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Court Rules
Judge Kimberly Cocroft
Judge

Judge Kimberly Cocroft

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

BriefCourt-wide
15 pgs
Reply BriefCourt-wide
7 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Receivership Plan, Receiver Progress Report

Court-wide
  • Upon Filing

Adjournments

  • Continuance requests should be made as soon as possible and will be granted only for good cause.
  • Counsel should confer before contacting the Court, advise whether the continuance request is agreed or opposed, and submit an agreed entry when it is unopposed; agreed requests are preferred.
  • A motion to continue must state the reason, whether the request is opposed, the number of prior continuances granted, and the length of time needed.
  • +2 more

Request must include

Adversary PositionReason for RequestNumber of Previous Requests

Communication

Phone
(614) 525-2600
Technical Issues
Phone
614.525.3120
SchedulingStatus Inquiries
Phone
614.525.6286
Scheduling
Phone
614.525.7200
SchedulingStatus Inquiries
Filters:

Document Format Requirements2 rules

FormattingMandatory

Judge Cocroft requires the Attorney Certification (DOCX).

File type
Word
Applies to
  • Attorney certification
Franklin Oh:a595bbd51134fa03bd8a9d82
|SectionVII. Foreclosures
FormattingImportant

Proposed jury instructions, verdict forms and/or interrogatories should be emailed in Microsoft Word format before the start of trial to the Staff Attorney (civil cases) or Bailiff (criminal cases).

File type
Word
Applies to
  • Jury instructions
  • Verdict form
  • Interrogatories
Franklin Oh:a595bbd51134fa03bd8a9d82
|SectionVI. Trial Procedures

Document Filing Requirements16 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Upon request and pursuant to Loc.R. 16, counsel shall file a joint Pre-Trial Statement on or before the date of the final pre-trial conference.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Accordingly, before any judgment is granted on any dispositive motion (for either default or summary judgment) in a residential foreclosure action, plaintiff’s counsel must personally certify the authenticity and accuracy of all documents submitted in support of judgment.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Counsel must submit a proposed entry for the Court’s consideration for all motions filed.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

When appropriate, please indicate whether opposing counsel agrees with the motion and, additionally, counsel must submit a proposed entry for the Court’s consideration for all motions filed.

Franklin Oh:a595bbd51134fa03bd8a9d82
|SectionIII. Motions and Memoranda
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Accordingly, before any judgment is granted on any dispositive motion (for either default or summary judgment) in a residential foreclosure action, plaintiff’s counsel must personally certify the authenticity and accuracy of all documents submitted in support of judgment.

Franklin Oh:a595bbd51134fa03bd8a9d82
|SectionVII. Foreclosures
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Upon request and pursuant to Local Rule 16, counsel shall file a joint Pre-Trial Statement on or before the date of the final pre-trial conference.

Franklin Oh:a595bbd51134fa03bd8a9d82
|SectionI. Status and Pretrial Conferences
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

I certify that I have personally verified that plaintiff is the holder of the original note, which is in its possession and will be produced at the court’s request. I certify that the attached copy of the note is a true and accurate representation of the original. I certify that the attached copy of any assignment of the note is a true and accurate representation of the original.

Franklin Oh:b6cb59ecce09b63b318795ee
|SectionCERTIFICATION BY PLAINTIFF’S COUNSEL
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Accordingly, before any judgment is granted on any dispositive motion (for either default or summary judgment) in a residential foreclosure action, plaintiff’s counsel must personally certify the authenticity and accuracy of all documents submitted in support of judgment.

Franklin Oh:b6cb59ecce09b63b318795ee
|SectionCASE MANAGEMENT ORDER
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the summons, complaint and all other documents filed in support of this residential foreclosure action are complete and accurate in all relevant respects.

Franklin Oh:b6cb59ecce09b63b318795ee
|SectionCERTIFICATION BY PLAINTIFF’S COUNSEL
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Where no certification is submitted, or where the submitted certification is not acceptable to the court, the dispositive motion will be overruled and the case will be scheduled for trial within ninety days.

Franklin Oh:b6cb59ecce09b63b318795ee
|SectionCASE MANAGEMENT ORDER
Filing RequirementsImportant

Motions in limine should only be filed after discussion in good faith among counsel, and after counsel certify they have met and exhausted efforts to resolve the issues.

Document
Motion in limine

Should include

  • Certificate of conference
Filing RequirementsImportant

Motions to withdraw should be accompanied by an order granting the motion that also includes the address where the Clerk should forward all information.

Filing RequirementsImportant

All motions to withdraw as counsel from a case should comply with Loc.R. 18.

Filing RequirementsImportant

A motion to withdraw should include a proposed order granting the motion and specifying where the Clerk should forward information.

Document
Motion to withdraw

Should include

  • Proposed order

Court's wording

All motions to withdraw as counsel from a case should comply with Local Rule 18. Motions to withdraw should be accompanied by a proposed order granting the motion that also includes the address where the Clerk should forward all information.

Franklin Oh:a595bbd51134fa03bd8a9d82
|SectionIII. Motions and Memoranda
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

I understand my continuing obligation to amend this certification in light of any facts discovered following its filing.

Franklin Oh:b6cb59ecce09b63b318795ee
|SectionCERTIFICATION BY PLAINTIFF’S COUNSEL
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

I am the attorney for plaintiff in this residential mortgage foreclosure action and am admitted to the practice of law in the state of Ohio. As plaintiff’s attorney of record, I have personal knowledge of the facts in this certification.

Franklin Oh:b6cb59ecce09b63b318795ee
|SectionCERTIFICATION BY PLAINTIFF’S COUNSEL

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Criminal continuance motions may be filed electronically, but continuance entries must be executed by all parties in paper form.

In criminal cases, motions for a continuance may be filed electronically; however, entries for continuance must be executed by all parties in paper form.

Page 3 | Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

Criminal continuance motions may be filed electronically, but all parties must execute the continuance entry in paper form.

In criminal cases, motions for a continuance may be filed electronically; however, entries for continuance must be executed by all parties in paper form.

Page 1 | IV. Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

If no final pretrial is scheduled, counsel must file the joint pretrial statement no later than 14 days before trial.

If no final pre-trial is scheduled, then counsel shall file the joint pre-trial statement no later than fourteen (14) days before trial.

Page 1 | Pre-Trials

If the required certification is missing or unacceptable, the dispositive motion will be overruled and the case scheduled for trial within 90 days.

Where no certification is submitted, or where the submitted certification is not acceptable to the court, the dispositive motion will be overruled and the case will be scheduled for trial within ninety days.

Page 2 | Foreclosure Cases

Leave of court must be obtained before filing a motion or memorandum that is out of rule or beyond the case-management schedule deadline.

It is necessary to obtain leave of court prior to filing a motion or memorandum out of rule or beyond the deadline set in the Case Management schedule.

Page 2 | Motion Practice

A stipulation among counsel cannot change any deadline without court approval.

No stipulation among counsel will change any deadline absent court approval.

Page 2 | Motion Practice

Motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before trial unless extraordinary circumstances are shown.

Motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before trial, absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances.

Page 3 | Motions in Limine

An unacceptable or missing attorney certification causes the dispositive motion to be overruled and the case scheduled for trial within 90 days.

Where no certification is submitted, or where the submitted certification is not acceptable to the court, the dispositive motion will be overruled and the case will be scheduled for trial within ninety days.

Page 1 | VII. Foreclosures

Motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before trial unless extraordinary circumstances are shown.

Motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before trial, absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances.

Page 1 | III. Motions and Memoranda

After notice of settlement, the parties have 20 days to finalize the settlement and submit the appropriate dismissal or settlement entry.

Upon notice of settlement the Court will file a Settled Entry to Follow Order, allowing the parties 20 days to finalize settlement and submit the appropriate dismissal/settlement entry.

Page 1 | V. Mediation

If no final pre-trial conference is scheduled, the joint pre-trial statement must be filed no later than 14 days before trial.

Upon request and pursuant to Local Rule 16, counsel shall file a joint Pre-Trial Statement on or before the date of the final pre-trial conference. Counsel must appear in person for the final pre-trial. If no final pre-trial conference is scheduled, then counsel shall file the joint pre-trial statement no later than 14 days before trial.

Page 1 | I. Status and Pretrial Conferences

A request for leave to file a motion late may jeopardize the trial date and may be denied on that basis alone.

Leave to file motions late in a case may jeopardize the trial date and may be denied for that reason alone.

Page 2 | Motion Practice

More time to submit the settlement dismissal entry will be allowed when Probate Court approval or other unusual circumstances require it.

In matters requiring approval from the Probate Court or other unusual circumstances, more time will be allotted.

Page 1 | V. Mediation

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Before filing any discovery motion, counsel must make reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute independently.

Pursuant to Civ.R. 37, before filing any discovery motions, counsel shall make reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute(s) on their own.

Page 2 | Discovery

Motions in limine will be heard orally on the morning of trial unless counsel requests an advance ruling.

Motions will be heard orally on the morning of trial, unless counsel requests a ruling in advance of trial.

Page 3 | Motions in Limine

A motion in limine may be filed only after good-faith discussions and certification that counsel exhausted efforts to resolve the issues.

Motions in limine should only be filed after discussion in good faith among counsel, and after counsel certify they have met and exhausted efforts to resolve the issues.

Page 1 | III. Motions and Memoranda

When counsel cannot resolve a discovery dispute, the parties should request a status conference.

If counsel cannot resolve a discovery dispute, the parties should request a status conference to discuss outstanding issues.

Page 1 | II. Discovery

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A motion to continue must state the reason, whether the request is opposed, the number of prior continuances granted, and the length of time needed.

Motions to continue must specify: 1.) the reason for the continuance; 2.) whether the continuance is opposed; 3.) how many, if any, prior continuances have been granted; and 4.) the length of time needed.

Page 3 | Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

A continuance motion must state prior continuances, the additional time needed, the reason, and whether the request is opposed; requests should be made as soon as possible and will be granted only for good cause.

Continuances should be requested as soon as possible and will be granted only for good cause shown. Before contacting the Court regarding continuances, counsel should speak with one another. Once the Court is contacted, please advise whether a request for continuance is agreed or opposed. If the continuance is unopposed, then submit an agreed entry. Agreed requests are preferred. Motions to continue must specify:How many, if any, prior continuances have been granted The length of time needed The reason for the continuance Whether the continuance is opposed

Page 1 | IV. Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

Continuance requests should be made as soon as possible and will be granted only for good cause.

Continuances should be requested as soon as possible and will be granted only for good cause shown.

Page 3 | Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

Counsel should confer before contacting the Court, advise whether the continuance request is agreed or opposed, and submit an agreed entry when it is unopposed; agreed requests are preferred.

Before contacting the Court regarding continuances, counsel should speak with one another. Once the Court is contacted, please advise whether a request for continuance is agreed or opposed. If the continuance is unopposed, then submit an agreed entry. Agreed requests are preferred.

Page 3 | Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

Counsel is encouraged to give the Court advance notice of a continuance request.

Counsel is encouraged to give the Court any advance notice for a request for continuance.

Page 3 | Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

Chambers Communication Rules

Counsel who wish to appear in person at a status conference must notify the Court so the appropriate entry can be filed.

If, however, counsel wish to appear in person, then they must notify the Court so that the appropriate entry can be filed.

Page 1 | Status Conferences

Counsel should alert chambers as soon as possible when a case appears genuinely ready for trial so the Court can assign a firm trial date.

If a case genuinely appears to require a trial, alert chambers as soon as possible so that the Court may do its best to assign a "firm" trial date with the Court’s calendar.

Page 1 | VI. Trial Procedures

Counsel may request a status conference from the Court’s Staff Attorney, and Judge Cocroft will conduct the conference.

Counsel may request a status conference by contacting the Court’s Staff Attorney. Status conferences will be conducted by Judge Cocroft.

Page 1 | Status Conferences

Technical problems with the Court’s e-filing system should be directed to the e-filing hotline at (614) 525-2600.

Questions regarding technical issues with the Court’s e-filing system should be directed to the Court’s e-filing hotline at (614) 525-2600.

Page 2 | Motion Practice

If counsel cannot resolve a discovery dispute, the parties should request a status conference to discuss the outstanding issues.

If counsel cannot resolve a discovery dispute, the parties should request a status conference to discuss outstanding issues.

Page 2 | Discovery

Report that parties are engaging in settlement and address how that may impact pending motions. Report settlement of a civil case, pursuant to Local Rule 22 (PDF.)

Report that parties are engaging in settlement and address how that may impact pending motions. Report settlement of a civil case, pursuant to Local Rule 22 (PDF.)

Page 1 | Report that parties are engaging in settlement and address how that may impact pending motions

Courtroom staff may be called for a telephone status conference, general court information, and classroom-visit scheduling.

Call in for a telephone status conference. General court information. Schedule a classroom visit to the courtroom.

Page 1 | Courtroom Staff

The quote directs readers to inquire about procedures and processes in any criminal matters.

Inquire about procedures and processes in any criminal matters.

Page 1 | Inquire about procedures and processes in any criminal matters

The staff attorney may be contacted by email to request a status conference or inquire about pending civil matters.

Request a status conference or to inquire about any pending civil matters before the court.

Page 1 | Request a status conference or inquire about pending civil matters

Inquire about scheduling mediation, magistrate trials, or damages hearings.

Inquire about scheduling mediation, magistrate trials, or damages hearings.

Page 1 | Courtroom Staff

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 361 rules apply across Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 135
  • Applies to
    Pleading motion brief memorandum or written argument
    Must include
    certificate of service

    Written proof of service must appear on or accompany each covered filing, and a judge will not consider a filing without a certificate of service unless the filing is a trial brief that counsel agreed not to exchange.

  • Applies to
    Cover sheet

    Court proceedings for a CQE must be initiated with the designated Cover Sheet, Form A.

  • Applies to
    Cover sheet

    The Cover Sheet must state the petitioner's assigned ODRC Electronic Petition Identification Number and include a copy of the completed ODRC Electronic Application.

Fees

All 69
  • Applies to
    Miscellaneous proceedings initiated by columbus bar association

    No advance local filing-fee deposit is required for Columbus Bar Association miscellaneous proceedings, but the court will assess costs at the end of each case as it deems just.

  • Applies to
    Cqe petition

    The filing-fee deposit must be paid before the court is required to take any action on the CQE Petition.

  • Applies to
    Cqe petition

    Every petitioner must deposit at filing a uniform, non-refundable fee in the amount set by the Clerk and approved by the Administrative Judge.

Filing Timing

All 65
  • A motion for leave to exceed the memorandum or brief page limits must be filed no later than seven days before the brief is due and must explain the unusual and extraordinary circumstances requiring the excess.

  • An attorney may not withdraw later than 20 days before a trial or dispositive hearing, except in extraordinary circumstances.

  • Any party filing objections to a magistrate's order or decision must timely file the objections and supporting memorandum in accordance with Civil Rule 53.

Service

All 43
  • Applies to
    Pleading motion brief memorandum or written argument

    Every pleading, motion, brief, memorandum, or written argument filed with the Court or a judge must be served on all opposing counsel and all unrepresented parties.

  • Applies to
    Cqe notification
    Service
    Mail

    The Probation Department may send CQE notifications to other courts or prosecutors by ordinary U.S. mail or electronically.

  • Applies to
    Cqe disposition notice

    The Probation Department must notify the ODRC of the disposition of each CQE Petition as required by the Ohio Administrative Code.

About Judge Kimberly Cocroft

Term expires June 2029. Staff attorney: Luke Klage, 614.525.3120.

Courtroom: 4E Address: 345 S High Street 4th Floor, Courtroom 4E Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: 614.525.7200 Fax: 614.525.4641 Secretary: Tamara McCall, 614.525.7200 Bailiff: ShaQuanna Crum, 614.525.4644 Staff Attorney: Luke Klage, 614.525.3120 Magistrate: Elizabeta Saken, 614.525.6286

Common questions about Judge Kimberly Cocroft's rules

Does Judge Kimberly Cocroft require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Before filing any discovery motion, counsel must make reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute independently.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Discovery

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Kimberly Cocroft?

Judge Kimberly Cocroft's formatting rule includes file format docx. The required attorney certification must be submitted in DOCX format.

View ruleSource: page 1, section VII. Foreclosures

What must be included with joint pretrial statement filings before Judge Kimberly Cocroft?

When requested under Local Rule 16, counsel must file a joint pretrial statement by the final pretrial conference date.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Pre-Trials

What must be included with residential foreclosure dispositive motion filings before Judge Kimberly Cocroft?

Before default or summary judgment in a residential foreclosure action, plaintiff’s counsel must personally certify the authenticity and accuracy of all documents supporting judgment.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Foreclosure Cases

How may parties contact Judge Kimberly Cocroft's chambers?

Counsel who wish to appear in person at a status conference must notify the Court so the appropriate entry can be filed.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Status Conferences

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Kimberly Cocroft?

The request must include reason for request, adversary position, and number of previous requests. A motion to continue must state the reason, whether the request is opposed, the number of prior continuances granted, and the length of time needed.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

Is electronic filing required before Judge Kimberly Cocroft?

Electronic filing is permitted for the covered filings. Criminal continuance motions may be filed electronically, but continuance entries must be executed by all parties in paper form.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

What filing deadlines does Judge Kimberly Cocroft set?

If the required certification is missing or unacceptable, the dispositive motion will be overruled and the case scheduled for trial within 90 days.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Foreclosure Cases
Complete rules summary for Judge Kimberly Cocroft

If the required certification is missing or unacceptable, the dispositive motion will be overruled and the case scheduled for trial within 90 days.

A request for leave to file a motion late may jeopardize the trial date and may be denied on that basis alone.

When requested under Local Rule 16, counsel must file a joint pretrial statement by the final pretrial conference date.

Counsel may request a status conference from the Court’s Staff Attorney, and Judge Cocroft will conduct the conference.

Before default or summary judgment in a residential foreclosure action, plaintiff’s counsel must personally certify the authenticity and accuracy of all documents supporting judgment.

If no final pretrial is scheduled, counsel must file the joint pretrial statement no later than 14 days before trial.

Technical problems with the Court’s e-filing system should be directed to the e-filing hotline at (614) 525-2600.

Every filed motion must include a proposed entry for the Court’s consideration.

Leave of court must be obtained before filing a motion or memorandum that is out of rule or beyond the case-management schedule deadline.

A stipulation among counsel cannot change any deadline without court approval.

Before filing any discovery motion, counsel must make reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute independently.

If counsel cannot resolve a discovery dispute, the parties should request a status conference to discuss the outstanding issues.

Continuance requests should be made as soon as possible and will be granted only for good cause.

Counsel should confer before contacting the Court, advise whether the continuance request is agreed or opposed, and submit an agreed entry when it is unopposed; agreed requests are preferred.

A motion to continue must state the reason, whether the request is opposed, the number of prior continuances granted, and the length of time needed.

Criminal continuance motions may be filed electronically, but continuance entries must be executed by all parties in paper form.

Counsel is encouraged to give the Court advance notice of a continuance request.

Counsel should discuss motions in limine in good faith and certify that they met and exhausted efforts to resolve the issues before filing.

Motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before trial unless extraordinary circumstances are shown.

Motions to withdraw as counsel should comply with Local Rule 18.

A motion to withdraw as counsel should be accompanied by an order granting the motion that states where the clerk should forward all information.

Motions in limine will be heard orally on the morning of trial unless counsel requests an advance ruling.

Counsel who wish to appear in person at a status conference must notify the Court so the appropriate entry can be filed.

If no final pre-trial conference is scheduled, the joint pre-trial statement must be filed no later than 14 days before trial.

Upon request and pursuant to Local Rule 16, counsel shall file a joint Pre-Trial Statement on or before the date of the final pre-trial conference.

Counsel must submit a proposed order for the Court’s consideration with every motion.

A motion to withdraw should include a proposed order granting the motion and specifying where the Clerk should forward information.

A motion in limine may be filed only after good-faith discussions and certification that counsel exhausted efforts to resolve the issues.

Motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before trial unless extraordinary circumstances are shown.

When counsel cannot resolve a discovery dispute, the parties should request a status conference.

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