Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Motion, Responsive Memorandum
- Upon Filing
Adjournments
- A continuance will not be granted for counsel’s scheduling conflict absent the specified good-cause circumstances or other good cause serving the interest of justice.
- A continuance request must be made by written or oral motion during a recorded court proceeding and state what is to be continued and why.
- A continuance will not be granted to either side unless the request is made in writing and/or in open court before the assigned judge.
- +1 more
Request must include
- Requests to continue any trial or hearing must be made at least 14 days before the trial date.
Page & Word Limits1 rule
No memorandum shall exceed fifteen (15) pages in length without leave of Court. Said page limit does not include supporting exhibits or attachments.
- Memorandum
- Up to 15 pages
Excluded from page count
- •Exhibits
- •Attachments
Exception
More pages with leave of court
Document Format Requirements1 rule
Pleadings and motions must meet the stated typing, spacing, paper, margin, numbering, and physical-format requirements; the Clerk may remove submitted dividers or tabs.
- Line spacing
- Double
- Paper size
- Letter
- Pleading
- Motion
Formatting
- •Must be legibly typewritten or printed
- •Paper must be single-sided
- •Documents must be page-numbered
Court's wording
All pleadings and motions shall be legibly typewritten or printed and be double-spaced on single-sided 8 ½” by 11” paper and shall have a 2 ½” top margin on the first page; subsequent pages shall have a 1” top margin. All pleadings and motions must be page- numbered, free of staples or fasteners, and free of dividers or tabs. If dividers or tabs are submitted, the Clerk of Courts is authorized to remove them prior to filing, docketing and scanning.
Document Filing Requirements38 rules
For all Complaints, an original and one copy for each party being served must be filed with the Clerk of Courts.
All attorneys shall include their attorney or pro hac vice registration number issued by the Ohio Supreme Court on all documents filed with the Court.
All submitted entries must include a list of all attorneys and unrepresented parties who are to receive a copy of the docketed entry from the Clerk of Court’s office. The listing must appear on the left side of the page below the signature block but aligned with the left margin.
Counsel must certify the accuracy of citations in motions, briefs, and memoranda, including AI-generated material, and attach the verification at the end of the document.
Court's wording
Whether or not generated in whole or in part by Artificial Intelligence, all motions, briefs, memoranda, etc. containing citations to authority shall be certified by counsel that the citations are accurate. The verification shall be attached to the end of the motion, brief, memoranda, etc.
For all motions, an original and one copy for scheduling purposes must be filed with the Clerk of Courts.
Every non-oral motion filed with the Court shall be accompanied by a proposed judgment entry suitable for use if the motion is granted.
- Document
- Non-oral motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
When any Complaint or Third-Party Complaint is submitted for electronic filing, the filing party shall also file instructions for service and the Clerk shall issue a Summons and serve the Complaint or Third-Party Complaint according to such instructions.
The motion shall contain: (1) the specific case number and caption of the document(s) or case file that is the subject of the request to be sealed; and (2) a statement of the specific reason for the request.
- Document
- Motion to seal
Must include
- •Caption
- •Case number
Counsel requesting the sealing of a document or documents or case file shall file a motion and shall submit a proposed entry and provide a courtesy copy of the motion to the trial Judge.
When written jury instructions are presented to the Court pursuant to Civ. R. 51 or Crim. R. 30 by a party, they shall be accompanied by a citation of the relevant authority, unless excused by the Court.
Parties must file proposed jury instructions specific to the issues for trial as well as proposed jury interrogatories no later than the seven (7) days prior to trial.
The parties must also e-mail the Judge’s Assignment Commissioner the proposed instructions and interrogatories in Word format no later than seven (7) days prior to trial.
Motions for default judgment shall be accompanied by an affidavit in support of the requested judgment.
At least seven (7) days prior to the final pretrial conference, counsel shall file a typed transcript of any video deposition, and counsel will send notice of filing to all counsel of record.
In cases based upon an account or other written instrument, the moving party must comply with Civ. R. 10(D) before default judgment will be granted.
All exhibits to be used are to be exchanged no later than two days prior to the commencement of trial at the latest;
Unless otherwise ordered by the trial Judge or Magistrate: (1) at the time of the final pretrial counsel shall prepare and present all exhibits in existence which counsel expects to introduce during the trial of the case.
At least seven (7) days prior to the pretrial conference, unless otherwise ordered by the trial Judge or Magistrate, trial counsel for each of the parties shall file a pretrial statement.
Unless otherwise ordered, each pretrial statement must address the listed matters as appropriate, including expert witnesses and reports, damages, and other matters affecting trial.
Court's wording
Unless otherwise ordered, each pretrial statement shall contain a statement from trial counsel covering those of the following items as are appropriate to the pending litigation: (1) the status of discovery; (2) the status of settlement negotiations; (3) the names of those who will be testifying as experts, and a copy of each expert’s written report or a summary of the expert’s reports, where no written report is available to counsel, shall be furnished to opposing counsel prior the pretrial as set forth in the trial Judge’s or Magistrate’s pretrial order; (4) a listing of special damages and claims for lost wages; and (5) other matters which trial counsel feel may aid in, or affect the trial of the cause, including, but not limited to, a request for a view of the scene, any anticipated delays due to the scheduling of witnesses, stipulations.
each party’s counsel shall prepare a set of exhibits for the Court, for use with witnesses, and for the counsel of the other parties involved in the trial.
Appointed counsel must submit a report stating the expense’s purpose and approximate amount and obtain a court order approving it before incurring the expense.
Court's wording
Appointed counsel in criminal cases shall not incur expenses in the investigation or preparation of their case until they have first submitted to the Court a report disclosing the purpose of the expense, the approximate amount of such expense, and secured the Court’s approval by way of an Order therefore.
A certification to the Court that discovery has been provided shall be filed.
Applications for extraordinary or excessive fees without prior court approval shall not be approved.
A list of exhibits a party intends to introduce shall be provided to the Court prior to the commencement of trial.
Prior to the time set for trial it will be the obligation of counsel for the defense and of counsel for the State to meet and to mark all exhibits intended to be introduced for trial.
Stipulations and agreements must be written and signed by the parties or their counsel, or made in open court and dictated to the court reporter, to be recognized if disputed.
Court's wording
Stipulations and agreements of counsel or parties to the case must be reduced to writing and signed by the parties to the case or their respective counsel or made in open court and dictated to the court reporter; otherwise, any such stipulations or agreements shall not be recognized by the Court if disputed by any of the parties.
Request for continuances of a trial date shall be accompanied by an irrevocable and unconditional time waiver signed by the Defendant.
INSTRUCTIONS: In order for the Court to properly consider your motion, you must answer each question below and provide the information requested. No motion will be considered until it is fully completed. If necessary, attach additional pages.
List any formal post-law school training for criminal representation (including seminars). Include the year in which the formal training took place:
Estimate the number of criminal defendants, along with the types of offenses, you have represented (we recognize that for some of you, this will be a very rough estimate). State if case went to evidentiary hearing (motion, court or jury trial, etc.):
List any professional associations affiliated with, with regards to criminal defense:
Parties must omit personal identifiers from case documents submitted to or filed with the court.
Court's wording
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: PURSUANT TO O.R.C. 2303.901(B) WHEN SUBMITTING A CASE DOCUMENT TO THE COURT OR FILING A CASE DOCUMENT WITH THE CLERK OF COURT, A PARTY TO AN ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL OMIT PERSONAL IDENTIFIERS FROM THE CASE DOCUMENT PURSUANT TO RULE 45 OF THE RULES OF SUPERINTENDENCE FOR THE COURTS OF OHIO.
The Court may also direct a party to prepare an entry. A party directed by the Court to prepare an entry shall do so as directed by the Court.
Only one original entry is to be submitted, the Court will make necessary copies after the entry is signed by a Judge.
The video deposition may be transcribed by someone other than a court reporter as long as it is accompanied by a certification from counsel as to its accuracy.
each trial counsel should mark their anticipated exhibits. Plaintiffs shall use numbers and defendants shall use letters;
Trial counsel shall list all those exhibits not in counsel’s possession which counsel expects to introduce at trial;
counsel should present their anticipated exhibits to opposing counsel as early as possible so as to avoid duplicative exhibits or delay of trial for arguments related to admissibility.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
The Clerk will not accept pleadings or other documents submitted by facsimile for filing.
No pleadings or other documents may be filed with the Clerk of Courts by facsimile transmission. Any pleading or other document sent by facsimile transmission to the Clerk of Courts with instructions for filing shall not be accepted.
Page 13 | Rule 2.5: Filing (A) IN PERSON OR ELECTRONIC FILING ONLY
Filings may be submitted only in person at the Clerk of Courts or electronically in accordance with the rule.
Filings will be accepted in two formats only: in person at the Clerk of Courts, and electronically in conformance with this Rule.
Page 13 | Rule 2.5: Filing (A) IN PERSON OR ELECTRONIC FILING ONLY
The listed document types and filings are not eligible for electronic filing.
At this time, the following shall not be eligible for electronic filing: (1) depositions and transcripts; (2) subpoenas; (3) any document in a juvenile case; (4) any document required to be filed under seal or in camera; (5) complaints in appropriations cases; (6) motions for temporary restraining orders, (7) preliminary injunctions or other immediate relief; (8) petitions for civil stalking protection orders or civil sexually oriented offender protection orders; (9) all documents related to judgment lien cases; (10) certificates of judgment; (11) garnishments; (12) writs of possession; (13) foreign Sheriff deposits; (14) petitions for court ordered certificate of title; (15) action for replevin; (16) and cognovit notes.
Page 14 | Rule 2.5: Filing (B)(2) Pleadings and Filings Not Eligible for Electronic Filing
A person must contact the Clerk before creating an e-filing account and obtain acceptance of registration before filing electronically.
All persons must contact the Clerk of Court prior to creating an account on the system in order to use the electronic filing portal. The Clerk of Courts must accept the registration before a person can electronically file.
Page 14 | Rule 2.5: Filing (B)(3) Registration
Licensed attorneys must register for the electronic filing portal; although e-filing is not currently mandatory, it is strongly encouraged where permitted.
The Court’s goal is to make electronic filing available and required in all cases and case types, with limited exceptions. All licensed attorneys shall register for the electronic filing portal. While not mandatory at this time, electronic filing is strongly encouraged where allowed by this Rule.
Page 13 | Rule 2.5: Filing (B) ELECTRONIC FILING
Registered users must keep their contact information current with the Clerk and the electronic filing portal.
All registered persons must ensure that their information, including email address, mailing address, and phone number remains current with the Clerk of Court and electronic filing portal.
Page 14 | Rule 2.5: Filing (B)(3) Registration
The Muskingum County Common Pleas Courts do not accept filings or requests, or provide information, by fax or email.
No, Muskingum County Common Pleas Courts do not accept or provide information by fax or email.
Page 1 | Frequently Asked Questions
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A document’s effective filing date is the date and time stamped after Clerk review and portal acceptance.
After review by the Clerk and accepted by the electronic filing portal, the document will be time and date stamped, which shall be the effective date of filing.
Page 14 | Rule 2.5: Filing (B)(4) Timing
Rejected filings are returned with the reason for rejection and may be resubmitted; the final filing date is determined by the Clerk’s acceptance.
A filing that is rejected will be returned to the filer with reasons(s) for the rejection. The filer will be permitted to resubmit the filing. The final filing date will be determined by the acceptance of the filing by the Clerk of Courts.
Page 14 | Rule 2.5: Filing (B)(5) Rejection of Filing
The movant must file a reply memorandum within 7 days after service of the last opposition memorandum.
the movant shall file any reply memorandum in support of the motion within seven (7) days of the service of the last memorandum in opposition.
Page 25 | Rule 4.8: Motions (A) GENERALLY
Unless the Court orders an extension, an opposition to a non-summary-judgment motion or a co-party memorandum supporting the motion must be filed within 14 days after service of the motion.
Unless an extension of time is otherwise ordered, any memorandum in opposition to a motion (other than a motion for summary judgment), or a memorandum of a co-party in support of the motion, shall be filed within fourteen (14) days of the service of the motion
Page 25 | Rule 4.8: Motions (A) GENERALLY
A responsive memorandum to a summary judgment motion must be filed within 28 days after service of the motion.
A responsive memorandum to a motion for summary judgment shall be filed within twenty-eight (28) days of service of the motion
Page 25 | Rule 4.8: Motions (A) GENERALLY
A reply memorandum to a summary judgment motion must be filed within 7 days after service of the last opposition memorandum.
any reply memorandum to a summary judgment motion shall be filed within seven (7) days of service of the last memorandum in opposition.
Page 25 | Rule 4.8: Motions (A) GENERALLY
Counsel must file a typed transcript of any video deposition at least 7 days before the final pretrial conference and send notice of filing to all counsel of record.
At least seven (7) days prior to the final pretrial conference, counsel shall file a typed transcript of any video deposition, and counsel will send notice of filing to all counsel of record.
Page 26 | Rule 4.10: Video Depositions
An attorney who misses reimbursement deadlines or fails to comply with reimbursement requirements will be denied reimbursement.
An attorney will be denied reimbursement for failure to meet the time deadlines or to comply with other reimbursement requirements.
Page 32 | Rule 5.6(D) STATEMENT FOR FEES
Appointed attorneys must submit their bills within 30 days after the case terminates.
Attorneys shall submit bills no later than thirty (30) days from the termination of said case.
Page 32 | Rule 5.6(D) STATEMENT FOR FEES
Filings submitted after 4:15 p.m. or on a non-business day are reviewed on the next business day the Court is open.
Filings submitted after 4:15 p.m. or on non-business days will be reviewed by the Clerk of Courts the next business day the Court is open.
Page 14 | Rule 2.5: Filing (B)(4) Timing
If a submission is not received by the Clerk due to an error caused by the hardware or software of either the Clerk or the submitting party, upon satisfactory proof and for good cause shown, the Court may enter an Order permitting the
If a submission is not received by the Clerk due to an error caused by the hardware or software of either the Clerk or the submitting party, upon satisfactory proof and for good cause shown, the Court may enter an Order permitting the
Page 14 | Rule 2.5: Filing (B)(7) Technical Error
Unless oral argument is requested or ordered, a motion is submitted for decision when the applicable briefing period expires.
Unless an oral argument is requested or ordered by the Court, a motion shall be considered submitted to the Court for decision upon the expiration of said time period.
Page 25 | Rule 4.8: Motions (A) GENERALLY
Electronic filings may be submitted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Filings can be submitted for electronic filing twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days per week.
Page 14 | Rule 2.5: Filing (B)(4) Timing
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Orders and notices requiring mail or personal service, and documents served on third parties not registered in the portal, must continue to be served under the Rules of Civil Procedure despite electronic notifications.
Orders and notices which by their terms are required to be mailed or personally served upon a party, or which are to be served upon third parties not registered in the electronic filing portal, shall continue to be served in accordance with the Rules of Civil Procedure regardless of the utilization of an electronic notification.
Page 15 | 10. Service of Electronically Filed Documents and Orders—By the Court
The Clerk will issue a Summons and serve an electronically filed Complaint or Third-Party Complaint according to the filing party’s service instructions.
When any Complaint or Third-Party Complaint is submitted for electronic filing, the filing party shall also file instructions for service and the Clerk shall issue a Summons and serve the Complaint or Third-Party Complaint according to such instructions.
Page 15 | 9. Filings of Initial Pleadings
Electronic filing does not replace service on opposing counsel or parties required by the procedural rules or courtesy copies required elsewhere in the rules.
The availability and utilization of electronic filing shall not serve to eliminate any requirements to serve opposing counsel or parties with filings pursuant to the Rules of Civil and/or Criminal Procedure, nor shall it eliminate the requirement to provide courtesy copies to the trial Judge as provided elsewhere in these Rules.
Page 15 | 10. Service of Electronically Filed Documents and Orders—By and Between Parties
The Court may use the electronic filing portal to notify counsel and parties of filed Orders, and portal notice constitutes service of documents the Clerk must serve.
The Court may utilize notifications available through the electronic filing portal to inform counsel and parties that Orders have been filed in their cases. Said notice, delivered by the electronic filing portal, shall constitute service of any document required to be served by the Clerk of Courts upon parties and/or attorneys.
Page 15 | 10. Service of Electronically Filed Documents and Orders—By the Court
After the last publication date, the requesting party must file an affidavit of publication, a copy of the publication notice, and proof of payment of publication costs with the Clerk.
After the last date of publication, the requesting party shall file with the Clerk of Courts an affidavit showing the fact of publication, together with a copy of the notice of publication and proof that publication costs were paid.
Page 22 | Rule 4.4: Service by Publication
To serve by publication, the requesting party must file an affidavit and legal notice, establish the specified grounds for publication, arrange for publication in a newspaper of general circulation, and pay the publication costs directly to the publisher.
If service is to be perfected by publication pursuant to the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, the requesting party shall file with the Clerk of Courts an affidavit together with a legal notice. The affidavit shall aver that service of Summons cannot be made because the residence of the party to be served is unknown to the affiant, all of the efforts made on behalf of the party to ascertain the residence of the party to be served, and that the residence of the party to be served cannot be ascertained with reasonable diligence. The Clerk of Courts will cause publication by returning the legal notice to the requesting party for transmittal to a newspaper of general circulation. It shall be the responsibility of the requesting party to ensure that the publication is accomplished, including the selection of the means of publication and administration of the publication. The requesting party shall be responsible for all publication costs directly with the publisher.
Page 22 | Rule 4.4: Service by Publication
When a party applies to modify bail, notice must be given to the adverse party upon filing the application.
Notice shall be given to the adverse party upon the filing of such application.
Page 30 | Rule 5.4: Establishment of Bail / Modification of Bail
Surety bail bond agents or agencies must give defendants written court notice at release, a written court-date reminder within one week of the date, and an in-person or phone reminder within 24 hours of it.
Surety Bail Bond Agents/Agencies must provide a written court notice to the defendant at the time of release. Further, they must provide a written court date reminder to defendants within one week of the court date and in person or phone reminder within twenty-four (24) hours of the court date.
Page 31
Surety bail bond agents or agencies must keep specified defendant contact information and maintain contact with defendants at least weekly.
The Surety Bail Bond Agent/Agencies shall obtain and maintain contact information from defendants including, but not limited to, phone number, address, e-mail, and an emergency contact person and must maintain at least weekly contact with defendants.
Page 31
The Sheriff’s office must personally serve prospective jurors who fail to appear or respond to the summons with instructions for reassignment.
The Sheriff’s office shall personally serve prospective jurors who fail to appear or respond to the Summons with instructions for the prospective jurors so that they can be reassigned for service at a later date.
Page 10 | (D) JURY SELECTION
The Muskingum County Sheriff must send each prospective juror’s jury-service notice and questionnaire by ordinary mail.
The notice summoning a person to jury service and juror questionnaire shall be sent by ordinary mail to each prospective juror by the Muskingum County Sheriff.
Page 10 | (D) JURY SELECTION
Counsel and parties must monitor the case docket if an electronic notification is not sent or received.
Counsel and parties bear ultimate responsibility for keeping current with filings upon the case docket in the event an electronic notification is inadvertently not sent or is not received.
Page 15 | 10. Service of Electronically Filed Documents and Orders—By the Court
The Court may mail selected Orders at its discretion, but parties should not rely on other Orders being mailed.
The Court, at its discretion, may elect to mail certain Orders to counsel/parties. The decision to mail any particular Order does not mean all other Orders will be mailed, and the possibility of mailing should not be relied upon.
Page 15 | 10. Service of Electronically Filed Documents and Orders—By the Court
A standing special process server must not serve process in a case in which the server has a financial interest in the outcome.
6. I will not attempt to serve process in any case in which I have a financial interest in the outcome of the action.
Page 35 | APPENDIX A (Local Rule 2.10)
A standing special process server must follow applicable local and Ohio civil rules, act professionally, and obey case-specific court instructions for service.
9. I am familiar with and will follow all applicable Local Rules and Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure. I will conduct myself in a professional manner. I will also obey any specific instructions for service of process as ordered by the Court in individual cases, including:
Page 35 | APPENDIX A (Local Rule 2.10)
A standing special process server must not serve process in a case involving the server as a party, counsel, or a family member of a party.
5. I will not attempt to serve process in any case in which I am a party, counsel for a party, or have a familial relationship to any party.
Page 35 | APPENDIX A (Local Rule 2.10)
Mark the return as residential service when a pleading is left with a suitable-age person other than the person served, and as personal service when left with the person served.
If a pleading is left with a person of a suitable age other than the person to be served, then return is marked as “residential service,” and if the pleading is left with the individual to be served, then the return is marked as "personal service.”
Page 35 | APPENDIX A (Local Rule 2.10)
A standing special process server’s authority under the appointment ceases if the server fails to satisfy Civ.R. 4.1(D) during the appointment period.
Additionally, if fails to satisfy the requirements set forth in Civ.R. 4.1(D) during the period of the appointment, the authority to serve under this order will cease.
Page 36 | JOURNAL ENTRY APPOINTING PROCESS SERVER
A standing special process server appointment expires one year after filing unless modified earlier by the court, and continuing the appointment beyond one year requires reapplication.
This order expires one (1) year from the date it is filed unless modified earlier by the Court. Continued appointment beyond one (1) year will require reapplication.
Page 36 | JOURNAL ENTRY APPOINTING PROCESS SERVER
Filing Fees and Waivers
Documents requiring filing fees may be rejected unless the fee is paid through the electronic filing system at filing; electronically filed deposits and fees must be paid by credit card at filing.
Any document that requires a filing fee, including those for a requested jury demand, may be rejected by the Clerk unless the filing fees are paid through the electronic filing system at the time of filing. When a document requiring the payment of a deposit or fees is filed electronically, the required deposit or fee must be paid by credit card at the time of the filing.
Page 15 | 8. Deposits and Fees
A civil action or proceeding requires the applicable security deposit before the Clerk will accept it for filing, and credit-card payments incur a processing fee.
(A) No civil action or proceeding shall be accepted for filing by the Clerk unless there is deposited as security for costs, the amount required, which can be obtained in person, by website, or via telephone. For an up-to-date listing of Required Deposits and a complete Table of Fees, please contact the Clerk of Courts or visit the Clerk’s website (https://www.muskingumcountyoh.gov/Courts/Clerk-Of-Courts/#undefined3). Required Deposits and Table of Fees are subject to change. Any questions regarding Required Deposits and Fees should be directed to the Clerk of Courts. Any deposit or fee paid by credit card will be assessed a processing fee at the time of filing, in an amount determined by the Clerk of Court.
Page 21 | Rule 4.1: Costs
A person claiming indigency must file an in forma pauperis application with a supporting affidavit, and the application requires court approval.
(B)In the event of claimed indigency, the indigent person shall file an application to proceed in forma pauperis, accompanied by a supporting affidavit. The application to proceed in forma pauperis is subject to court approval. (See Appendix B.)
Page 22 | Rule 4.1: Costs
After a qualifying transferred case is docketed, the counterclaimant or cross-claimant must post the required security for costs within ten days or the case may be dismissed.
(D)When a case is transferred to the Common Pleas Court in which the demand of the counterclaim or the cross-claim exceeds the monetary jurisdiction of any other jurisdiction, the counterclaimant or cross-claimant shall, within ten (10) days of docketing the case, post security for costs in a sum equal to the amount required, as if the action were originally filed in this Court. Failure to comply may result in case dismissal.
Page 22 | Rule 4.1: Costs
A party requesting a jury in a civil case must deposit $700 with the Clerk by noon on the Friday before trial, or by noon on the preceding non-holiday day if Friday is a Court holiday; failure waives a jury trial.
Any party who has requested a jury in a civil case shall deposit $700.00 with the 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 preceding day that is not a Court holiday. Failure to do so will constitute a waiver ===== PAGE 28 ===== of a trial by jury.
Page 27 | Rule 4.14: Jury Deposit
A party requesting a jury view in a civil case must deposit $250 with the Clerk by noon on the Friday before trial, or by noon on the preceding non-holiday day if Friday is a Court holiday; failure waives the jury view.
Any party who has requested a jury view in a civil case shall deposit $250.00 with the 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 preceding day that is not a Court holiday. Failure to do so will constitute a waiver of a jury view.
Page 28 | Rule 4.15: Jury View Deposit
A special projects fee, in addition to other court costs, is collected when each criminal case or civil action is filed in the General Division.
The special projects fee, in addition to all other court costs, shall be collected on the filing of each criminal case or civil action in the General Division of Common Pleas Court.
Page 11 | Rule 1.7: Special Projects Fees
A $20 additional fee is charged for the specified causes of action, appeals, certificates of judgment, aids in execution, and judgment petitions.
Therefore, the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas is hereby authorized and directed to charge an additional fee of twenty dollars ($20.00), on the filing of each cause of action or appeal, on the filing, docketing, and endorsing of each certificate of judgment, or on the docketing and indexing of each aid in execution or petition to vacate, revive, or modify a judgment under divisions (A), (P), (Q), (T), and (U) of section 2303.20 of the Revised Code
Page 11 | Rule 1.8: Fees for Computer Systems
A fee of no more than $1 per service may be charged for the services listed in the specified divisions of R.C. 2303.20.
and not to exceed one dollar ($1.00) each for the services described in divisions (B), (C), (D), (F), (H), and (L) of R.C. 2303.20.
Page 11 | Rule 1.8: Fees for Computer Systems
The Clerk of Courts determines copying charges, and extraordinary copying requests are handled individually.
The charge for such copying requests shall be determined by the Clerk of Courts. Extraordinary copying requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Page 12 | Rule 2.1: Original Records
A $6 additional fee is charged when a cause of action or appeal covered by the specified divisions is filed.
Therefore, the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas is hereby authorized and directed to charge an additional fee of six dollars ($6.00) on the ===== PAGE 12 ===== filing of each cause of action or appeal under divisions (A), (Q), and (U) of R.C. 2303.20.
Page 12 | Rule 1.9: Fees for Computerized Legal Research Services
The Clerk produces paper service copies of initial pleadings and charges the fee listed in the Clerk’s fee schedule as costs.
The Clerk shall produce paper copies of these initial pleadings and charge a fee, as stated in the Clerk’s fee schedule, for production of service copies, which shall be assessed as costs.
Page 15 | 9. Filings of Initial Pleadings
A processing fee applies to deposits and fees paid by credit card, with the amount determined by the Clerk of Court.
A processing fee will be assessed on all deposits and fees paid in this manner, in an amount to be determined by the Clerk of Court.
Page 15 | 8. Deposits and Fees
The fee for filing the affidavit and Order will be set by court order.
The fee for filing the affidavit and Order shall be set by order of the Court.
Page 19 | (F) FEE
Generally, the requesting party bears the entire cost of transporting jurors, but multiple requesting parties divide the deposit evenly.
Generally, the party requesting the jury view shall be responsible 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 requesting the jury view.
Page 28 | Rule 4.15: Jury View Deposit
If both parties request a jury, only the party that requested it first must post the jury deposit.
If both parties have requested a jury, only the first party to request a jury is required to post the deposit.
Page 28 | Rule 4.14: Jury Deposit
Jury fees may be assessed as court costs.
Jury fees may be assessed as court costs.
Page 28 | Rule 4.14: Jury Deposit
For a case that settles on the day of trial, the Court may assess juror costs against one or more parties as it orders.
The cost of jurors for a case that settles the day of trial shall be assessed against one or more of the parties as ordered by the Court.
Page 28 | Rule 4.17: Jury Cost for Settled Case
A certified copy costs $5.00 per document.
$5.00 per document certified.
Page 1 | Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost for a certified copy and postage is $8.00; a check or money order may be submitted, and any additional cost will be billed.
The average cost for the certified copy and postage is $8.00. If you include a check in that amount, we will bill you for any additional fee if the cost is more. Please make the check or money order payable to: Muskingum County Clerk of Courts
Page 1 | Frequently Asked Questions
Copies cost $0.20 per page.
The cost is $0.20 per page
Page 1 | Frequently Asked Questions
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Counsel must deliver a courtesy copy of every motion and responsive memorandum to the presiding Judge’s Assignment Commissioner upon filing.
A courtesy copy of all motions and responsive memoranda shall be delivered by counsel to the presiding Judge’s Assignment Commissioner upon filing.
Page 13 | (C)COPIES
Counsel seeking to seal documents or a case file must provide the trial Judge a courtesy copy of the motion.
Counsel requesting the sealing of a document or documents or case file shall file a motion and shall submit a proposed entry and provide a courtesy copy of the motion to the trial Judge.
Page 16 | Rule 2.7: Filing Under Seal
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
The filing party and counsel must remove personal and private information from filed documents, including attached exhibits and addenda.
It is the responsibility of the filing party and counsel to remove personal and private information from a document filed with the Clerk of Court’s office. The responsibility of the filing party and counsel to remove personal and private information extends to, and includes, exhibits and addenda attached to filings, such as preliminary and final judicial reports, which itemize state tax liens that use social security numbers as case number; medical records; and personal information, such as may be found under R.C. 2907, “Sex Offenses.”
Page 16 | Rule 2.6: Protection of Personal and Private Information
Public records may not include Social Security numbers, full financial account numbers, or other information deemed personal and private by specified legal authorities; the last four account-number digits may be listed.
(A) The following information is deemed personal and private and may not be included in a public record: (1) social security number; (2) full financial account number (the last 4 digits of an account number may be listed, e.g., “XXXX- XX-1234”); (3) any other information deemed personal and private by any other federal or state statute, regulation, executive order, or court ruling.
Page 16 | Rule 2.6: Protection of Personal and Private Information
If the motion to seal is granted, the documents are exempt from e-Filing, and the filing party must provide the documents and a copy of the authorizing entry to the Clerk of Courts.
If the motion is granted by the trial Judge, the filing of the documents will be exempt from e-Filing. The party filing under seal shall provide the Clerk of Courts the document(s) to be filed, along with a copy of the entry permitting the document(s) to be filed under seal and the Clerk shall then do all of the following: (1) seal the document(s) or case file in an
Page 16 | Rule 2.7: Filing Under Seal
Counsel seeking to seal documents or a case file must file a motion, submit a proposed entry, and provide the trial Judge a courtesy copy of the motion.
Counsel requesting the sealing of a document or documents or case file shall file a motion and shall submit a proposed entry and provide a courtesy copy of the motion to the trial Judge.
Page 16 | Rule 2.7: Filing Under Seal
When an entry authorizes temporary viewing and requires resealing immediately afterward, the Clerk must follow the resealing procedure without restoring website access, and the person given access may not disclose the contents.
(D) When a motion and entry are filed to allow a party to view a sealed document or documents or case file, and the same entry orders the Clerk of Courts to reseal the document or documents or case file immediately after viewing, the Clerk shall follow the same procedure as (C)(3) above, except that the Clerk shall not make the document(s) or case file available for view on the website. The person granted temporary access to the document(s) or case filed shall not divulge the contents to others.
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A sealed document or case file may be viewed only by the sealing trial judge, an appellate judge reviewing the case, or a party obtaining permission by motion and proposed entry; if granted, the signed entry is filed with the Clerk, who makes the material viewable and restores its website view.
(C) A sealed document or documents or case file may only be viewed: (1) by the trial Judge who ordered the sealing of the document or documents or case file; (2) by an Appellate Judge who is reviewing the case on appeal; or, (3) by filing a motion and proposed entry with the Judge who sealed the document or documents or case file. If the Judge grants the motion, the signed entry must be filed in the Clerk of Court’s office. The Clerk will then break the seal and make the document or documents or case file available for viewing and restore the view of the document or documents or case file to the website.
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The Clerk must secure sealed documents or case files, attach the sealing entry, return them to the file or shelf, remove them from website view, and prohibit viewing without a further court order.
envelope(s), with tape, covered by an embossed seal; (2) attach a copy of the entry sealing the document(s) or case file to the outside of the envelope; (3) return the sealed document(s) to the case file, or the case file to the appropriate shelf; (4) cause the document(s) or case file to be removed from view on the Clerk of Courts website; (5) and, shall not permit any viewing of the document(s) or case file without further order of the Court.
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Pleadings and documents filed with the Court that include a victim’s name and address must include a redacted copy for the case file, while the unredacted copy is placed in a nonpublic confidential folder.
All pleadings and documents filed with the Court that include the victim(s) name and address must also include a redacted copy to be placed in the case file. The unredacted copy will be placed in the “confidential” folder within the case file that is not for public viewing.
Page 34 | Rule 5.14: Victims of Crime (Marsy’s Law), (B) Pleadings and Motions
Victim’s Rights Forms filed with the Clerk must be kept in the nonpublic confidential folder, may be provided to the Prosecutor’s Office upon request, and may not be provided to others unless the assigned Judge orders it.
Victim’s Rights Forms filed with the Clerk shall be placed in the “confidential” folder within the case file that is not for public viewing. Victim’s Rights Forms shall be made available to the Prosecutor’s Office upon their request. Victim’s Rights Forms shall not be made available to anyone else, including the Defendant or defense counsel, unless ordered by the Judge assigned to the case.
Page 34 | Rule 5.14: Victims of Crime (Marsy’s Law), (C) Victim’s Rights Forms
Personal information in pre-rule documents or records and transcripts from another court is considered public, but an affected person may petition for its removal and the information will be redacted if the petition is granted.
Any personal and private information contained in documents filed prior to the implementation of this Rule is considered public. Any personal and private information in records or transcripts transmitted to this Court from another court is considered public. A party or an attorney in a case, or any other person whose personal and private information is contained in the public record of this Court may petition the Court for the removal of personal and private information and, if the request is granted, the personal and private information will be redacted.
Page 16 | Rule 2.6: Protection of Personal and Private Information
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A continuance request must be made by written or oral motion during a recorded court proceeding and state what is to be continued and why.
All requests for continuance of a trial or hearing shall be by written or oral motion made during a court proceeding wherein the court reporter will make a record, which shall state the nature of the matter to be continued and the reason(s) for the requested continuance.
Page 32 | Rule 5.8: Continuances
A continuance will not be granted to either side unless the request is made in writing and/or in open court before the assigned judge.
No continuance of any trial or hearing shall be granted to the prosecutor or to the defense unless request is made in writing and/or in open court before the assigned Judge.
Page 32 | Rule 5.8: Continuances
Requests to continue any trial or hearing must be made at least 14 days before the trial date.
Request for continuances of any trial or hearing shall be made no less than fourteen (14) days prior to the trial date.
Page 33 | III. TRIALS
The parties and counsel must appear at the originally scheduled date and time unless the Court granted a continuance beforehand; failure to appear or be prepared may result in dismissal or other sanctions.
Except where a continuance has been granted by the Court prior to the date of the originally scheduled trial or hearing, the parties and counsel shall appear at the scheduled date and time. Failure to appear or to be prepared can result in dismissal of the case and/or other appropriate sanctions.
Page 33 | III. TRIALS
A continuance will not be granted for counsel’s scheduling conflict absent the specified good-cause circumstances or other good cause serving the interest of justice.
A continuance will not be granted for conflict by reason of assignments of one counsel or other in another court except for good cause shown where the attorney can prove that she or he had no way of knowing of the conflict sufficiently in advance of the trial date to obtain competent counsel to substitute for her or him in the trial of the case assigned, or for other good cause shown in which the Court believes in the interest of justice the trial must be continued.
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Chambers Communication Rules
Parties in a case resolved through mediation, arbitration, or an out-of-court settlement must notify the Court immediately by phone or e-mail.
If a case has been successfully mediated, arbitrated or settled outside of Court, the parties are to immediately notify the Court by phone or e-mail.
Page 29 | Rule 4.20: Settlement