New: a trial court in 1 of every 10 U.S. counties. Read the post
Court Rules

Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division

Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies

Rules last changed:

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Judicial Release Motion, Proposed Order

  • Chambers Drop Off • After Filing

Time Sensitive Motion

  • 1 copy • Chambers Drop Off • Upon Filing

Adjournments

  • When an extension of time to respond to a Complaint is unopposed, the parties may file a joint stipulation instead of a motion and proposed entry.
  • A continuance request must be in writing and filed or made orally on the record, state the reason and number of prior continuances, and state that counsel consulted or attempted to consult opposing counsel.
  • An attorney seeking a continuance because of a scheduling conflict must provide documentation of another court date or other sufficient supporting documentation, and failure to do so may lead to denial.
  • +3 more

Request must include

Reason for RequestNumber of Previous Requests

Communication

Phone

Clerk

740-652-7360
Phone

Chambers

740-652-7431
Phone

Chambers

740-652-7427
Phone

Chambers

740-652-7434
Filters:

Document Format Requirements2 rules

FormattingMandatory

All documents filed with the Clerk of Courts must: • Be on 8.5 x 11 single-sided white paper

Paper size
Letter

Formatting

  • Single-sided white paper
FormattingImportant

Enlarged trial exhibits are permitted, but the offering party must be able to reduce the exhibit to letter size for admission and retention by the Court.

Paper size
Letter
Applies to
  • Exhibits

Court's wording

1. SIZE. Enlarged exhibits such as tri-fold boards, poster-size maps, or other over- sized diagrams are permitted to be used during trial for demonstrative purposes. However, to be admitted and maintained by the Court, the offering party must be able to reduce the exhibit to 8.5 x 11 inches in size. At the conclusion of the trial, the Court will verify with the attorneys that the letter size exhibit or photograph is being substituted for the poster board or other large display, which will then be returned to the attorney.

Document Filing Requirements19 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Every filing must include the parties’ names, case number, assigned judge, filer contact information, and a completed certificate of service.

Document
Court filing

Must include

  • Case number
  • Certificate of service

Court's wording

All documents filed with the Clerk of Courts must: • Include the names of the parties, the case number, and the Judge assigned to the case • Contain the filer’s signature, address, telephone number, and e-mail address • Include a completed certificate of service

Filing RequirementsMandatory

All civil filings must be accompanied by a completed Civil Information Sheet.

2026-Common-Pleas-Court-General-Divsion-Local-Rules · Jul 2026 · p. 8
|SectionLOCAL RULES – CIVIL, 10.A. CIVIL INFORMATION SHEET
Filing RequirementsMandatory

All joint and un- opposed motions shall be clearly labeled as “joint” or “unopposed” in the caption and submitted with a proposed order for the Court’s consideration.

Document
Motion

Must include

  • Proposed order
2026-Common-Pleas-Court-General-Divsion-Local-Rules · Jul 2026 · p. 11
|Section2. UNOPPOSED, JOINTLY REQUESTED, AND ROUTINE MOTIONS
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Each party must file a binding pretrial statement by the pretrial date, serve opposing counsel with a copy, include the nine listed categories of information, and obtain leave and show good cause to amend it.

Document
Pretrial statement

Must include

  • Exhibit list
  • Statement of facts

Court's wording

1. PRETRIAL STATEMENT. On or before the date of the pretrial, each party shall file a pretrial statement, serving opposing counsel with a copy. This statement shall include: (1) a brief statement of the facts of the case, indicating which are disputed and which are undisputed; (2) a statement of the disputed issues of law; (3) a list of all exhibits expected to be offered into evidence; (4) an itemization of all dam- ages sought; (5) the names and addresses of expert witnesses expected to be called by the parties; (6) the names and addresses of all lay witnesses expected to be called by the parties; (7) an estimate of the total time required for trial; (8) if a request for a jury view is to be made, a statement as to what items or objects are to be pointed out by the Bailiff; and (9) a summary of the efforts made to settle the case up to the date of the Pretrial Conference. The pretrial statement shall be binding on the party submitting it. Amendments to the statement are permitted only with leave of the Court and for good cause shown.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

All motions shall be accompanied by a supporting memorandum citing authorities relied upon and any underlying operative facts.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

A motion seeking leave to amend a pleading shall include a copy of the proposed amended pleading.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

All motions for continuance shall be accompanied by a proposed entry. The proposed entry should not include blank spaces for a new hearing date and time, as the Court will prepare a separate scheduling notice with the new hearing date.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

A motion for confirmation of sale or proposed confirmation entry must certify timely service on the Prosecutor’s Office.

Court's wording

Any motion requesting a confirmation of sale or proposed entry for confirmation shall include a statement certifying that a copy of said motion or proposed entry has been served upon the Prosecutor’s Office within the prescribed five-day time frame.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Motions requesting a confirmation of sale or proposed entries for confirmation of sale shall also include estimated current year taxes prorated to the sale date of the property.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Summary judgment motions in foreclosure cases must be supported by evidentiary-quality materials establishing the movant’s enforcement authority, assignments, conditions precedent, default, and amounts due.

Court's wording

All summary judgment motions in foreclo- sure cases shall be supported by evidentiary quality materials showing: (1) the movant is the holder of the note and mortgage, or is a party entitled to enforce the instrument; (2) if the movant is not the original mortgagee, the chain of assign- ments and transfers; (3) all conditions precedent have been met; (4) the mortgagor is in default; and (5) the amount of principal and interest due.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

All entries prepared by the Prosecutor’s Office must include a “Submitted by” signature line, which must be signed either electronically or by hand.

Placement
Signature block

Must include

  • Submitted by
Filing RequirementsMandatory

A defense counsel motion for judicial release must be accompanied at filing by a proposed order setting a judicial release hearing.

Document
Judicial release motion

Must include

  • Proposed order

Court's wording

When seeking judicial release on behalf of a client, defense counsel must submit all of the following at the time the motion for judicial release is filed: (1) the motion for judicial release and (2) a proposed order setting the matter for a judicial release hearing.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Counsel must obtain and submit an Application for Community Control at least seven days before the scheduled plea, and a late application will be accepted only for good cause.

Court's wording

In all cases in which a defendant intends to apply for community control, counsel for the defendant shall obtain an Applica- tion for Community Control. Counsel may obtain an Application here or from the Judge’s Bailiff. The application is to be completed and submitted to the Court no later than 7 days prior to the defendant’s scheduled plea. The Court will only accept late applications upon good cause shown.

Filing RequirementsImportant

The transcript filed to support the objections shall conform to App.R. 9(B)(6)(a)-(e) and (h)-(i).

2026-Common-Pleas-Court-General-Divsion-Local-Rules · Jul 2026 · p. 8
|SectionLOCAL RULES – CIVIL, 10.D. MAGISTRATES, 1. OBJECTIONS TO MAGISTRATE’S DECISIONS
Filing RequirementsImportant

The applicant must file a motion, affidavit, and order for signature by the judge assigned to the case.

2026-Common-Pleas-Court-General-Divsion-Local-Rules · Jul 2026 · p. 9
|Section1. DESIGNATED PROCESS SERVER (ONE-TIME APPOINTMENT)
Filing RequirementsImportant

The applicant must submit an affidavit and an order for signature by the Administrative Judge.

Filing RequirementsImportant

After the Administrative Judge has signed the order, the individual or agent of the legal organization must file the affidavit and order with the Clerk of Courts.

Filing RequirementsImportant

10.M. EXHIBITS. Counsel shall submit a complete index of all exhibits to the Court when said exhibits are moved and admitted into evidence.

Document
Exhibit index

Must include

  • Exhibit list
Filing RequirementsNote

Parties are also encouraged to submit a proposed order for consideration by the Court.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Civil protection order petitions must be filed in person with the Clerk during regular business hours, and electronic filing is prohibited for documents in these cases.

All Petition for Civil Stalking Protection Order or Petition for Civil Sexually Ori- ented Offense Protection Order must be filed in person with the Clerk of Courts during regular business hours. Electronic filing is not permitted for any document filed in a civil protection order case.

Page 16 | 11.E. CIVIL STALKING PROTECTION ORDER/CIVIL SEXUALLY ORIENTED OFFENSE PROTECTION ORDER CASES

Documents may be mailed to the Clerk’s Office and are deemed filed on the date received.

Mail 224 East Main St., 2nd Floor • Will be deemed ATTN: Clerk’s Office ceived. Lancaster, OH 43130

Page 5 | 6. FILING METHODS

For mailed filings, copies are returned only if a return-postage envelope is provided; otherwise, the copies will be shredded.

Mail 224 East Main St., 2nd Floor Will be deemed ATTN: Clerk’s Office filed on date re- ceived. Lancaster, OH 43130 If envelope with return postage provided, will mail copies back to sender; if no re- turn envelope pro- vided, copies will be shredded.

Page 5 | 6. FILING METHODS

Electronic filing is available through the court’s e-services website.

E-Filing https://eservices.fairfieldcountycpcourt.org/eservices • See the Court’s Administrative Or- der relating to e- filing and e-filing user guide availa- ble on the Clerk of Court’s Website.

Page 5 | 6. FILING METHODS

Documents may be filed in person at the Clerk of Courts office during its stated hours.

In-Person 224 East Main St., 2nd Floor • Open 8 a.m. – 4 Lancaster, OH 43130

Page 5 | 6. FILING METHODS

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

A party timely objecting to a magistrate’s factual findings must obtain and file the transcript within thirty days after filing the objections, unless the Court extends the transcript-preparation time.

If a timely objection is made to the factual findings of the magistrate it is the responsibility of the objecting party to obtain and file the transcript with the Court within thirty days after filing the objec- tions, unless the court extends the time for preparation of the transcript.

Page 8 | LOCAL RULES – CIVIL, 10.D. MAGISTRATES, 1. OBJECTIONS TO MAGISTRATE’S DECISIONS

A pretrial statement is due from each party on or before the pretrial date.

On or before the date of the pretrial, each party shall file a pretrial statement, serving opposing counsel with a copy.

Page 11 | 1. PRETRIAL STATEMENT

A settlement or dismissal entry must be submitted to the court within 30 days or within any other time directed by the court.

A settlement and/or dismissal entry shall be sent to the Court within 30 days or within such time as the Court directs.

Page 11 | 10.I. MEDIATION AND SETTLEMENT

Parties must file issue-specific proposed jury instructions, interrogatories, and verdict forms by the Friday before trial, while general jury instructions need not be submitted.

3. JURY INSTRUCTIONS. Parties must file proposed jury instructions specific to the issues for trial as well as proposed jury interrogatories and verdict forms no later than the Friday prior to trial. The parties must also e-mail the Judge’s Bailiffs the proposed instructions and interrogatories in Word format no later than the Friday prior to trial. General (non-case specific) jury instructions need not be submitted.

Page 13 | 3. JURY INSTRUCTIONS

In an administrative appeal, the appellant must file a written request to establish a briefing schedule within 14 days after service is complete and the administrative record has been filed.

11.A. ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS. Within 14 days after service is complete on all par- ties and the record of the administrative agency has been filed, Appellant shall file a writ- ten request to the Court to establish a briefing schedule. The Court will thereafter issue an Entry setting forth a briefing schedule and an oral or non-oral hearing date for final consideration of the administrative appeal.

Page 14 | 11.A. ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS

Motions and proposed entries seeking confirmation of sale and distribution must be submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office at least five business days in advance and include payment of specified taxes, penalties, and interest.

After the real property is foreclosed upon, all motions requesting a confirmation of sale and proposed entries for confirmation of sale that include a request for a dis- tribution of the proceeds shall first be submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office no less than at least five (5) business days in advance and shall include the payment of any outstanding delinquent taxes, unpaid current year taxes (prorated to the date of sale), and all penalties and interest due.

Page 15 | 11.D. FORECLOSURE CASES

motion. The motion should be filed at least 14 days prior to the scheduled expiration of the protection order.

motion. The motion should be filed at least 14 days prior to the scheduled expiration of the protection order.

Page 17

A mailed filing is deemed filed on the date it is received.

Mail 224 East Main St., 2nd Floor • Will be deemed ATTN: Clerk’s Office ceived.

Page 5 | 6. FILING METHODS

The Clerk will accept a time-stamped copy as proper designation of the process server until the order expires or is vacated.

Thereafter, the Clerk of Courts will accept a time-stamped copy of the affidavit and order as proper designation of the process server until the order expires or is va- cated by the Court.

Page 10 | 2. STANDING SPECIAL PROCESS SERVER

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Parties must timely and properly serve all necessary parties under the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, and failure may result in dismissal for lack of prosecution.

Parties shall comply with the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure and properly serve all necessary parties in a timely manner. Failure to do so may result in the Court dismissing the case for lack of prosecution.

Page 9 | 10.E. SERVICE

A copy of the pretrial statement must be served on opposing counsel.

On or before the date of the pretrial, each party shall file a pretrial statement, serving opposing counsel with a copy.

Page 11 | 1. PRETRIAL STATEMENT

In foreclosure actions naming the Fairfield County Treasurer as a defendant, the complaint must be served on the Treasurer through the Fairfield County Prosecutor’s Civil Division.

In all real property foreclosure actions where the Fairfield County Treasurer is named as a party defendant, the complaint shall be served on the Treasurer c/o the Fairfield County Prosecutor, Civil Division (239 W. Main Street, Suite 101, Lancaster, OH 43130).

Page 15 | 11.D. FORECLOSURE CASES

The prosecutor’s office must electronically copy defense counsel on every entry submitted to the court.

The Prosecutor’s Office shall electronically copy defense counsel on all entries submitted to the Court.

Page 23 | 13.L. ENTRIES

The Treasurer need not answer or be served with later pleadings unless a party challenges the taxes, assessments, or the Treasurer’s lien priority.

The Fairfield County Treasurer (“Treasurer”) need not file an answer to the com- plaint or any cross-claim. Additionally, the Treasurer need not be served with any answer or other pleading after the complaint unless any party challenges the (1) real estate taxes and/or assessments claimed by the Treasurer on the tax records either as to the amount or validity, or (2) the Treasurer’s priority as having the first and best lien.

Page 15 | 11.D. FORECLOSURE CASES

Filing Fees and Waivers

A civil-case party requesting a jury view must post the clerk's required deposit by noon on the Friday before trial, or the preceding non-holiday day if that Friday is a court holiday; failure waives the jury view.

2. JURY VIEW DEPOSIT. Any party who has requested a jury view in a civil case shall make the deposit required by the Fairfield County Clerk of Courts. This de- posit must be completed by noon on the Friday prior to trial. If the Friday prior to the trial date is a Court holiday, the party is required to make said deposit by noon on the preceding day that is not a Court holiday. Failure to do so will constitute a waiver of a jury view.

Page 12 | 2. JURY VIEW DEPOSIT

A civil-case party requesting a jury must post the clerk's required deposit by noon on the Friday before trial, or the preceding non-holiday day if that Friday is a court holiday; if both parties request a jury, only one must post it, and failure waives jury trial.

1. JURY DEPOSIT. Any party who has requested a jury in a civil case shall make the deposit required by the Fairfield County Clerk of Courts. This deposit must be completed by noon on the Friday prior to trial. If the Friday prior to the trial date is a Court holiday, the party is required to make said deposit by noon on the preced- ing day that is not a Court holiday. Failure to do so will constitute a waiver of a trial by jury. If both parties have requested a jury, only one party is required to post the deposit. Jury fees may be assessed as court costs.

Page 12 | 1. JURY DEPOSIT

Failure to follow the fee-application submission requirements may result in denial, reduction, or return of the application and/or removal from the court-appointment list.

An attorney’s failure to abide by the submission requirements set forth above may result in the Court denying, reducing, or returning the fee application and/or removing the attorney from the court-appointment list.

Page 21 | 4.c. NON-COMPLIANCE

Payment requests must use the current Ohio Public Defender fee application, include specified supporting information, be submitted as an unstapled original and two copies, and be delivered to the presiding judge within 30 days after case termination.

All requests for payment must be sub- mitted on the most current fee application form promulgated by the Ohio Public Defender’s Office. Invoices must also include a line-item explanation of services rendered, and a copy of the defendant’s financial disclosure form. Attorneys must submit the unstapled original and two unstapled cop- ies (one to be filed with the Clerk, the other to be given back to the attorney) to the Judge who presided over the case no later than 30 days from the termination of the case. Attorneys are required to include his or her vendor number on the fee application.

Page 21 | 4.a. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Court-appointed counsel must follow the Board of County Commissioners’ maximum fee schedule unless the court grants prior leave to exceed it.

Court-appointed counsel must adhere to the maximum fee schedule established by the Board of County Commissioners, or seek prior leave of court to exceed said maximum fees.

Page 21 | 4.b. MAXIMUM FEES

Official court reporter transcripts cost $5.50 per page, including the original transcript and one copy.

Regular Rate: $5.50 per page (cost includes original transcript + one copy)

Page 1 | IN THE MATTER OF OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER TRANSCRIPT FEES

Expedited transcript rates paid by the State for indigent defendants require Court approval.

PLEASE NOTE: Expedited rates for transcripts provided at the State's expense for indigent defendants must be approved by the Court.

Page 1 | IN THE MATTER OF OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER TRANSCRIPT FEES

When a mailed document has an associated filing fee, the submission must include a check.

Mail 224 East Main St., 2nd Floor • Will be deemed ATTN: Clerk’s Office ceived. • If filing fee associ- ated with mailed documents, must include check.

Page 5 | 6. FILING METHODS

The filing fee for a standing special process server affidavit and order is $25.

The fee for filing the affidavit and order is $25.

Page 10 | c. COST

The requesting party generally bears the entire juror-transportation cost, but multiple requesting parties must divide the deposit evenly unless the court assigns all costs to one party.

Generally, the party requesting the jury view shall be respon- sible for the entire cost of transporting jurors. However, if multiple parties request the jury view, the deposit shall be divided evenly between or among the parties, unless the Court determines that one party should bare ALL court costs.

Page 12 | 2. JURY VIEW DEPOSIT

Court-appointed counsel must bill time in six-minute increments at the rate established by the Board of Fairfield County Commissioners.

All time shall be billed in 6-minute increments (1/10 of an hour). Time shall be billed at a rate established by the Board of Fairfield County Commissioners.

Page 21 | 4. COMPENSATION

For an indigent defendant’s criminal jury view, the state must pay juror transportation costs, which the clerk assesses as court costs.

In the case of a jury view in a criminal trial where the defendant is indigent, the State shall pay the expense of transporting the jurors to and from the scene. The Clerk of Courts shall assess as costs the expense of transporting the jurors to and from the scene.

Page 23 | 13.I.b. INDIGENT DEFENDANT

The official court reporter may charge an expedited transcript rate when applicable.

Expedited Rate: The official Court Reporter has the right to charge an expedited rate when applicable.

Page 1 | IN THE MATTER OF OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER TRANSCRIPT FEES

Additional hard transcript copies are available from the Clerk's Office for the Clerk's copy rate.

Additional hard copies may be obtained from the Clerk's Office at the Clerk's copy rate.

Page 1 | IN THE MATTER OF OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER TRANSCRIPT FEES

Court costs, restitution, and probation fees may be paid by mail only by check.

Mail 224 E. Main St., 2nd Floor • Checks only

Page 6 | 7. COURT COSTS, FINES, FEES, AND HOW TO PAY

Court costs, restitution, and probation fees may be paid by phone by credit or debit card during the stated hours.

By Phone 740-652-7360 • Open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Credit cards and debit cards only

Page 6 | 7. COURT COSTS, FINES, FEES, AND HOW TO PAY

Court costs, restitution, and probation fees may be paid online by credit or debit card.

Online www.fairfieldcountyclerk.com • Credit cards and debit cards only

Page 6 | 7. COURT COSTS, FINES, FEES, AND HOW TO PAY

Court costs, restitution, and probation fees may be paid in person by check, credit card, debit card, or cash.

In-Person 224 East Main St., 2nd Floor • Open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Lancaster, OH 43130 • Checks, credit cards, debit cards, and cash accepted

Page 6 | 7. COURT COSTS, FINES, FEES, AND HOW TO PAY

Jury fees may be assessed as court costs.

Jury fees may be assessed as court costs.

Page 12 | 1. JURY DEPOSIT

The court reporter provides a requested electronic transcript copy at no charge.

If requested, an electronic copy will be provided by the Court Reporter at no charge.

Page 1 | IN THE MATTER OF OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER TRANSCRIPT FEES

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Counsel must provide the judge’s assignment commissioner with one courtesy copy of every time-sensitive motion directly in chambers or by email.

Upon the filing of a time-sensitive motion, counsel shall submit a courtesy copy of said motion to the respective Judge’s Assignment Commissioner directly in chambers or via e-mail.

Page 23 | 13.K. COURTESY COPIES

Counsel is encouraged to direct-deliver or email the judge’s assignment commissioner a courtesy copy of the judicial release motion and proposed order after filing.

Counsel should file his/her motion and then deliver or e-mail a courtesy copy of the motion and proposed order to the Judge’s Assignment Commissioner.

Page 24 | 14.D. JUDICIAL RELEASE

Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Personal identifiers included in a filing must be redacted or omitted.

Redact or omit any personal identifiers included in the document.

Page 5 | 5. FILING REQUIREMENTS

The Clerk may refuse to accept a filing containing unredacted personal or private information.

The Clerk of Courts may refuse to accept for filing any document that contains personal and private information that has not been redacted and submitted in accordance with this rule.

Page 6 | 8. REDACTION POLICY

When partially redacting a financial account number in a filing, only the last four digits should be used.

Only the last four digits of the account number should be used.

Page 6 | 8.B. PARTIAL REDACTION

When partially redacting the name of a minor child in a filing, only the child’s initials should be used.

Only the initials of the minor should be used.

Page 6 | 8.B. PARTIAL REDACTION

When partially redacting a social security number in a filing, only the last four digits should be used.

Only the last four numbers of the individual’s social security number should be used.

Page 6 | 8.B. PARTIAL REDACTION

A redacted copy must identify itself as “REDACTED COPY” in the caption and redact the individual’s personal information throughout the document.

Submit a redacted copy that indicates in the caption “REDACTED COPY” with the individual’s personal information redacted throughout the document.

Page 7 | 8. REDACTION POLICY

The original document containing unredacted personal information must be submitted for the Court’s confidential processing.

Submit the original document that includes the individual’s unredacted personal information

Page 7 | 8. REDACTION POLICY

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A continuance request must be in writing and filed or made orally on the record, state the reason and number of prior continuances, and state that counsel consulted or attempted to consult opposing counsel.

10.K. CONTINUANCES. Any motion for continuance must be in writing and filed with the Clerk of Courts or made orally on the record. The motion to continue must set forth the reason justifying the request and the number of previous continuances granted. The mo- tion must also specifically state that counsel consulted or attempted to consult with op- posing counsel about the continuance.

Page 12 | 10.K. CONTINUANCES

A continuance motion must be written and filed with the clerk, state the reason and number of prior continuances, and confirm consultation or attempted consultation with opposing counsel.

Any motion for continuance must be in writing and filed with the Clerk of Court. The motion to continue must set forth the reason justifying the request and the number of previous continuances granted. The motion must also specifically state that counsel consulted or attempted to consult with opposing counsel about the continu- ance. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. Where an attorney requests a continuance

Page 23 | 13.J. CONTINUANCES

When an extension of time to respond to a Complaint is unopposed, the parties may file a joint stipulation instead of a motion and proposed entry.

If a party’s request for additional time to file a response to a Complaint is unopposed, the parties may file a joint stipulation rather than submitting a motion and proposed entry.

Page 10 | 10.F. ADDITIONAL TIME TO FILE ANSWER OR RESPONSE

When an extension of time to respond to a Complaint is opposed, the request must be made by motion with a proposed entry.

If the request is opposed, a motion and proposed entry are required.

Page 10 | 10.F. ADDITIONAL TIME TO FILE ANSWER OR RESPONSE

An attorney seeking a continuance because of a scheduling conflict must provide documentation of another court date or other sufficient supporting documentation, and failure to do so may lead to denial.

When an attorney requests a continuance on the basis that the hearing date conflicts with another matter on the attorney’s schedule, the motion shall contain documentation reflecting the conflicting date in the other court. If the conflict is not with another court date, the attorney shall pro- vide sufficient documentation to support the request for continuance. Failure to provide documentation in support of a motion may result in the request for contin- uance being denied.

Page 12 | 1. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

A continuance motion based on a scheduling conflict must include documentation of the conflicting court date or other sufficient supporting documentation, and failure to provide it may result in denial.

Where an attorney requests a continuance on the ground that the hearing date conflicts with another matter on the attorney’s schedule, the motion shall contain documentation reflecting the conflicting date in the other court. If the conflict is not with another court date, the attorney shall pro- vide sufficient documentation to support the request for continuance. Failure to provide documentation in support of a motion may result in the request for contin- uance being denied.

Page 23 | 13.J.1. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Chambers Communication Rules

Counsel must inform the assigned judge’s chambers of the plea agreement terms before the plea hearing.

Counsel is required to inform the assigned Judge’s chambers of the terms of the plea agreement prior to the hearing to facilitate the preparation of plea paperwork.

Page 22 | 13.G. PLEA HEARINGS

The parties must immediately notify the judge's chambers by phone or email after successful mediation or settlement outside court.

If a case has been successfully mediated or settled outside of Court, the parties are to immediately notify the respective Judge’s chambers by phone or e-mail.

Page 11 | 10.I. MEDIATION AND SETTLEMENT

The Magistrate’s Chambers/Court Administration can be contacted by phone at 740-652-7434.

Magistrate’s Chambers/Court Administration 740-652-7434

Page 2 | 2. GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION

Judge Berens’ Chambers can be contacted by phone at 740-652-7431.

Judge Berens’ Chambers 740-652-7431

Page 2 | 2. GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION

Judge Trimmer’s Chambers can be contacted by phone at 740-652-7427.

Judge Trimmer’s Chambers 740-652-7427

Page 2 | 2. GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION

The Clerk’s Office can be contacted by phone at 740-652-7360 regarding record requests, filing fees or questions, payment, and bond inquiries.

Clerk’s Office (record requests, filing fees/questions, payment; bond inquir- 740-652-7360

Page 2 | 2. GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION

Parties should contact the respective judge’s chambers with questions about the court’s technological capabilities and equipment.

For specific questions about the Court’s technological capabilities and equipment, parties should contact the respective Judge’s chambers.

Page 3 | 4.B. TECHNOLOGY CAPABILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

Common questions about Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division rules

Are courtesy copies required in Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for time sensitive motions. Details: 1 copy, delivery upon filing, by chambers drop off. Counsel must provide the judge’s assignment commissioner with one courtesy copy of every time-sensitive motion directly in chambers or by email.

View ruleSource: page 23, section 13.K. COURTESY COPIES

What formatting rules apply to filings in Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division?

Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division's formatting rule includes letter paper and single-sided white paper. All documents filed with the Clerk of Courts must be on 8.5 by 11-inch, single-sided white paper.

View ruleSource: page 5, section 5. FILING REQUIREMENTS

What must be included with court filing filings in Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division?

The rule requires judge name, case number, and certificate of service. Every filing must include the parties’ names, case number, assigned judge, filer contact information, and a completed certificate of service.

View ruleSource: page 5, section 5. FILING REQUIREMENTS

What must be included with civil filing filings in Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division?

Every civil filing must include a completed Civil Information Sheet.

View ruleSource: page 8, section LOCAL RULES – CIVIL, 10.A. CIVIL INFORMATION SHEET

How may parties contact Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division?

Counsel must inform the assigned judge’s chambers of the plea agreement terms before the plea hearing.

View ruleSource: page 22, section 13.G. PLEA HEARINGS

How does Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division handle sealed or redacted filings?

The original document containing unredacted personal information must be submitted for the Court’s confidential processing.

View ruleSource: page 7, section 8. REDACTION POLICY

How do I request an adjournment or extension in Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division?

The request must include reason for request and number of previous requests. A continuance request must be in writing and filed or made orally on the record, state the reason and number of prior continuances, and state that counsel consulted or attempted to consult opposing counsel.

View ruleSource: page 12, section 10.K. CONTINUANCES

Are filing fees or waivers addressed in Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division?

A fee is required for covered filings. A civil-case party requesting a jury must post the clerk's required deposit by noon on the Friday before trial, or the preceding non-holiday day if that Friday is a court holiday; if both parties request a jury, only one must post it, and failure waives jury trial.

View ruleSource: page 12, section 1. JURY DEPOSIT

Is electronic filing required in Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division?

No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. Civil protection order petitions must be filed in person with the Clerk during regular business hours, and electronic filing is prohibited for documents in these cases.

View ruleSource: page 16, section 11.E. CIVIL STALKING PROTECTION ORDER/CIVIL SEXUALLY ORIENTED OFFENSE PROTECTION ORDER CASES

What filing deadlines does Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division set?

A party timely objecting to a magistrate’s factual findings must obtain and file the transcript within thirty days after filing the objections, unless the Court extends the transcript-preparation time.

View ruleSource: page 8, section LOCAL RULES – CIVIL, 10.D. MAGISTRATES, 1. OBJECTIONS TO MAGISTRATE’S DECISIONS

What rule applies to serving all parties in Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division?

Details: recipient: all parties. Parties must timely and properly serve all necessary parties under the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, and failure may result in dismissal for lack of prosecution.

View ruleSource: page 9, section 10.E. SERVICE
Complete rules summary for Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division

Parties are encouraged, but not required, to submit a proposed order for the court's consideration.

The original document containing unredacted personal information must be submitted for the Court’s confidential processing.

The Clerk’s Office can be contacted by phone at 740-652-7360 regarding record requests, filing fees or questions, payment, and bond inquiries.

Judge Berens’ Chambers can be contacted by phone at 740-652-7431.

Judge Trimmer’s Chambers can be contacted by phone at 740-652-7427.

The Magistrate’s Chambers/Court Administration can be contacted by phone at 740-652-7434.

All documents filed with the Clerk of Courts must be on 8.5 by 11-inch, single-sided white paper.

Personal identifiers included in a filing must be redacted or omitted.

Every filing must include the parties’ names, case number, assigned judge, filer contact information, and a completed certificate of service.

A mailed filing is deemed filed on the date it is received.

Documents may be filed in person at the Clerk of Courts office during its stated hours.

Electronic filing is available through the court’s e-services website.

Documents may be mailed to the Clerk’s Office and are deemed filed on the date received.

Court costs, restitution, and probation fees may be paid online by credit or debit card.

Court costs, restitution, and probation fees may be paid in person by check, credit card, debit card, or cash.

The Clerk may refuse to accept a filing containing unredacted personal or private information.

When partially redacting a social security number in a filing, only the last four digits should be used.

Court costs, restitution, and probation fees may be paid by phone by credit or debit card during the stated hours.

When partially redacting a financial account number in a filing, only the last four digits should be used.

When partially redacting the name of a minor child in a filing, only the child’s initials should be used.

A redacted copy must identify itself as “REDACTED COPY” in the caption and redact the individual’s personal information throughout the document.

After the Administrative Judge signs, the standing special process server affidavit and order must be filed with the Clerk of Courts.

Every civil filing must include a completed Civil Information Sheet.

A party timely objecting to a magistrate’s factual findings must obtain and file the transcript within thirty days after filing the objections, unless the Court extends the transcript-preparation time.

Parties must timely and properly serve all necessary parties under the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, and failure may result in dismissal for lack of prosecution.

The Clerk will accept a time-stamped copy as proper designation of the process server until the order expires or is vacated.

When an extension of time to respond to a Complaint is unopposed, the parties may file a joint stipulation instead of a motion and proposed entry.

A pretrial statement is due from each party on or before the pretrial date.

The filing fee for a standing special process server affidavit and order is $25.

A copy of the pretrial statement must be served on opposing counsel.

More Judges in Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, General Division

David A. Trimmer
Judge
Richard E. Berens
Judge