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

Applies to

Application to seal or expunge criminal record

The defendant requests a hearing on this application.

The defendant requests a hearing on this application.

Applies to

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: __________________________________.

Applies to

Application to seal or expunge criminal record

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.

Applies to

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).

Applies to

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.

Applies to

Criminal record sealing application

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)

Applies to

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)

Applies to

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)

Applies to

Criminal record sealing application

The criminal-record sealing application must include the applicant’s signature and date.

SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE

Applies to

Applicant certification

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.

Applies to

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.

Applies to

Compensation motion

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.

Applies to

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.

Applies to

Motion for compensation

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.

Applies to

Agreement to mediate

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.

Applies to

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.

Applies to

Mediator report

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.

Applies to

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.

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pretrial statement must list intended trial exhibits and indicate that they have been or will be forwarded to other parties at least 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;

Applies to

Oral hearing motion

Must include

proposed order

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.

Applies to

Filing caption

Must include

judge name, case number

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.

Applies to

Refiled case 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.

Applies to

Attorney document

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.

Applies to

Filing

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.

Applies to

Motion to seal

Must include

case number

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;

Applies to

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.

Applies to

Appellate transcript

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.

Applies to

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.

Applies to

Filed document

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.

Applies to

E 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:

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

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.

Applies to

Instanter 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.

Applies to

Pleading motion or memoranda

Must include

proposed order

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.

Applies to

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.

Applies to

Expert witness report

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.

Applies to

Audio video deposition transcript

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.

Applies to

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.

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

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.

Applies to

Notice of substitution of counsel

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.

Applies to

Jury service deferral or excuse application

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.

Applies to

Affidavit of indigency

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.

Applies to

Notice of appearance

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:

Applies to

Subsequent filings

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.

Applies to

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.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of service

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.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

judge name

Every motion caption must name the assigned judge and, where applicable, the assigned magistrate.

(2) All motions shall contain within their captions the name of the judge and magistrate, where applicable, to whom said case has been assigned.

Applies to

Evidentiary materials

To comply with Civil Rule 56(c), parties must file evidentiary materials with the clerk or attach them to the motion or memorandum.

(1) To ensure compliance with Civ.R. 56(C), parties are directed to file evidentiary materials with the Clerk of the Court, or to attach them to the motion or memorandum.

Applies to

Motion or memorandum

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.”

Applies to

Evidentiary materials

Documents not expressly authorized by Civil Rule 56(c) must be attached to an authenticating affidavit.

(3) Documents not expressly authorized by Civ.R. 56(C) shall be attached to an authenticating affidavit.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A motion for default judgment must include a proposed order, identify the date summons was served on each affected party, and comply with Civil Rule 55.

All motions for default judgment shall be accompanied by a proposed order granting default judgment. The motion and proposed order shall both include the date of service of summons upon each party against whom judgment is being sought or granted and shall comply with Civ.R. 55.

Applies to

Scheduling order

The scheduling order must set definite discovery, dispositive-motion, expert-disclosure, jury-instruction, pretrial-statement, final-preconference, and trial deadlines.

The scheduling order will set forth definite deadlines for the completion of all discovery, the filing of dispositive motions, the identification and disclosure of expert reports, the filing or proposed jury instructions and pretrial statements, and shall set dates for a final pretrial conference and trial.

Applies to

Discovery plan

The parties must file a Discovery Plan with the Clerk stating their views and proposals on specified discovery matters.

the parties shall file with the Clerk of Court a Discovery Plan stating the parties’ view and proposals on the following:

Applies to

Mediation memorandum

As agreed by the parties, the assigned mediator, parties, or applicable counsel must immediately prepare a written memorandum memorializing any settlement agreement.

The assigned mediator, parties or counsel, if applicable, as agreed by the parties, shall immediately prepare a written memorandum memorializing any agreement reached by the parties.

Applies to

Mediator report

At the mediation’s conclusion, the Court must be informed whether mediation occurred or ended, whether settlement was reached, party attendance, and any future mediation sessions.

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:

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pretrial statement must describe the nature of the action and the factual and legal issues presented.

(1) A statement of the nature of the action, including a detailed statement advising the Court of the factual and legal issues presented;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pretrial statement must identify all lay and expert witnesses, provide their addresses and expected testimony, and state when each expert report was furnished.

(2) A list by full name and address of all lay and expert witnesses and a summary of their expected testimony, including the date each expert’s report was furnished to the other parties;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pretrial statement must itemize special damages, identify that opposing parties received verification, and describe support for claimed lost wages or impaired earning capacity.

(4) An itemization of special damages and indication that opposing parties have been furnished with verification of the damages. Where lost wages or impairment of earning capacity are claimed, the statement shall set forth the support for the loss, i.e., testimony of the party, employer, etc.;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pretrial statement must state the party's positions on legal issues and significant evidentiary questions, with supporting authorities cited.

(5) A statement of the party’s position on legal issues, including significant evidentiary questions, with a citation of authorities in support;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pretrial statement must identify the legal authority supporting requested jury instructions that are not contained in the OJI.

(6) A statement of the party’s legal authority for any requested jury instructions not contained in OJI;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pretrial statement must advise the court of the current status of settlement discussions.

(7) A statement advising the Court of the current status of settlement discussions;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pretrial statement must advise the court of any other pretrial matters or matters specifically ordered by the assigned judge.

(8) A statement advising the Court of any other pretrial matters, or any matters specifically ordered by the assigned judge.

Applies to

Judgment entry

An opposing party objecting to an entry's form or content must sign it with the words “subject to objection” beneath the signature.

The opposing party shall sign the entry, and if he or she objects to it based on form or content, the party shall sign with the words “subject to objection” under his or her signature.

Applies to

Judgment entry

As an alternative procedure, prevailing counsel may circulate an entry with a certificate documenting service on all opposing counsel and unrepresented parties and providing the required objection notice.

(3) In the alternative to Local Rule 7.09(A)(2), the prevailing party may prepare and circulate an entry, accompanying it with a certificate that all opposing counsel and unrepresented parties have been furnished with a copy. This certificate shall notify all opposing parties that:

Applies to

Preliminary judicial report or title insurance commitment

A preliminary judicial report or title insurance commitment must include the property’s legal description and state that it is approved as sufficient for conveyance purposes.

The preliminary judicial report or title insurance commitment shall include a legal description of the subject property and shall indicate that the legal description has been approved as being sufficient for conveyance purposes.

Applies to

Final judicial report

A party filing a preliminary judicial report must also file a final judicial report before submitting an order or judgment for sale of real estate.

Prior to submitting an order or judgment that orders the sale of real estate, the party who file a preliminary judicial report shall also file a final judicial report.

Applies to

Legal description of real estate

Every legal description of real estate subject to judicial sale must include the parcel number.

Every legal description of real estate subject to judicial sale shall include the parcel number.

Applies to

Praecipe for order of sale or request for judicial sale

Every praecipe or request for judicial sale, including confirmation-of-sale and distribution orders, must include an engineer-approved description of the real estate.

A party requesting judicial sale of real estate shall include an engineer- approved description of the real estate in every praecipe for order of sale or request for judicial sale, including confirmation of sale and distribution orders.

Applies to

Motion for judgment in foreclosure

Must include

proposed order

A party requesting judicial sale must submit a proposed decree of foreclosure with the motion for judgment.

The party requesting judicial sale of real estate shall, upon making motion for judgment, submit a proposed decree of foreclosure containing the following:

Applies to

Proposed decree of foreclosure

The proposed foreclosure decree must state in the caption that it is a Final Appealable Order.

Notation in the caption that the decree is a “Final Appealable Order;”

Applies to

Proposed decree of foreclosure

The proposed foreclosure decree must list the date and method of service on every defendant in grid format.

Date and method of service on every defendant in grid format;

Applies to

Proposed decree of foreclosure

The proposed foreclosure decree must include priority-of-liens language, except in tax foreclosure cases.

Priority of liens language (not required in tax foreclosure cases);

Applies to

Foreclosure decree

Except in tax foreclosure cases, a foreclosure decree must include a signature line for each counsel of record and each unrepresented party who filed an answer.

(e) Except in tax foreclosures cases, a signature line for each counsel of record and each unrepresented party who filed an answer to the complaint (signature authority may be obtained by counsel via fax or telephone);

Applies to

Foreclosure decree

When foreclosure is based on default of a mortgage note no longer held by the original mortgagee, the decree must include an assignment of mortgage to the current mortgagee.

(c) Where the foreclosure is based upon the default of a mortgage note that is no longer held by the original mortgagee, an assignment of mortgage to the current mortgagee.

Applies to

Foreclosure decree

In tax foreclosure cases, the decree must include the prosecuting attorney’s certification that the proposed judgment entry was submitted to counsel and answering parties, who have 14 days to object in writing.

(f) In tax foreclosure cases, a certification by the prosecuting attorney that a copy of the proposed judgment entry has been submitted by U.S. Mail, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail to each counsel of record and each party who filed an answer to the complaint with a statement that the Court may approve and file the judgment entry unless the counsel or party files written objections to the proposed judgment entry within fourteen 14 days of the submission of the proposed judgment entry to counsel and parties;

Applies to

Foreclosure decree

A foreclosure decree must include a legal description of the real estate and its parcel number.

(g) A legal description of the real estate, including the parcel number; and

Applies to

Foreclosure decree

A foreclosure decree must include notice of the right of redemption under R.C. § 2329.33.

(h) Notice of the Right of Redemption pursuant to R.C. § 2329.33.

Applies to

Foreclosure decree

Every foreclosure decree must be submitted to each answering party with language giving that party 10 days to object to signing the entry.

(2) Every decree of foreclosure shall be submitted to each party who has answered in the action with language that he/she has 10 days to object to the signing of the entry.

Applies to

Foreclosure decree

A foreclosure decree must include a military affidavit for each mortgage-note signer or, in a tax foreclosure, for the property owner shown in Warren County real-property records.

(a) A military affidavit as to each party who signed the mortgage note, or in the case of tax foreclosure cases, as to the owner of the property as reflected in the real property records of Warren County, Ohio;

Applies to

Foreclosure decree

Except in tax foreclosure cases, a foreclosure decree must include an affidavit stating the remaining mortgage balance.

(b) Except in tax foreclosure cases, an affidavit as to the remaining balance on the mortgage; and

Applies to

Proposed order confirming sale

Must include

proposed order

Within 30 calendar days after the sheriff returns an order of sale or writ showing that the property was sold, requesting counsel must submit a proposed order confirming the sale.

(1) Within 30 calendar days after the Sheriff’s return of an order of sale or writ of execution indicating that property had been sold pursuant to such order or writ, counsel for the party requesting the sale shall submit to the Court a proposed order confirming the sale.

Applies to

Fee application

A court-appointed receiver or fiduciary seeking court-awarded compensation must file a written application stating the time and date of the compensation hearing.

In any matter in which a receiver or other fiduciary appointed by the Court seeks compensation through the Court for fees, he or she shall file a written application for compensation, which shall include notice of the time and date of a hearing upon the application.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

To obtain personal service by a special process server under Civil Rule 4.1, a party or counsel must submit a motion and proposed order appointing that server.

(1) If a party desires personal service to be made by a special process server pursuant to Civ.R. 4.1, the party or counsel must submit a motion and proposed order appointing a special process server.

Applies to

Motion

A motion and proposed order appointing a special process server must identify the appointee’s name, address, and telephone number and include the specified affirmations.

The motion and order shall set forth the name, address, and telephone number of the person to be appointed as a process server and an affirmation that the person:

Applies to

Affidavit

An individual or an agent of a legal organization may apply to become a standing special process server by submitting an affidavit and an order for the administrative judge’s signature.

(1) An individual, or agent of a legal organization, may make application to be designated as a standing special process server. The applicant shall submit an affidavit and order for signature by the administrative judge (See Appendix D).

Applies to

Affidavit

The standing-process-server affidavit must state the applicant’s name, address, and telephone number and include the required affirmations.

The affidavit shall set forth the name, address, and telephone number of the person to be appointed as a standing special process server and an affirmation that the person:

Applies to

Notice of petition

After ODRC review, the petitioner must file Form A with the Warren County Common Pleas Clerk, provide the Electronic Petition Number, and attach the previously submitted electronic petition.

Once the ODRC reviews the electronic Petition, the Petitioner will be assigned an Electronic Petition Number. The Petitioner is then responsible for filing a Notice of Petition (Form “A”, available upon request at the Clerk’s office) with the Warren County Common Pleas Clerk of Courts and shall provide the ODRC Electronic Petition Number and attach a printed copy of electronic Petition previously submitted through the ODRC.

Applies to

Motion to consolidate

Must include

proposed order

A motion to consolidate must include a proposed entry bearing the complete captions of all cases, with the signed entry filed in each case after approval.

(1) A proposed entry shall be prepared and submitted with the motion to consolidate. The entry shall bear the complete case captions of all cases to be consolidated. If approved by the judge with the lowest numbered case, the signed entry shall be filed in each case.

Applies to

Motion for compensation

At the conclusion of the case, appointed counsel must file a compensation motion with a properly executed affidavit of indigency using Ohio Public Defender-approved 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.

Applies to

Motion for compensation

Appointed counsel must use the Ohio Public Defender CABS system and submit the completed form to the specified email address.

Counsel must utilize the Ohio Public Defender CABS system and submit completed form to AttorneyMEACF@warrencountyohio.gov.

Applies to

Motion for compensation

The compensation motion must include the attorney's federal tax identification number or an attached tax identification number 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.

Applies to

Motion for compensation

In a criminal case resolved without trial, appointed counsel seeking compensation for more than 10 hours of work must provide a separate written explanation of the requested fee amount.

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.

Applies to

Motion for sealing of records

A motion to seal a conviction record, not-guilty finding, dismissal, or no bill must be filed with the clerk using a fully completed, court-approved Record Sealing Packet.

All motions for sealing of records of conviction and of not guilty findings, dismissals, and no bills shall be filed with the clerk of courts on a fully completed, court-approved “Record Sealing Packet”.

Applies to

Application to seal or expunge

The sealing or expungement application must state that no criminal or traffic charges are pending and that all court costs, fines, fees, and restitution have been paid or waived with no current monetary balance.

The defendant states that no criminal or traffic charges are currently pending against him/her. The defendant states that he/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.

Applies to

Objection to magistrates decision

A transcript of the Magistrate hearing is required for the judge to review an objection.

A transcript of the hearing before the Magistrate, from which the objection is being filed, is required by the Judge in order to review the decision made by the Magistrate.

Applies to

Document sent to clerk

Must include

caption, case number

Documents sent to or given to the clerk must include the case number and case caption.

Be sure to list the case number and caption (the case title) on any documents that you send or give to the clerk.

Applies to

Record sealing or expungement application

A pro se defendant must request an order under R.C. 2953.33 or R.C. 2951.041 to seal or expunge the record based on a specified qualifying disposition, selecting sealing or expungement.

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, wherein the defendant was found not guilty, the complaint, indictment, or information was dismissed, a no bill was entered by the grand jury, or the defendant successfully completed his/her intervention in lieu of conviction plan.

Applies to

Record sealing or expungement application

The application must identify the case numbers and charges, select the case outcome, and provide the date of dismissal, verdict, no bill, or successful completion.

The defendant seeks sealing/expungement of the following records: Case Number(s): ________________________________________________________. Charge(s):______________________________________________________________. My case was: dismissed / not guilty verdict / no billed / successfully completed through ILC (circle one) Date of Dismissal/Not Guilty Verdict/No Bill/Successful Completion of ILC: _______________.

Applies to

Record sealing or expungement application

The application must include a statement that no criminal or traffic charges are currently pending against the defendant.

The defendant states that no criminal or traffic charges are currently pending against him/her.

Applies to

Record sealing or expungement application

The application must state that all court costs, fines, fees, and restitution have been paid or waived and that no monetary amount remains owed.

The defendant states that he/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.

Applies to

Appointed counsel fee form

A new Indigent Attorney Social Security/Tax Identification Number Verification Form must be attached for every case each time a fee form is submitted.

Please atach a new Indigent Attorney Social Security/Tax Identification Number Verification Form with each case every �me.

Applies to

Appointed counsel fee form

The Financial Disclosure Form OPD-206R rev. 11/24 must be attached to the appointed counsel fee form.

Atach the Financial Disclosure Form (OPD-206R rev. 11/24) to the fee form.

Applies to

Notice of scheduled mediation

A Notice of Scheduled Mediation must be sent to the parties and must state the mediation date, time, place, and contact information.

A “Notice of Scheduled Mediation” shall be sent to the parties which shall, at a minimum, indicate the date, time, and place and contact information of the mediation.

Applies to

Mediation case summary

Attorneys may submit a Mediation Case Summary, but must do so when the judge, magistrate, or mediator requires it for a particular case, and the summary must address material facts, legal issues, discovery, damages, and prior settlement efforts.

Attorneys may, at their option, or must if required on a specific case by the judge, magistrate or mediator, submit a “Mediation Case Summary” to the mediator, which shall contain the following: a) A summary of material facts; b) A summary of legal issues; c) A statement regarding the status of discovery; d) A listing of special damages and summary of injuries or damages; e) A report of settlement attempts to date, including demands and offers.

Applies to

Mediation memorandum of understanding

If the parties agree, the assigned mediator, parties, or counsel, if applicable, must immediately prepare a written memorandum memorializing any settlement agreement reached.

The assigned mediator, parties or counsel, if applicable, as agreed by the parties, shall immediately prepare a written memorandum memorializing any agreement reached by the parties.

Applies to

Expert report unavailability notice

If an expert report cannot be obtained, counsel must show a good-faith effort and provide the court and opposing counsel with specified expert information and a detailed testimony summary, but the court may still exclude the testimony absent good cause.

(E) If a party is unable to obtain a written report from an expert, counsel for the party must demonstrate that a good faith effort was made to obtain the report and must advise the Court and opposing counsel of the name and address of the expert, the subject of the expert’s expertise, together with his or her qualifications, and a detailed summary of his or her testimony. The Court shall have the power to nonetheless exclude testimony of the expert if good cause is not determined for the absence of a report.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A filing requesting an act by the court should be designated as a motion and proposed order/entry rather than a motion.

Any filing requesting an act by the Court should be designated as a “motion and proposed order/entry,” not “motion.”

Applies to

Motion

The filing should be labeled in the e-Filing Portal as a motion and proposed order or entry, not merely as a motion.

The document should be identified in the e-Filing Portal as a “motion and proposed order/entry” rather than simply a “motion.”

Applies to

Revised document

A revised document must be identified as a revision and must state the filing date of the document it revises in its title.

The revised document must be so identified and must reference the date of the filing of the document being revised in its title.

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

A motion to withdraw that omits the listed requirements will be set for hearing.

(B) Motions not containing the requirements listed above shall be set for hearing.

Applies to

Institution cashier affidavit

For an incarcerated litigant, the Court may require an additional affidavit from the institution’s cashier stating the amount currently held in the inmate’s commissary fund.

(b) In the case of a litigant who is an inmate of a correctional facility, the Court may additionally require an affidavit from the cashier of the institution indicating the amount of money currently on deposit in the inmate’s commissary fund.

Applies to

Notice of appearance

When a party has multiple attorneys, the party may file one Notice of Appearance only if it includes the required information for every attorney.

(D) In cases where a party is represented by more than one attorney, a single Notice of Appearance may be filed, but must contain the above information for each attorney on the case.

Applies to

Motion

A party requesting oral argument must designate “Oral Argument Requested” in the caption of the motion or memorandum contra.

If a party desires oral argument on a motion, the party shall designate “Oral Argument Requested” in the caption to the motion or memorandum contra.

Applies to

Notice of scheduled mediation

A Notice of Scheduled Mediation must be sent to the parties and state at least the mediation date, time, place, and contact information.

The Court, on its own motion, or on the motion of any of the parties, may refer disputed issues to mediation in whole or in part. A “Notice of Scheduled Mediation” shall be sent to the parties which shall, at a minimum, indicate the date, time, and place and contact information of the mediation.

Applies to

Agreement to mediate

Parties and nonparties seeking confidentiality 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 to Mediate” prior to the mediation session.

Applies to

Agreement to mediate

A new or different person attending a subsequent mediation session must sign the Agreement to Mediate before the session proceeds.

If a new or different person(s) attend a subsequent session, their signatures shall be obtained prior to proceeding.

Applies to

Mediation case summary

Attorneys may submit a Mediation Case Summary, or must do so when specifically ordered by the judge, magistrate, or mediator.

Attorneys may, at their option, or must if required on a specific case by the judge, magistrate or mediator, submit a “Mediation Case Summary” to the mediator, which shall contain the following:

Applies to

Proposed decree of foreclosure

If a homeowner’s personal liability was discharged in bankruptcy, the decree should state that fact expressly and the case caption must include “Judgment in Rem.”

If a homeowner’s personal liability has been discharged in bankruptcy, this should be explicitly stated in the decree of foreclosure, and the case caption should contain the phrase “Judgment in Rem.”

Applies to

Record sealing or expungement application

The application must include a request for a hearing.

The defendant requests a hearing on this application.

Applies to

Record sealing or expungement application

The application must provide information explaining why the defendant’s record should be sealed.

The defendant provides the following additional information to the Court as to why his/her record should be sealed: _________________________________________________________

Applies to

Financial disclosure form

Counsel must seek the defendant's signature, may not sign for the client, and must state the reason on Line X if the signature cannot be obtained.

Make every effort to obtain the defendant’s signature on the indigent form. Do NOT sign for the client. If you are unable to obtain the defendant’s signature, on Line X. type the reason and the judge will sign the form.

Applies to

Appointed counsel fee form

The fee form must state the attorney's full address, including any suite or office number, and it must match the address on file with the court.

Please give your full address including any suite or office number on the form. Use ONLY the address that you have on file with the court.

Applies to

Appointed counsel fee form

The fee form must be completed with the offense, ORC code, disposition, SSN/Tax ID, and time breakdown.

Fill out the form completely, i.e., offense, ORC code, disposition, SSN/Tax ID, and breakdown of time.

Applies to

Mediation memorandum of understanding

The parties and counsel should sign the Mediation Memorandum.

The “Mediation Memorandum” should be signed by the parties and counsel.

Applies to

E filed document

An electronic signature on an e-filed document has the same legal effect as an original signature for purposes of the applicable Ohio Rules of Procedure.

The representation of a signature on an e-Filed document has the same effect as an original signature for purpose of signature requirements imposed by all applicable Ohio Rules of Procedure.

Applies to

Mediation memorandum

The parties and counsel should sign the Mediation Memorandum.

The “Mediation Memorandum” should be signed by the parties and counsel.