FIling a Lawsuit in Ohio: The Complaint

Anderson's Ohio Civil Practice

Call Number: KFO 530 .A8

Includes forms for complaint pleadings, which include the elements of the action. Also available as an ebook from the Library's website, for Central Ohio attorneys with a Franklin County Law Library Card. Also available on Lexis on the Franklin County Law Library's public computers.

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Forms

from Franklin County Small Claims Court If the the defendant does not file an answer, the plaintiff can file a motion for default judgment. The defendant has 28 days to file an answer.

Ohio Rules of Court

Ohio litigation is governed by the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure.

Ohio Supreme Court website. Sets out requirement of complaint and the defendant's answer. Outlines the form requirements for pleadings, including complaints. Answers are permitted, but not required in Franklin County Small Claims Court

Administrative Order 04-2022 directs the Clerk to docket certified mail returns marked C-19 or something similar as unsuccessful certified mail service when the return indicates delivery on or after April 1, 2022 (the date USPS eliminated the C-19 practice), and directs that motions for default judgment be denied for lack of service when a certified mail return marked C-19 or something similar indicates delivery on or after April 1, 2022, and service has not otherwise been achieved under the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure.