages
Reply memoranda may not exceed 10 double-spaced pages.
(c) Reply memoranda shall not exceed ten (10) double-spaced pages.
Reply Brief
10 pages
Original motions and supporting memoranda may not exceed 20 double-spaced pages, excluding attachments.
(a) Original motions and memoranda in support shall be no longer than twenty (20) double-spaced pages in length, excluding attachments;
Supporting Motion Or Memorandum
20 pages
A party may request leave to exceed the page limits, but any over-limit filing must include a summary of no more than two double-spaced pages.
(6) A party may request leave of Court to exceed the page limitations. Any filing which exceeds the page limitations shall contain a summary which is no greater than two double-spaced pages in length.
Summary
2 pages
Document Format Requirements21 rules
Unless the court orders otherwise, a compensation motion must be typewritten, and an untyped motion will be rejected.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the motion shall be typewritten. Any motion that is not typed will be rejected.
Original filing papers must be printed single-sided on white bond paper without backing or cover and must have a one-inch margin on each page.
(1) All original papers submitted for filing in an action shall be on 8 ½ by 11-inch, white bond paper printed on a single side without backing or cover. Each page shall include a one-inch margin.
A transcript filed with the Clerk of Courts must be provided electronically.
(a) The transcript shall be provided to the Clerk of Courts in electronic format.
An e-filed document may not contain internal or external links to other documents or references to the court’s e-filing portal.
An e-Filed document may not contain internal or external links to other documents or references to the court’s E-Filing Portal.
All documents submitted for e-filing must be filed in PDF format.
All documents submitted for e-Filing shall be filed in Portable Document Format (PDF).
Documents bearing a third party’s signature must be submitted electronically only as hand-signed, scanned-in PDFs.
A document containing the signature of a third 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.
Documents submitted by email for filing must be converted to PDF, and non-PDF documents may be rejected.
The document must be converted to a Portable Document Format (PDF) for filing. The Clerk of Courts may reject any document delivered for filing that is not in a PDF format.
The Clerk may reject an email-filed document larger than 20 MB.
The Clerk of Courts may reject any document delivered for filing that is larger than 20 MB in size.
An electronically submitted deposition transcript must be text-recognized and searchable.
The electronic format shall be a text-recognized, searchable format.
Typed motions and memoranda must use one-inch margins, double spacing, and font no smaller than 12 points.
(4) All typed motions and memoranda must include one (1) inch margins, be double-spaced, and be printed in no smaller than 12-point font.
Attorneys must submit typed motions.
(3) All motions submitted by attorneys must be typed.
Every evidentiary document referenced in a motion or memorandum must be clearly marked as an exhibit with an identifying letter or number.
(4) All affidavits, depositions, exhibits, photographs, and other documents relied upon or referred to in a motion or memorandum shall be clearly marked as an exhibit with identifying letter or number.
Documents in new civil cases must be around 25 MB; incorrect or oversized documents are rejected and the process must be restarted.
Additionally, all documents must be around 25 MB. If the document is of the incorrect type or too large, it will not upload correctly and will be rejected (starng the process over).
All required documents uploaded in a new civil case must be PDF files.
On the document screen, you will need to upload all the required documents. Please note that all documents need to be PDF files.
Documents submitted in existing cases must be saved in PDF format to load into the e-filing system.
Your document must be saved in a PDF format to load properly into our system.
Appointed counsel fee forms must be completed in OPD CABS and, when printed, include “Generated by CABS” at the bottom of the second page to be accepted.
All Motion, Entry and Certification for Appointed Counsel Fees forms must be filled out in the OPD CABS program. When printed they must include the words “Generated by CABS” on the botom of the second page to be accepted.
Only Financial Disclosure Form OPD-206R rev. 11/24, bearing that revision on the bottom of the second page, may be used; outdated forms will be rejected.
Only use the Financial Disclosure Form with this on the botom of the second page: OPD-206R rev. 11/24. Any outdated form will be rejected.
An objection to a Magistrate’s Decision must be submitted in writing.
Any objection of a Magistrate’s Decision must be filed in writing within fourteen (14) days of the Court’s fie-stamped date on the order.
A judge or magistrate may electronically sign a document using a digitized image of the judicial signature.
Electronic documents may be signed by a judge or magistrate via a digitized image of his or her signature.
Section 7(g) may be continued on an additional page when more space is needed.
If you need more space, attach an additional page.
Section 11’s list of related cases and legal matters may be continued on an additional page when more space is needed.
(If you need more space, attach an additional page.)
Document Filing Requirements125 rules
The pro se applicant must state that no criminal or traffic charges are currently pending.
The defendant states that no criminal or traffic charges are currently pending against him or her.
Document Type
Application To Seal Or Expunge Criminal Record
The pro se applicant must state that all court costs, fines, fees, and restitution were paid or waived and that no monetary amount remains owed.
The defendant states that he or she has paid or had waived all court costs, fines, fees, and/or restitution and does not currently owe any monetary amount in the above-captioned case(s).
Document Type
Application To Seal Or Expunge Criminal Record
The defendant requests a hearing on this application.
Document Type
Application To Seal Or Expunge Criminal Record
The pro se applicant must state that the convictions should be sealed or expunged because the defendant has been rehabilitated.
The defendant states that his or her conviction(s) should be sealed/expunged because the defendant has been rehabilitated.
Document Type
Application To Seal Or Expunge Criminal Record
The application must identify the convictions for which sealing or expungement is sought, including case numbers, charges, conviction dates, and any community-control or probation termination date.
The defendant seeks the sealing/expunging of the following convictions: Case Number(s): _______________________________________________________________. Charge(s):_____________________________________________________________________. Date of Conviction(s): ___________________________________________________________. Date of Community Control / Probation Termination: __________________________________.
Document Type
Application To Seal Or Expunge Criminal Record
The application must provide the county and state for every address since age 18, beginning with the most recent address.
PREVIOUS ADDRESSES (Provide the County and State for each location you have listed in since you were 18, starting with the most recent address)
Document Type
Criminal Record Sealing Application
The application must list all arrests and convictions, including a juvenile prior record.
CRIMINAL HISTORY (list all arrests and/or convictions including juvenile prior record)
Document Type
Criminal Record Sealing Application
The criminal-record sealing application must include the applicant’s signature and date.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE
Document Type
Criminal Record Sealing Application
The applicant must authorize the Court Services Division to conduct a record check to determine eligibility for criminal-record sealing and identify the relevant case number or numbers.
I authorize the Warren County Court of Common Pleas, Court Services Division, to conduct a record check to determine my eligibility for the sealing of my criminal record in Case Number(s)
Document Type
Criminal Record Sealing Application
The applicant must sign Section IX and certify that the information is correct and true to the best of the applicant’s knowledge.
This section must be signed by the applicant, certifying that the information is correct, and true to the best of his or her knowledge.
Document Type
Applicant Certification
Compensation motions must use the most recent form version designated by the Ohio Public Defender.
Counsel must use the most recent version designated by the Ohio Public Defender.
Document Type
Compensation Motion
At the conclusion of the case, appointed counsel must file a compensation motion with a properly executed affidavit of indigency using Ohio Public Defender forms.
At the conclusion of the case, court appointed counsel shall file a motion for compensation with a properly executed affidavit of indigency on the forms approved by the Ohio Public Defender.
Document Type
Compensation Motion
Counsel must provide a federal tax identification number on the compensation motion or attach the required verification form.
Counsel shall either use his or her federal tax identification number on the motion, or he or she shall attach a tax identification number verification form to the motion.
Document Type
Compensation Motion
When a criminal case resolves without trial, appointed counsel requesting compensation for more than ten hours must provide a separate written explanation for the requested amount.
(4) In the event a criminal case is resolved without a trial, an appointed attorney seeking compensation for more than ten (10) hours of work (approximately $750.00) shall provide a separate, written explanation for the reason for the requested fee amount.
Document Type
Motion For Compensation
Parties and non-parties seeking confidentiality of mediation communications must execute a written Agreement to Mediate before the mediation session.
parties and non-parties desiring confidentiality of mediation communications shall execute a written “Agreement ===== PAGE 4 ===== to Mediate” prior to the mediation session.
Document Type
Agreement To Mediate
Before proceeding with a subsequent session, obtain signatures from any new or different attendees.
If a new or different person(s) attend a subsequent session, their signatures shall be obtained prior to proceeding.
Document Type
Agreement To Mediate
At mediation's conclusion, the report to the court must state whether mediation occurred or ended, whether any issues settled, party attendance, and any future sessions with dates and times.
At the conclusion of the mediation and in compliance with R.C. 2710.06, the Court shall be informed of the status of the mediation including all of the following: a) Whether the mediation occurred or was terminated; b) Whether a settlement was reached on some, all, or none of the issues; c) Attendance of the parties; and d) Future mediation session(s), including date and time.
Document Type
Mediator Report
A motion requesting an oral hearing must state specific grounds for the hearing’s necessity and include a proposed order granting it.
Any motion must provide specific grounds for the necessity of an oral hearing and must be accompanied by a proposed order granting same.
Document Type
Oral Hearing Motion
Each filing caption must identify the filing's nature or purpose, the action's case number, and the assigned judge.
(2) The case caption shall identify the nature or purpose of the filing, the case number of the action, and the name of the judge to whom the case has been assigned.
Document Type
Filing Caption
A refiled case must be identified as such in its caption with the original assigned judge, and the clerk must assign it to the original judge or that judge's predecessor.
(3) Re-filed Case. If the pleading being filed is a re-file of a previously dismissed lawsuit in this Court, the case caption shall identify the case is a re-file and indicate the name of the judge to which the original case was assigned. The clerk of court shall assign to the newly filed case the original case judge or his/her predecessor.
Document Type
Refiled Case Caption
A pleading, motion, or other filing may contain no more than one case number, and the clerk may reject a filing that contains more than one.
(5) No pleading, motion or other filing may contain more than one case number. The clerk of courts shall have the option to reject any filing that contains more than one case number.
Document Type
Filing
Attorney-submitted documents must contain the attorney's contact and registration information and identify the represented party; documents must also identify trial counsel when the submitting attorney will not serve in that role.
(4) Any document submitted by an attorney shall contain, in legible or printed form, the name, Ohio Supreme Court attorney registration number, mailing address, email address, and telephone number of the attorney. It shall identify the party the attorney represents. If that attorney will not serve as trial counsel, the original paper shall also identify the trial counsel.
Document Type
Attorney Document
A motion to seal must be accompanied by a proposed entry and must state the specific case number and caption of the document or case for which sealing is sought.
(A) Counsel requesting the sealing of a document or case shall file a motion and proposed entry with the judge assigned to the case. The motion shall contain the following: (1) The specific case number and caption of the document(s) or case that is the subject of the request to be sealed;
Document Type
Motion To Seal
Transcripts prepared for appellate purposes must comply with the Appellate Rules and the scheduling order from the Twelfth District Court of Appeals.
(3) Transcripts for appellate purposes shall be prepared in accordance with the Appellate Rules and the scheduling order issued by the Twelfth District Court of Appeals.
Document Type
Appellate Transcript
The original of every transcript must be filed with the Clerk of Courts.
(2) The original of all transcripts shall be filed with the Clerk of Courts.
Document Type
Transcript
The PDF filename title must match the caption title, and filing is based on the PDF document name.
The title given by the e-Filer to the PDF document must match the title in the caption of the filed document. The document will be filed based upon the name of the PDF document.
Document Type
Filed Document
Every filed document must use one of the document types listed in the e-filing portal.
All filed documents must conform with one of the “Document Type” options listed in the e-Filing Portal.
Document Type
Filed Document
E-filed documents requiring an attorney’s or filing party’s signature must be signed by hand or using the specified electronic signature format.
E-filed documents that require an attorney’s or filing party’s signature must be signed by hand or as follows:
Document Type
E Filed Document
A proposed order, entry, or other document requiring a judicial officer’s signature must be included in the PDF with the related motion.
Proposed orders and entries (or other documents requiring a judicial officer’s signature) must be included in the PDF with the motion for which the party seeks an order or entry.
Document Type
Motion
A motion to file instanter after technical failure must include a signed declaration explaining why the deadline was missed.
i. The motion must be accompanied by a signed declaration explaining the failure to meet the deadline.
Document Type
Instanter Motion
A proposed entry or order must be submitted as a separate PDF in the same email as, but not within, the pleading, motion, or memoranda.
A Proposed Entry or Order must be a separate PDF document included in the same email but not within the same document as the pleading, motion, and/or memoranda.
Document Type
Pleading Motion Or Memoranda
Unless good cause is shown, expert reports must be supplied to opposing counsel under the scheduling order and no later than 30 days before trial.
(C) Unless good cause is shown, all reports must be supplied to opposing counsel as set forth in the scheduling order, but no later than thirty (30) days prior to trial.
Document Type
Expert Witness Report
An expert report must state the expert's opinions on every issue on which the expert will testify, and the expert may not offer opinions omitted from the report.
(D) The report of an expert must reflect his or her opinions as to each issue about which the expert will testify. An expert will not be permitted to testify or provide opinions on issues not raised in his or her report.
Document Type
Expert Witness Report
A party may not call an expert witness unless a written expert report has been obtained and forwarded to opposing counsel before trial.
(A) A party may not call an expert witness to testify unless a written report has been procured from the expert and forwarded to opposing counsel prior to the time of trial.
Document Type
Expert Witness Report
The court will not permit an audio/video deposition transcript to be presented without an accompanying electronic, text-recognized, searchable written transcript.
The Court will not accept or permit the audio/video version of the deposition transcript to be presented during trial or hearing unless a written transcript of the deposition accompanies the submission in an electronic format which is in a text-recognized, searchable format.
Document Type
Audio Video Deposition Transcript
An audio/video deposition submission must include the recording officer’s certification stating that the witness was sworn or affirmed and that the recording is a true record, together with the officer’s deposition log.
The audio/video version of the deposition transcript shall include an attached written certification from the officer who took the audio/video deposition. The certification shall state that the witness was fully sworn or affirmed by the officer and that the audio/video version of the deposition is a true record of the testimony given by the witness. The officer’s log of the deposition shall be included with the certification.
Document Type
Audio Video Deposition Transcript
When the client has not approved the proposed entry, the motion must state that the court may sign unless the client requests a hearing within seven days after service.
(6) If the client has not signed off on the proposed entry, the motion must also state that the court may sign the entry unless the client requests a hearing within seven days of the motion being served upon the client.
Document Type
Motion To Withdraw
A Notice of Substitution of Counsel must state the date and time of any upcoming hearing or trial and explain that a change of counsel will not result in a continuance.
(3) The Notice of Substitution of Counsel shall contain the date and time of any upcoming hearing or trial and a statement that no continuance will be granted because of a change of counsel.
Document Type
Notice Of Substitution Of Counsel
A written request for a jury-service deferral or excuse must be submitted no later than seven days before the person’s scheduled reporting date.
(a) A person requesting a deferral or excuse shall apply to the Court in writing no later than seven (7) days before the date he or she is scheduled to report for jury duty.
Document Type
Jury Service Deferral Or Excuse Application
A litigant or the litigant’s attorney must contemporaneously file an affidavit of indigency when filing a civil action or proceeding to seek indigent status.
(1) To qualify as indigent, the litigant or the litigant’s attorney shall, upon the filing a civil action or proceeding, contemporaneously file an affidavit of indigency.
Document Type
Affidavit Of Indigency
Counsel in all cases must file a Notice of Appearance containing the listed attorney and representation information.
(A) Counsel in all cases shall file a Notice of Appearance, which shall contain the following:
Document Type
Notice Of Appearance
Any changed information in the initial Notice of Appearance must be reported immediately through a new Notice of Appearance.
(C) Information set forth in the initial Notice of Appearance that is subsequently changed, such as attorney or attorney’s address, shall be reported immediately by the filing of a new Notice of Appearance.
Document Type
Notice Of Appearance
Documents later submitted for filing must contain the same counsel and representation information required in the Notice of Appearance.
(B) Documents subsequently submitted to the clerk for filing shall contain the same information as set forth above.
Document Type
Subsequent Filings
Every motion must be accompanied by a supporting memorandum containing the specified grounds, citations, required evidentiary material, record citations, and proof of service.
(1) All motions shall be accompanied by a memorandum in support of the motion, which shall be a brief statement of the grounds for the motion, including legal citations to authorities demonstrating the movant is or is not entitled to the relief sought; affidavit or evidentiary materials where required by law; citations to the record in support of asserted facts; and proof of service in accordance with Civ.R. 5.
Document Type
Motion
When evidentiary materials are attached, the motion or memorandum caption must expressly identify the attachment.
(2) If evidentiary materials are attached, the motion or memorandum shall indicate in the case caption that they are attached, i.e., “Memo Contra Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment, Affidavit of Joe Smith attached.”
Document Type
Motion Or Memorandum
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
An unrepresented filer who does not use e-filing must file all documents by mail, commercial carrier, or personal delivery to the Clerk's Office.
(b) Unrepresented filers who do not utilize the e-Filing system must file all documents by mail, commercial carrier service, or personal delivery to the Clerk’s Office.
Page 22 | 4.04 ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION FILING (E-FILING), (B)(1)(b)
Each e-filing may contain only one captioned document, although attachments to a motion, brief, or other filing may be included in the same submission.
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.
Page 26 | (F) E-FILED DOCUMENTS (5) One Document Per Filing
When two captioned documents are submitted together, only the document named in the docket entry is considered filed.
If two captioned documents are included in the same e-Filing, the docket entry assigned to the filing will determine which document is filed. The document not named in the docket entry will not be considered filed.
Page 26 | (F) E-FILED DOCUMENTS (5)(b) One Document Per Filing
When the E-Filing Portal has a technical failure, filers may use paper filing or the Clerk's Email Filing process to meet filing deadlines.
ii. When the E-Filing Portal is subject to a technical failure, filers may file documents in paper format or via the Clerk’s Email Filing process to comply with jurisdictional and non- jurisdictional deadlines.
Page 30 | 3.04(K)(2)(b)(ii) Jurisdictional Deadlines
The Clerk’s Office shall accept documents delivered by email for filing.
Effective May 1, 2019, the Clerk of Courts shall accept documents delivered to the Clerk’s Office by electronic mail (email).
Page 31 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
Email filing acceptance is limited to licensed Ohio attorneys who have already appeared in the case.
The Clerk of Courts is only required to accept documents delivered by email for filing from licensed, Ohio attorneys who have already entered an appearance in the case.
Page 31 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
Paper hardcopies may not be delivered for documents submitted by email.
No paper hardcopies shall be delivered to the Clerk of Courts for documents delivered via email.
Page 31 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
Original complaints, answers, and documents requiring a filing fee may not be filed by email.
Original complaints, answers, and any document requiring a filing fee may not be delivered to the Clerk of Courts for filing via email.
Page 32 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
Documents seeking to be filed under seal may not be submitted under the email-filing rule.
No documents seeking to be filed under seal may be delivered for filing under this rule.
Page 32 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
Every deposition transcript intended for use at trial must first be submitted electronically to and filed by the Clerk of Courts.
(A) DEPOSITIONS. For every deposition to be used at trial, a transcript must first be filed with the Clerk of Courts. The transcript shall be submitted to the Clerk of Courts in electronic format, who shall docket and file the transcript pursuant to Local Rule 4.03(G).
Page 36 | 6.04 DEPOSITION TRANSCRIPTS
Every applicant must first complete the ODRC electronic Petition online through www.drccqe.com to request a CQE.
To request a CQE, all applicants must first complete the electronic Petition available online through the ODRC at www.drccqe.com.
Page 68 | 7.20 CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT (CQE) (C) PROCEDURE
New civil cases are initiated through the court's Benchmark e-filing process.
E-FILING PROCEDURE FOR NEW CIVIL CASES
Page 91 | E-FILING PROCEDURE FOR NEW CIVIL CASES
Documents in existing cases are submitted through the court's Benchmark e-filing process.
E-FILING PROCEDURE FOR EXISTING CASES
Page 92 | E-FILING PROCEDURE FOR EXISTING CASES
An attorney must register with the Clerk's Office before using e-filing if the attorney is not registered for the Public Access site.
If you are not registered as an attorney for the Public Access site, you will have to register with the Clerk’s Office before utilizing e-Filing.
Page 1 | ATTORNEY ACCESS REGISTRATION FORM
Completed fee forms must be emailed to the specified address or delivered to the Information Desk within 30 days after sentencing or final disposition.
All fee forms, when completed, are to be emailed to AtorneyMEACF@warrencountyohio.gov or brought to the Common Pleas Court building and dropped off at the Informa�on desk within 30 days of the sentencing or final disposi�on.
Page 1 | COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEYS FEE FORMS
Facsimile and email transmissions do not count as e-filing.
E-Filing does not include facsimile or email.
Page 22 | 4.04 ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION FILING (E-FILING), (D)(3)
Criminal filings may be submitted through the court's e-Filing Portal, except for documents that must be filed under seal.
(2) All criminal filings, except those listed below, may be e-Filed using the Court’s e-Filing Portal: (a) Documents to be filed under seal.
Page 22 | 4.04 ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION FILING (E-FILING), (B)(2)
The electronic version is the official court record for both electronically filed documents and paper documents scanned and uploaded to the E-Filing Portal.
For documents that have been electronically filed or documents filed in paper format that have been scanned and uploaded to the E-Filing Portal, the electronic version constitutes the official court record.
Page 22 | 4.04 ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION FILING (E-FILING), (C) OFFICIAL RECORD
Documents submitted through the e-file portal should not also be emailed or delivered in hard copy to the court or clerk.
Documents submitted via the e-File Portal should not also be emailed or provided via hard copy to the Court or the Clerk of Courts.
Page 25 | (F) E-FILED DOCUMENTS (2)(a)
The court’s e-filing portal currently accepts new civil cases and documents filed in civil and criminal cases.
Currently, only new civil cases and documents filed within civil and criminal cases may be filed using the Court’s e-Filings Portal.
Page 88 | e-Filing Portal
An attorney must register with the Clerk’s Office before using e-filing if not already registered for Public Access.
If you are not registered as an atorney for the Public Access site, you will have to register with the Clerk’s Office before u�lizing e-Filing.
Page 88 | e-Filing Portal
Electronic filing is currently permitted for pleadings, motions, briefs, memoranda, transcripts, orders, and other documents in civil and criminal cases, subject to limited exceptions.
With implementa�on of e-Filing for all current and future civil and criminal cases, all pleadings, mo�ons, briefs, memoranda of law, deposi�on transcripts, transcripts of proceedings, orders and other documents submited in all civil and criminal cases (cases with a CV or CR case number) may be submited electronically through the e-Filing Portal, with limited excep�ons.
Page 88 | e-Filing Portal
The Court's e-Filing Portal is currently available for new civil cases and documents filed in civil and criminal cases.
Currently, only new civil cases and documents filed within civil and criminal cases may be filed using the Court’s e-Filings Portal.
Page 1 | e-Filing Portal announcement
Documents in civil and criminal cases with CV or CR case numbers may be submitted electronically through the e-Filing Portal, subject to limited exceptions.
With implementation of e-Filing for all current and future civil and criminal cases, all pleadings, motions, briefs, memoranda of law, deposition transcripts, transcripts of proceedings, orders and other documents submitted in all civil and criminal cases (cases with a CV or CR case number) may be submitted electronically through the e-Filing Portal, with limited exceptions.
Page 1 | e-Filing Portal announcement
Unrepresented parties may use the e-Filing system from secure public access terminals provided by the Clerk of Courts.
(a) Unrepresented parties may utilize the e-Filing system. The Clerk of Courts will provide secure public access terminals from which unrepresented filers will be permitted to use the Court’s e-Filing system and electronically file documents.
Page 22 | 4.04 ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION FILING (E-FILING), (B)(1)(a)
The Clerk of Courts accepts electronic filings in civil, criminal, and appellate cases.
The Clerk of Courts currently accepts filings for civil, criminal and appellate cases by electronic transmission
Page 22 | 4.04 ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION FILING (E-FILING), (A) IMPLEMENTATION
Attorneys are encouraged, but not required, to use the court's e-Filing system.
(1) All attorneys are encouraged to use the court’s e-Filing system.
Page 22 | 4.04 ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION FILING (E-FILING), (B) E-FILING GENERALLY
E-filing under Local Rule 4 is preferred for criminal cases.
For criminal cases as of September 7, 2021, e-Filing under Local Rule 4 is preferred.
Page 31 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
When there are no court appearances, periodic billing must be submitted within 90 days of the attorney's last work on the case.
If there are no court appearances, the periodic billing shall be submitted within 90 days of the last work on the case by the attorney.
Page 2 | 8.05(E)(2) Motion for Compensation
Periodic billing must be submitted within 90 days of the calendar month containing the last court date.
Periodic billing shall be submitted within 90 days of the calendar month of the last court date.
Page 2 | 8.05(E)(2) Motion for Compensation
A motion for compensation must be filed within 30 days after the court's final judgment or case entry is journalized.
A motion for compensation shall be filed within 30 days after the Court’s final judgment or entry in the case has been journalized.
Page 2 | 8.05(E)(2) Motion for Compensation
A motion to set aside a magistrate’s order or objections to a magistrate’s decision, with supporting memoranda, must be timely filed under Civ.R. 53.
A motion to set aside a magistrate’s order or objections to a magistrate’s decision, along with memoranda in support thereof, shall be timely filed by any party in accordance with Civ.R. 53.
Page 8 | 2.06(F) MOTIONS TO SET ASIDE A MAGISTRATE’S ORDER OR OBJECTIONS TO A MAGISTRATE’S DECISION
An accepted e-filing receives an electronic timestamp corresponding to its submission date and time, which is also its effective filing date and time.
The electronic timestamp, and the effective date and time of filing, will correspond to the date and time the e-Filing was submitted to the E- Filing Portal.
Page 27 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
A rejected e-filed document is considered filed upon submission only if the deficiencies are corrected within two business days.
A rejected document will be considered filed upon submission, consistent with Local Rule 4.04(I)(4) provided any deficiencies are corrected in a timely manner, not to exceed two (2) business days.
Page 28 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
A revised document must be filed by the original document’s filing deadline.
The revised document must be filed within the time permitted for the filing of the original document.
Page 28 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
After an e-filing is accepted, it cannot be withdrawn, deleted, or altered; only a judge or magistrate may strike it if it was filed in error.
(b) After the clerk accepts an e-Filing, the e-Filed document cannot be withdrawn, deleted, or altered. After acceptance, only a judge or magistrate can strike an e-Filing in the event it has been filed in error.
Page 29 | 3.04 RECORDS AND FILINGS — Documents Filed in Error
For a planned or anticipated E-Filing Portal outage, the clerk must post an official outage acknowledgment on the clerk's website and the portal identifying the affected filing timeframe.
(a) Anticipated Outage. If the system outage is planned or anticipated ahead of time, the clerk must post a message on the clerk’s website and on the E-Filing Portal alerting filers of a possible system outage. This message is an official acknowledgment of a system outage that may have prevented some filers from submitting their filings within a certain timeframe, as identified in the message.
Page 29 | 3.04(K) SYSTEM ERRORS — Anticipated Outage
For an unexpected E-Filing Portal outage, the clerk must post an official outage acknowledgment on the clerk's website and the portal identifying the affected filing timeframe.
(b) Unexpected Outage. If the system outage is unexpected, the clerk must post a message on the clerk's website and on the E-Filing Portal. This message is an official acknowledgement of a system outage that may have prevented some filers from submitting their filings within a certain timeframe, as identified in the message.
Page 30 | 3.04(K) SYSTEM ERRORS — Unexpected Outage
If the Court finds that a system failure prevented e-filing, it must deem the document filed as of the attempted electronic-submission date.
(d) Order to Deem Filed as of Date Electronically Submitted. If the Court determines from the motion described in Part (3) of this Section 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 30 | 3.04(K)(1)(d) Order to Deem Filed as of Date Electronically Submitted
Technical failures do not extend jurisdictional deadlines, including statutes of limitation and appeal deadlines.
i. 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 30 | 3.04(K)(2)(b)(i) Jurisdictional Deadlines
Filers unable to submit filings electronically because of a system outage may file a properly supported motion to deem the document filed as of its electronic submission date if they submit it by the next business day after official acknowledgment of the outage.
(c) 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 30 | 3.04(K)(1)(c) Motion to Deem Filed as of Date Electronically Submitted
A party that misses a non-jurisdictional deadline because of its own technical problems may move to file instanter no later than the next business day after resolving those problems.
(a) 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.
Page 30 | 3.04(K)(2)(a) Non-jurisdictional Deadlines
An email-submitted document is not considered filed until the Clerk reviews, approves, and files it in the correct case file.
A document will not be considered filed until it is reviewed, approved, and filed into the correct case file by the Clerk of Courts.
Page 31 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
An attorney presenting an audio/video deposition transcript must submit it to the trial judge at least five working days before trial or hearing unless the court orders otherwise.
If an audio/video version of a deposition transcript is to be presented during trial or hearing, the attorney presenting the audio/video version of the deposition transcript shall submit the audio/video version of the deposition to the trial judge five (5) working days prior to the trial or hearing unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Page 39 | 6.04
A request for a view of the scene must be made in writing, filed at least 14 days before trial, and served on the opposing party.
All requests for a view of the scene shall be made in writing and filed at least 14 days prior to trial, with notice to the opposing party.
Page 39 | 6.05
The parties must file the Discovery Plan fourteen days after the parties' conference and no later than seven days before the Case Management Conference.
fourteen (14) days after the conference of the parties, and no later than seven (7) days prior to the Case Management Conference, the parties shall file with the Clerk of Court a Discovery Plan
Page 52 | (G) DISCOVERY PLAN
At least seven days before the pretrial conference, every party must file a pretrial statement with the court and serve it on every other party.
(D) Not less than seven days before the pretrial conference, all parties shall file with the Court and serve upon all other parties in the action a pretrial statement containing the following information:
Page 59 | 7 CIVIL ACTIONS
If a motion for separate findings of fact and conclusions of law is filed before the entry, the entry must be held in abeyance until those findings and conclusions are prepared and filed.
(4) If the event a motion for separate findings of fact and conclusions of law is filed prior to the filing of the entry, the entry will be held in abeyance until said separate findings of fact and conclusions of law have been prepared and filed.
Page 60 | 7.14(A)(4) JUDGMENTS
Parties need not attend the presentation-of-entry hearing if an entry is provided beforehand, but all must attend if no entry is provided and no extension was requested before the hearing date.
If an entry is provided prior to the date for the presentation of entry hearing, the parties need not appear. If an entry is not provided prior to the presentation of entry hearing date, and no extension has been requested prior to such date, all parties shall appear at the time and date of the presentation of entry hearing.
Page 60 | 7.14(B) SETTLEMENT
The proposed entry may not be submitted for court approval sooner than fourteen days after service of the certificate.
(a) The attached entry will be submitted to the Court for approval at a date and time specified in the certified, but not sooner than fourteen (14) days following service of the certificate;
Page 60 | 7.14(A)(3)(a) JUDGMENTS
After settlement, the parties must promptly notify the assigned judge's court staff, after which the matter will be set for a presentation-of-entry hearing.
When a case has been settled, the parties shall promptly notify the court staff of the assigned trial judge and the matter will be set for a presentation of entry hearing.
Page 60 | 7.14(B) SETTLEMENT
Within ten days after a decision requiring a written entry, prevailing counsel must prepare the entry and send it to all non-defaulting opposing parties or their counsel.
(2) After the Court has announced its decision on any matter requiring a written entry, counsel for the prevailing party shall prepare the appropriate entry and forward it to all opposing parties not in default or their counsel within ten (10) days.
Page 60 | 7.14(A) JUDGMENTS
A party requesting judicial sale must file a preliminary judicial report or an owner’s title insurance commitment within 14 days after filing the complaint or other sale-request pleading.
The party requesting a judicial sale of real estate shall, not later than 14 days after the filing of the complaint (or other pleading requesting a judicial sale), file either a preliminary judicial report, or a commitment for an owner’s fee policy of title insurance, as required by R.C. § 2329.191.
Page 62 | 7.16 FORECLOSURE ACTIONS (B)(1)(a)
Unless the court orders otherwise, a schedule listing all secured and unsecured creditors must be filed within seven days after the receiver application is filed.
(B) Unless otherwise ordered, a schedule of all creditors, secured and unsecured, shall be filed within 7 days of the filing of the application.
Page 65 | 7.17 RECEIVERSHIP
An appointed receiver must post a bond in the amount set by the court and file an inventory within thirty days of appointment.
(D) When a receiver is appointed, the receiver shall post bond in an amount set by the Court, and the receiver shall file an inventory within 30 days of appointment.
Page 66 | 7.17 RECEIVERSHIP
Periodic billing must be submitted within 90 days of the calendar month containing the last court date.
Periodic billing shall be submitted within 90 days of the calendar month of the last court date.
Page 74 | (E) MOTION FOR COMPENSATION
Service and Proof of Service Rules
An attorney who opts out of email service must file a Request for Mail Service in each case and deliver a copy to the assigned trial judge's assignment commissioner.
(B) Any attorney who does not wish to receive documents by email shall file a “Request for Mail Service” in each case in which he or she does not wish to receive electronic documents. A copy of this request shall be delivered to the assignment commissioner of the assigned trial judge for that case.
Page 15 | 3.08 SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS BY THE COURT
After filing, the Clerk must electronically distribute the filed document to all parties.
Once the document is filed, the Clerk of Courts shall make electronic distribution of the filed document to all parties in the case.
Page 32 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
The motion-to-withdraw certificate of service must identify the withdrawing attorney’s client and all opposing counsel.
(7) The certificate of service on the motion to withdraw must include the withdrawing counsel’s client as well as all opposing counsel.
Page 41
Every filing’s certificate of service must state each recipient attorney’s or party’s name, business address, and email address and must be signed in compliance with the Civil Rules.
(B) The certificate of service on all filings shall state the name, business address, and email address for service of each attorney or party to whom the filing is directed and shall be signed in accordance with the Civil Rules.
Page 46 | 7.05 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The certificate of service on every filing must state the service date and manner and identify certified mail, facsimile transmission, email, or hand delivery.
(A) The certificate of service on all filings shall state the date and manner of service designating whether it was sent by certified mail, facsimile transmission, email, or hand delivery.
Page 46 | 7.05 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
Electronic filing or email filing does not eliminate the requirement to serve opposing counsel or parties under the Rules of Civil Procedure.
(C) The availability of e-Filing or email filing shall not serve to eliminate any requirements to serve opposing counsel or parties with filings pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure.
Page 46 | 7.05 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
Service by publication requires the requesting party to file an affidavit and legal notice stating why summons cannot be served, detailing all efforts to locate the party, and attesting that the residence could not be ascertained through reasonable diligence.
(A) If service is to be perfected by publication pursuant to the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, the requesting party shall file with the Clerk of Courts an affidavit together with a legal notice. The affidavit shall aver that service of summons cannot be made because the residency of the party to be served is unknown to the affiant, all of the efforts made on behalf of the party to ascertain the residence of the party to be served, and that the residence of the party to be served cannot be ascertained with reasonable diligence.
Page 46 | 7.06 SERVICE BY PUBLICATION
Electronic or email filing does not eliminate the requirement to serve opposing counsel or parties.
The availability and utilization of e-Filing or email filing shall not serve to eliminate any requirements to provide service to opposing counsel or parties.
Page 47 | (C) TIME PERIOD FOR RESPONSES
A reply memorandum supporting a summary-judgment motion must be served within 7 days after service of the memorandum contra.
Any reply memorandum in support of a motion for summary judgment shall be served within seven (7) days after service of the memorandum contra.
Page 47 | (D)(2)(b) Motions for Summary Judgment
A memorandum contra to a motion for summary judgment must be served within 28 days after service of the motion, with failure to serve and file it potentially resulting in granting the motion without further opportunity to be heard.
Any memorandum contra to a motion for summary judgment shall be served upon the movant’s trial attorney or, if unrepresented, upon the unrepresented movant within twenty-eight (28) days after service of the motion. Failure to serve and file a memorandum contra within this time period may result in the Court granting the motion without further opportunity to be heard.
Page 47 | (D)(2) Motions for Summary Judgment
Parties and the Clerk must comply with Civil Rule 4.4 for service by newspaper publication, posting, and mail.
(B) The parties and the Clerk of Court shall comply with Civ.R. 4.4 regarding service by publication in a newspaper and by posting and mail.
Page 47 | 7.06 SERVICE BY PUBLICATION
A memorandum contra to a motion other than a summary-judgment motion must be served within 14 days after service of the motion and proof of service, with failure to do so potentially resulting in granting the motion without further opportunity to be heard.
Any memorandum contra to a motion, other than motions for summary judgment, shall be served upon the movant’s attorney or, if unrepresented, upon the unrepresented movant within fourteen (14) days from the date the motion and proof of service thereof was served. Failure to serve and file a memorandum contra within this time period may result in the Court granting the motion without further opportunity to be heard.
Page 47 | (D) TIME PERIOD FOR RESPONSES
A reply memorandum supporting a motion must be served within 7 days after service of the memorandum contra.
Any reply memorandum in support of a motion shall be served within seven (7) days after service of the memorandum contra.
Page 47 | (D) TIME PERIOD FOR RESPONSES
The pretrial statement must be served on all other parties in the action.
(D) Not less than seven days before the pretrial conference, all parties shall file with the Court and serve upon all other parties in the action a pretrial statement containing the following information:
Page 59 | 7 CIVIL ACTIONS
Trial exhibits not already forwarded must be forwarded to other parties no later than two weeks before trial.
(3) A list of each trial exhibits the party intends to introduce and indication that exhibits have been forwarded to other parties, or will be forwarded by a date not less than two weeks before trial;
Page 59 | 7 CIVIL ACTIONS
Record owners must receive notice of sale by mail whether or not they defaulted, unless they were originally served with summons solely by publication.
(2) The record owner(s) of the real estate shall be noticed by mail in all cases whether or not in default for failure to appear, except when said owners were originally served with summons solely by publication.
Page 63 | D. NOTICE OF SALE
When a judicial real-estate sale is ordered, the requesting attorney or party must promptly mail notice of the sale’s time, date, and location to record owners, non-defaulting interested parties, or their counsel at their last known addresses.
(1) In every action where a judicial sale of real estate is ordered by the Court, the attorney for the plaintiff, or such other party requesting the sale, shall promptly mail notice of the time, date and location of the sheriff’s sale to the record owner(s) of the subject real estate and to all other interested parties not in default for failure to appear, or their counsel of record, at their respective last known addresses.
Page 63 | D. NOTICE OF SALE
Other parties who failed to answer need not receive notice of sale except by publication under R.C. §§ 2329.26 and 2329.27.
(3) No other parties to the proceeding in default of answer need be served with notice of sale except by publication as provided by R.C. §§2329.26 and 2329.27.
Page 63 | D. NOTICE OF SALE
Failure to timely file the required certificate of service constitutes grounds for denying confirmation of the sale.
(b) Failure to timely file the certificate of service required by this Rule shall constitute grounds for denial of the confirmation of sale.
Page 64 | D. NOTICE OF SALE — Certificate of Service
At least 14 days before the scheduled sale date, requesting counsel must file with the clerk a certificate of service stating the date and manner of service and the names and addresses of all interested parties notified.
(a) Not less than 14 days prior to the scheduled sale date, counsel for the party requesting the sale shall file with the clerk of courts a certificate of service of notice of sale date specifying the date and manner of service and the names and addresses of all interested parties who received notice.
Page 64 | D. NOTICE OF SALE — Certificate of Service
Failure to provide timely notice to interested parties may result in denial of confirmation of the sale.
(4) Failure to provide timely notice to interested parties shall constitute grounds for denying confirmation of the sale.
Page 64 | D. NOTICE OF SALE
When a receiver appointment application is filed, the court will set a hearing by order and notice will be sent to all parties.
(A) When an application is made for the appointment of a receiver, a hearing on the application will be set by court order, and notice will be sent to all parties.
Page 65 | 7.17 RECEIVERSHIP
The clerk must accept a copy of the time-stamped appointing entry as satisfying Civ.R. 4.1's requirements for court designation of a person to serve process.
In any case thereafter, the Clerk of Courts shall accept a copy of the time- stamped appointing entry as satisfying the requirements of Civ.R. 4.1 for designation by the Court of a person to make service of process.
Page 67 | 7.19 CIVIL STALKING PROTECTION ORDERS (CSPOs)
The clerk must not serve the respondent with an order denying and dismissing a CSPO petition at the ex parte hearing.
If a judicial official denies and dismisses a petitioner for a CSPO at the ex parte hearing, the clerk of courts shall not serve a copy of the order denying and dismissing the petition upon the respondent.
Page 68 | 7.19 CIVIL STALKING PROTECTION ORDERS (CSPOs)
The moving party must immediately provide a copy of any pretrial motion to the adverse party.
The moving party shall immediately furnish a copy of the motion to the adverse party.
Page 75 | 8.07 PRETRIAL MOTIONS
For a non-incarcerated defendant, the prosecuting attorney must set arraignment with at least seven days allowed for service of the indictment.
If the defendant is not incarcerated, the prosecuting attorney shall set the arraignment so that at least seven days are allowed for service of the indictment.
Page 75 | 8.09 ARRAIGNMENT
A party seeking to modify criminal bail must give opposing counsel notice before applying to the Court.
such party shall make application to the Court. Notice thereof shall be given to opposing counsel prior to the making of such application.
Page 75 | 8.07 PRETRIAL MOTIONS
Filing Fees and Waivers
An applicant must pay a nonrefundable $50 application fee or submit an affidavit of indigency when submitting the seal or expunge application.
Take the “Application to Seal/Expunge a Criminal Record” section of this packet to the Clerk of Court’s Office and pay a nonrefundable $50 application fee or submit an affidavit of indigency.
Page 2 | HOW TO APPLY
A nonrefundable $50 application fee is required unless the applicant submits an affidavit of indigency and the Court waives the fee.
Unless the applicant submits an affidavit of indigency and the fee is waived by the Court, an applicant shall pay to the Warren County Clerk of Court the nonrefundable sum of $50, regardless of the number of records the applicant requests to be sealed or expunged.
Page 2 | COST OF APPLICATION
A non-refundable $25 application fee is assessed when submitting the form unless the court waives or reduces it, and inability to pay cannot result in denial of counsel.
This section provides notice to the applicant that he or she will be assessed a non-refundable $25 application fee when submitting this form, unless that fee is waived or reduced by the court. No applicant may be denied counsel based upon failure or inability to pay this fee. See ORC 120.36 (B).
Page 2 | VIII. $25.00 Application Fee Notice
A $2 clerk computerization fee applies to the services described in the specified statutory provisions.
Two Dollars ($2.00) for the services described in R.C. § 2303.2 (H), and (L).
Page 20 | 4 GENERAL
An additional $6 court computerization fee is charged for the filing of each action or appeal under the specified statutory provisions.
The Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to charge an additional fee of Six Dollars ($6.00) on the filing of each action or appeal under R.C. § 2303.20(A), (Q), and (U).
Page 20 | 4 GENERAL
A $75 foreclosure special project fee is assessed on every civil foreclosure action.
The Foreclosure Special Project Fee shall be Seventy-Five Dollars ($75.00) to be assessed on every civil foreclosure action.
Page 20 | 4 GENERAL
A $35 general special project fee is assessed on every civil action or proceeding, or judgment by confession, except foreclosure cases.
The General Special Project Fee shall be Thirty-Five Dollars ($35.00) to be assessed on every civil action or proceeding, or judgment by confession, except foreclosure cases.
Page 20 | 4 GENERAL
A $3 clerk computerization fee applies to the services described in the specified statutory provisions.
Three Dollars ($3.00) for the services described in R.C. § 2303.20(B), (C), (D) and (F).
Page 20 | 4 GENERAL
A $20 clerk computerization fee applies to specified filings, judgment-related docketing, and indexing of execution or judgment-modification proceedings.
Twenty Dollars ($20.00) on the filing of each cause of action or appeal, on the filing, docketing, and endorsing of each certificate of judgment, or on 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 20 | 4 GENERAL
Approval of indigency requires the clerk to waive the advance deposit or security and excuses later fees or costs unless a court order specifically addresses payment or nonpayment.
(1) If the application is approved, the clerk of court shall waive the advance deposit or security and the Court shall proceed with the civil action or proceeding. An indigency finding shall excuse the indigent litigant from the obligation to prepay any subsequent fee or cost arising in the civil action or proceeding unless the Court addresses the payment or nonpayment specifically in a court order.
Page 45 | 7.03 WAIVER OF COSTS
If indigency is denied, the court retains the filing and gives the litigant 30 days to provide the required advance deposit or security, failing which the action or proceeding is dismissed.
(2) If the application is denied, the clerk of courts shall retain the filing of the action or proceeding and the Court shall issue an order granting the litigant thirty (30) days to make the required advance deposit or security. Failure to do so shall result in dismissal of the civil action or proceeding.
Page 45 | 7.03 WAIVER OF COSTS
A non-refundable $80 CQE filing fee must be paid at filing and before action on the petition, although an indigent petitioner may request a reduction by submitting Form B.
The Petitioner must deposit a non-refundable filing fee with the Clerk in the amount of $80.00 at the time of filing. The fee must be paid before any action is required on the Petition. The Petitioner may submit an Affidavit of Indigency (Form “B”, available upon request at the Clerk’s office) if requesting a reduction in the filing fee.
Page 68 | 7.20 CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT (CQE) (C) PROCEDURE
A defendant who previously executed an affidavit of indigency may file a notice of appeal without paying a cost deposit.
Where a defendant has previously executed an affidavit of indigency indicating he or she is unable to obtain private counsel, the clerk of courts shall accept a filing of a notice of appeal without a cost deposit.
Page 77 | 8.14 NOTICE OF APPEAL FOR INDIGENT DEFENDANT
Payment is required for a new civil case, and the filing is rejected if the card information is incorrect or payment does not process.
On the summary page, you will need to enter payment for the case. Please note that the card informa�on must be exact, or the payment will not be processed on our end. If the payment does not process, we will reject the filing and restart the process.
Page 91 | E-FILING PROCEDURE FOR NEW CIVIL CASES
A non-refundable $25 application fee is assessed when submitting the financial disclosure form unless the court waives or reduces it, and inability or failure to pay cannot support denial of counsel.
This section provides notice to the applicant that he or she will be assessed a non-refundable $25 application fee when submitting this form, unless that fee is waived or reduced by the court. No applicant may be denied counsel based upon failure or inability to pay this fee. See ORC 120.36 {B}.
Page 94 | VIII. $25.00 Application Fee Notice
A non-refundable $25 application fee must be paid to the clerk within seven days unless the court waives or reduces it, and inability to pay may not result in denial of counsel.
By submitting this Financial Disclosure Form, you will be assessed a non-refundable $25.00 application fee unless waived or reduced by the court. If assessed, the fee is to be paid to the clerk of courts within 7 days of submitting this form to the entity that will make a determination regarding your indigency. No applicant may be denied counsel based upon failure or inability to pay this fee.
Page 97 | VIII. $25.00 APPLICATION FEE NOTICE
An applicant seeking to seal or expunge a criminal record must pay a nonrefundable $50 fee unless the court waives it based on an affidavit of indigency; the fee applies regardless of the number of records requested.
Unless the applicant submits an affidavit of indigency and the fee is waived by the Court, an applicant shall pay to the Warren County Clerk of Court the nonrefundable sum of $50, regardless of the number of records the applicant requests to be sealed or expunged.
Page 101 | COST OF APPLICATION
A filing-fee waiver applies to applicants found not guilty of all charges, whose entire charging instrument was dismissed, or against whom a no bill was entered, but not to partial dispositions.
An applicant who was found not guilty, whose complaint, indictment, or information was dismissed, or against whom a no bill was entered by the grand jury, shall not be required to pay a filing fee. An applicant eligible to not pay a filing fee must have been found not guilty of all charges, must have had his/her entire complaint, indictment, or information dismissed or no billed. Partial not guilty verdicts, dismissal, or no bills do not qualify for the waiver of the filing fee.
Page 107 | COST OF APPLICATION
An applicant who completed ILC or whose case was dismissed generally must pay a nonrefundable $50 application fee, but an indigent applicant determined by the court is excused from that fee.
Unless the applicant files an affidavit of indigency and is determined indigent by the Court, an applicant who has successfully completed an intervention in lieu of conviction plan (ILC) or whose case was dismissed shall pay to the Warren County Clerk of Court the nonrefundable sum of $50, regardless of the number of records the application requests to be sealed.
Page 107 | COST OF APPLICATION
An applicant must pay or obtain a waiver of all court costs, fines, fees, and restitution before being eligible for record sealing.
Please note, the applicant must have paid or had waived any and all court costs, fines, fees, and/or restitution before the applicant is considered eligible to have his or her record sealed.
Page 107 | ELIGIBLE APPLICANT
An applicant who completed ILC or whose case was dismissed must pay a nonrefundable $50 application fee unless the applicant files an affidavit of indigency and is found indigent.
Unless the applicant files an affidavit of indigency and is determined indigent by the Court, an applicant who has successfully completed an intervention in lieu of conviction plan (ILC) or whose case was dismissed shall pay to the Warren County Clerk of Court the nonrefundable sum of $50, regardless of the number of records the application requests to be sealed.
Page 1 | COST OF APPLICATION
Before an applicant is eligible for record sealing, all court costs, fines, fees, and restitution must be paid or waived.
Please note, the applicant must have paid or had waived any and all court costs, fines, fees, and/or restitution before the applicant is considered eligible to have his or her record sealed.
Page 1 | ELIGIBLE APPLICANT
No filing fee is required when the applicant was found not guilty on all charges, the entire case was dismissed or no-billed, but partial favorable outcomes do not qualify for the fee waiver.
An applicant who was found not guilty, whose complaint, indictment, or information was dismissed, or against whom a no bill was entered by the grand jury, shall not be required to pay a filing fee. An applicant eligible to not pay a filing fee must have been found not guilty of all charges, must have had his/her entire complaint, indictment, or information dismissed or no billed. Partial not guilty verdicts, dismissal, or no bills do not qualify for the waiver of the filing fee.
Page 1 | COST OF APPLICATION
If one party discontinues mediation on the first day, the judge or magistrate may hold that party alone responsible for the $500 mediation fee.
If a single party discontinues the mediation process on the first day, the judge or magistrate may hold that party alone responsible for the $500.00 fee for mediation.
Page 5 | 4.20 FEES AND COSTS
With the parties' consent, further mediation sessions may be scheduled after the first six hours, and mediation fees are taxed as court costs.
The mediator, with consent of the parties, may schedule further sessions after the first six (6) hours. The mediation fees shall be taxed as court costs.
Page 5 | 4.20 FEES AND COSTS
Other civil mediation costs $500 for one session of up to six hours, with an additional $100 per full or partial hour beyond six hours.
The cost for other civil mediation will be based on a single-session fee of $500.00 for sessions up to six (6) hours, plus $100.00 per hour for each additional full or partial hour of a mediation session lasting more than six (6) hours.
Page 5 | 4.20 FEES AND COSTS
Foreclosure mediation costs $250.
The cost for foreclosure mediation is $250.00.
Page 5 | 4.20 FEES AND COSTS
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Social Security, financial account, driver's license, tax, employer, employee, and other statutorily protected identifying information may not appear in public filings, although the last four digits of Social Security and financial account numbers may be listed.
The following information is deemed personal and private and may not be included in any document presented to the clerk of courts for filing nor contained in any document filed with the court which is available to the public: (1) Social Security Numbers; (a) The last 4 digits of a social security number may be listed, e.g., “XXX- XX-1234”; (2) Financial account number(s); Page 11 of 84 ===== PAGE 14 ===== (a) The last 4 digits of an account number may be listed, e.g., “xxx1234”; (3) Driver’s License Numbers; (4) State or federal tax identification numbers; (5) Employer and employee identification numbers; (6) Any other information deemed personal and private by any federal or state statute, Marsy’s Law, regulation, executive order, or court ruling.
Page 11 | 3.04 PROTECTION OF PERSONAL AND PRIVATE INFORMATION
The filing party and counsel must remove personal and private information from filings and attached exhibits and addenda, including judicial reports, tax liens, medical records, and other attached materials.
(B) It is the responsibility of the filing party and counsel to remove personal and private information from a document filed with the clerk of court’s office. The responsibility of the filing party and counsel to remove personal and private information extends to, and includes, exhibits and addenda attached to filings, such as preliminary and final judicial reports, state tax liens that use social security numbers as case numbers, medical records, and personal information.
Page 12 | 3.04 PROTECTION OF PERSONAL AND PRIVATE INFORMATION
Counsel seeking to seal a document or case must file a motion and proposed entry with the assigned judge and include the specific case number and caption of the material to be sealed.
(A) Counsel requesting the sealing of a document or case shall file a motion and proposed entry with the judge assigned to the case. The motion shall contain the following: (1) The specific case number and caption of the document(s) or case that is the subject of the request to be sealed;
Page 12 | 3.06 FILINGS UNDER SEAL
If the assigned judge grants the motion, the filing party shall provide the clerk with the documents and a copy of the entry permitting filing under seal, and the clerk shall then do all of the following.
(B) If the motion is granted by the assigned judge, the filing of the documents or case will be exempt from e-Filing. The party filing under seal shall provide the clerk of courts with the document(s) to be filed, along with a copy of the entry permitting the document(s) or case to be filed under seal, and the clerk shall then do all of the following:
Page 13 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
A sealed document or case may be viewed only by the assigned judge and staff, an appellate judge reviewing the appeal, or a person who obtains access through a motion and proposed entry approved by the assigned trial judge.
(C) A sealed document(s) or case may only be viewed: (1) By the judge assigned to the case and his/her staff; (2) By an appellate judge who is reviewing the case on appeal; or (3) By filing a motion and proposed entry with the assigned trial judge. If the judge grants the motion, the signed entry must be filed in the clerk of court’s office. The clerk will then physically unseal the document(s) or case and make such available for viewing and restore the view of the document(s) or case file to the website.
Page 13 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
If the same order permits temporary viewing and requires immediate resealing, the clerk must not restore website availability, and the person receiving temporary access may not disclose the sealed contents.
(4) When a motion and entry are filed to allow a party to view a sealed document(s) or case, and the same entry orders the clerk to reseal the document(s) or case file immediately after viewing, the clerk shall follow the same procedure as outlined above, except that the clerk shall not make the document(s) or case available for view on the website. The person granted temporary access to the document(s) or case shall not divulge the contents to others.
Page 13 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
Social Security numbers and other information that must be excluded from the public record must be redacted under the Court's and Rules of Superintendence.
All social security numbers and other information that must be excluded from public record shall be redacted in accordance with the rules of this Court and the Rules of Superintendence.
Page 68 | 7.20 CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT (CQE) (C) PROCEDURE
Every motion to seal a record must be set for a hearing.
All motions for sealing of the record shall be set for hearing.
Page 78 | 8.15 MOTION FOR SEALING OF RECORDS
A pro se defendant may apply for an order sealing or expunging the criminal record under Ohio Revised Code sections 2953.33 or 2951.041.
Comes now the defendant, __________________________, pro se, and moves the Court, pursuant to section 2953.33 or 2951.041 of the Ohio Revised Code, for an order SEALING or EXPUNGING (select one) the record of the defendant’s case
Page 109 | APPLICATION TO SEAL A RECORD PURSUANT TO R.C. 2953.33 OR R.C. 2951.041
A pro se defendant initiates the sealing or expungement process by moving the court for an order.
Comes now the defendant, __________________________, pro se, and moves the Court,
Page 3 | APPLICATION TO SEAL A RECORD PURSUANT TO R.C. 2953.33 OR R.C. 2951.041
Personal information in earlier filings and records transmitted from another court is public, but an affected person may petition for its removal and redaction if the request is granted.
(D) Any personal and private information contained in documents filed prior to the implementation of this Rule 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 the public record of this Court may petition the Court for the removal of personal and private information and, if the request is granted, the personal and private information will be redacted.
Page 12 | 3.04 PROTECTION OF PERSONAL AND PRIVATE INFORMATION
Filing Bundling Requirements
Exhibits must be appended to the supporting document and filed together as one document.
Exhibits are to be appended to the document they support and filed together as one document.
Page 31 | 3 RECORDS AND FILINGS
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The court may permit a supplemental memorandum or sur-reply upon motion and a showing of good cause, with the page limit determined later by the court.
(7) The Court may grant the filing of a supplemental memorandum, or sur-reply, upon motion and with good cause shown. A determination of the appropriate page length limitation for a supplemental memorandum shall be made by the Court at the appropriate time.
Page 48 | 7.10 MOTIONS, OBJECTIONS AND WRITTEN FILINGS (A)(7)
When directed by the scheduling order, a movant must request a conference with the court before moving for an order relating to discovery.
(e) direct that before moving for an order relating to discovery, the movant must request a conference with the court.
Page 51 | (E)(2)(e) THE SCHEDULING ORDER
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A mediation continuance requires good cause and a mutually acceptable future date, may be granted by the referring judge or magistrate, generally cannot be justified solely by pending motions, and will not be granted unless the mediation can occur before the final pretrial.
Continuances of scheduled mediations shall be granted only for good cause shown after a mutually acceptable future date has been determined. The judge or magistrate who referred the case may continue the case. Except as authorized by the Court, the existence of pending motions shall not be good cause for a continuance and no continuance will be granted unless the mediation can be scheduled prior to the final pretrial.
Page 4 | 4.16 CONTINUANCES
A party seeking a continuance of a trial or hearing must file a written motion endorsed by the moving party and counsel.
No party shall be granted a continuance of a trial or hearing except upon written motion endorsed by the moving party and his or her counsel.
Page 39 | 6.06
A continuance motion based on a conflicting trial assignment must attach documentation of the conflict and be filed at least 30 days before trial.
A motion to continue for the reason set forth above shall be accompanied by documentation of the conflicting trial assignment is attached thereto and the motion is filed not less than 30 days prior to trial.
Page 40 | 6.06
A continuance must include a contemporaneous new date for the matter.
No continuance shall be granted without contemporaneously setting the matter of a new date.
Page 40 | 6.06
In civil cases, the continuance motion must be signed by both counsel and the party seeking the continuance.
In civil cases, the motion shall be signed by both counsel and the party on whose behalf the continuance is sought.
Page 40 | 6.06
Counsel may not request or receive a continuance because counsel was substituted.
(2) No continuance shall be requested or granted as a result of a substitution of counsel.
Page 41
The Court may grant an ex parte extension of up to 30 days for filing a memorandum contra if no prior extension was granted; any later or longer extension requires written opposing-party approval or a noticed motion.
The Court may grant an ex parte extension of up to thirty (30) days for the filing of a memorandum contra provided that no prior extension has been granted. Any subsequent extension of time or any extension in excess of thirty (30) days may be granted only with written approval of the opposing party, or upon motion and notice to the opposing party.
Page 47 | (D)(2)(d) Extensions
Additional time to answer or reply after the deadline may be obtained only under Civil Rule 6.
(2) Where the time for answer or reply has already expired, additional time for filing such answer or reply may be obtained only as provided in Civ.R. 6.
Page 47 | 7.08 EXTENSION OF TIME TO PLEAD
A mediation continuance requires good cause and a mutually acceptable future date; pending motions generally are not good cause, and the mediation must be schedulable before the final pretrial unless the Court authorizes otherwise.
Continuances of scheduled mediations shall be granted only for good cause shown after a mutually acceptable future date has been determined. The judge or magistrate who referred the case may continue the case. Except as authorized by the Court, the existence of pending motions shall not be good cause for a continuance and no continuance will be granted unless the mediation can be scheduled prior to the final pretrial.
Page 55 | 7.12(O) CONTINUANCES
If a grand jury takes no final action within 60 days after bindover, the charge must be dismissed unless the prosecuting attorney obtains a continuance for good cause and for a definite period.
When an accused has been bound over to a grand jury and no final action is taken by the grand jury within 60 days after the date of the bindover, the Court or the administrative judge of the Court shall dismiss the charge unless for good cause shown the prosecuting attorney is granted a continuance for a definite period of time.
Page 77 | 8.11 INACTIVE BINDOVER CASES
A scheduled mediation continuance may be granted only when good cause is shown and the parties have determined a mutually acceptable future date.
Continuances of scheduled mediations shall be granted only for good cause shown after a mutually acceptable future date has been determined.
Page 5 | (7) Continuances
Pending motions generally do not constitute good cause for a mediation continuance, and no continuance will be granted unless the mediation can occur before the final pretrial.
Except as authorized by the court, the existence of pending motions shall not be good cause for a continuance and no continuance will be granted unless the mediation can be scheduled prior to the final pretrial.
Page 5 | (7) Continuances
When counsel has a conflicting trial assignment, the case set first for trial takes priority.
When the continuance of a trial or hearing is requested because counsel is scheduled to appear in another case assigned for trial on the same date in this or another court, the case that was set first for trial shall take priority.
Page 40 | 6.06
A continuance motion must state whether the opposing counsel or party supports or opposes it.
The motion for continuance shall indicate whether opposing counsel/party supports or opposes the motion.
Page 40 | 6.06
The assigned trial judge may waive the continuance requirements upon a showing of good cause.
The assigned trial judge may waive any of the above requirements upon a showing of good cause.
Page 40 | 6.06
The response time periods may be extended by the Court upon application and a showing of good cause.
The time periods set forth in this section may be extended by the Court upon application and for good cause shown.
Page 47 | (D)(2)(c) Extensions
The court may grant an ex parte 30-day extension to answer or reply to a counterclaim only before the original deadline expires and only if no prior extension was granted.
(A) Leave may be granted ex parte for an additional 30 days for filing of an answer or a reply to a counterclaim, provided that the time for filing of an answer or reply has not yet expired and no previous extension has been granted.
Page 47 | 7.08 EXTENSION OF TIME TO PLEAD
A party may request a continuance to obtain a lawyer.
You may ask for a continuance to obtain a lawyer per R.C. 2903.214(D)(2)(iii).
Page 5 | FORM 10.03-G: INFORMATION ABOUT FILING A CIVIL STALKING PROTECTION ORDER AND A CIVIL SEXUALLY ORIENTED OFFENSE PROTECTION ORDER
Chambers Communication Rules
Questions about technical issues or attorney registration should be emailed to JStorms@warrencountyohio.gov.
Any ques�ons regarding technical issues/registra�on of atorneys should be directed to JStorms@warrencountyohio.gov
Page 88 | e-Filing Portal
General questions may be emailed to Clerk of Courts Breighton Smith at BSmith@warrencountyohio.gov.
Ques�ons of a general nature can be addressed with Clerk of Courts Breighton Smith via email to BSmith@warrencountyohio.gov.
Page 88 | e-Filing Portal
Questions about technical issues or attorney registration may be directed by phone to 513-695-2668.
Any ques�ons regarding technical issues/registra�on of atorneys should be directed to JStorms@warrencountyohio.gov or by phone at 513-695-2668.
Page 88 | e-Filing Portal
Call 513-695-2668 for e-filing issues in new civil cases.
OR 513-695-2668
Page 91 | E-FILING PROCEDURE FOR NEW CIVIL CASES
Email Joshua Storms at JStorms@warrencountyohio.gov for e-filing issues.
FOR ANY ISSUES WITH E-FILING, CONTACT JOSHUA STORMS AT JStorms@warrencountyohio.gov
Page 91 | E-FILING PROCEDURE FOR NEW CIVIL CASES
Email or call Joshua at the provided contact information for e-filing issues in existing cases.
FOR ANY ISSUES WITH E-FILING, CONTACT JOSHUA AT JStorms@warrencountyohio.gov or 513.695.2668.
Page 92 | E-FILING PROCEDURE FOR EXISTING CASES
Questions about attorney registration and e-filing technical issues may be submitted by email or telephone.
Any questions regarding technical issues/registration of attorneys should be directed to jstorms@warrencountyohio.gov or by phone at 513-695-2668.
Page 1 | e-Filing Portal announcement
General questions may be emailed to Clerk of Courts Breighton Smith at bsmith@warrencountyohio.gov.
Questions of a general nature can be addressed with Clerk of Courts Breighton Smith via email to bsmith@warrencountyohio.gov.
Page 1 | e-Filing Portal announcement