Pro Se Forms CIVIL
Ohio Revised Code 4705.01 prevents the Juvenile Court's Clerks from giving legal advice or from helping you prepare legal papers in a new or pending case in this or any court.
- If divorced, filing must be addressed where custody was established unless there was a subsequent dependent, neglect, or abuse adjudication in Juvenile Court.
- If another Court has juridiction over the child, you must return to that Court.
- Failure to file in the proper jurisdiction may result in dismissal or transfer of your case and loss of all or part of your filing fee
What is a motion? (A motion is filed if you already have a case.)
A motion is a formal request made to a judge for an order or judgment. Motions are made in court all the time for many purposes: to continue (postpone) a hearing to a later date, to get a modification of an order, for a judgment, for dismissal of the opposing party's case, for a rehearing, or for dozens of other purposes. Motions require your signature along with your address, your telephone number and a certificate of service indicating parties have received a copy of the motion. However during a trial or a hearing, an oral motion may be permitted.
What is a complaint? (A complaint is filed if you DO NOT have a case.)
A complaint is the first document filed with the court (actually with the County Clerk or Clerk of the Court) by a person or entity claiming legal rights against another. The party filing the complaint is usually called the plaintiff and the party against whom the complaint is filed is called the defendant or defendants. Complaints are pleadings and must be drafted carefully (usually by an attorney) to properly state the factual as well as legal basis for the claim, although some states have approved complaint forms which can be filled in by an individual. A complaint also must follow statutory requirements as to form. For example, a complaint must be typed on a specific type of paper or on forms approved by the courts, name both the party making the claim and all defendants, and should state what damages or performance is demanded (the prayer). When the complaint is filed, the court clerk will issue a summons, which gives the name and file number of the lawsuit and the address of the attorney filing the complaint, and instructs the defendant that he/she/it has a specific time to file an answer or other response. A copy of the complaint and the summons must be served on a defendant before a response is required. Under a unique statute, New York allows a summons to be served without a complaint. A complaint filing must be accompanied by a filing fee payable to the court clerk, unless a waiver based on poverty is obtained.
Instruction for Pro Se Filing
- Whether you are filing a new complaint or a motion in an existing case you must complete all forms in their entirety and to the best of your ability.
- If you are filing a new complaint or a motion in an existing case regarding custody and/or visitation YOU MUST also complete a parenting proceeding affidavit, request for service, personal identifier sheet, and financial statement. The affidavit must be notarized prior to your bringing it to the court for filing.
- The attached forms: shared parenting plan, waiver of service of summons, motion for waiver of deposit and request/motion for emergency hearing are optional forms and DO NOT need to be completed unless you are specifically making that request.
- Type or print your responses in blue or black ink.
- If you are filing a new complaint, the filing fee will be $225.00 and if you are filing a motion in an existing case, the filing fee will be $150.00. The filing fee is due at the time you file the complaint and/or motion.
- The complaint/motion shall be set for hearing by the Court. You shall receive a hearing notice in the mail. If your hearing notice is returned as undeliverable as addressed and you have not notified the Court of your new address, in writing, the complaint/motion shall be dismissed without further action.
- If the hearing notice for another party is returned as undeliverable as addressed, you will be contacted for a new address. It is your responsibility to supply a good address in writing to the Court as soon as possible. If you do not do so, and complaint/motion is not served at the time of the hearing and the other party does not appear at the hearing, the motion/complaint will be dismissed without further action. All complaints shall be served on the parties by certified mail, unless service by the sheriff or process server is requested in writing. If you request personal service by the sheriff, additional costs will be assessed. If you want personal service a process server, it is your responsibility to make those arrangements.
- If you are unable to supply the address because the other party’s location is unknown to you, and cannot be found out with reasonable diligence, service by publication is provided for you in Juvenile Rule 16 (A). Because of the technical requirements and cost involved, the Court suggests that you consult with an attorney before pursuing this action.
Filing Fees
$225.00 to file a new complaint
$150.00 to file a motion
Forms Must Be Printed On One Side
Per Local Rule #9 we will no longer accept forms that are printed on both sides.
Affidavit for Publication
Affidavit for Publication
If you are unable to supply an address because the other party's location is unknown to you, and cannot be found out with reasonable diligence, service by publication is provided for you in Juvenile Rule 16(A). Because of the technical requirements and cost involved, the Court suggests that you consult with an attorney before pursuing this action. (Includes: Affidavit and Notice of Hearing)
Complaint for Parentage, Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities and Parenting Time
Complaint
This document is filed to initiate/start a new case to be legally recogznized as the parent of a child; be named as the residential parent or obtain visitation with the child(ren); adopt a shared parenting plan; order child support; allocate dependency exemption; and determine who should provide health insurance coverage for the child(ren).
Personal Identifier Sheet
This form is used for the parties to submit personal identifiers. This form is not a public record.
Parenting Proceeding Affidavit
A Parenting Proceeding Affidavit must be filed pursuant to Ohio Revised Code §3127.23 at the initial filing of a complaint for custody and/or visitation. It must also be filed with the initial filing of a Motion to Modify custody and/or visitation. The Parenting Proceeding Affidavit is a sworn statement stating the names and dates of birth of the minor children of the parties, their residence addresses for the previous five years and whether any or all of the children have been the subject of any court cases where a designation of parental rights has been made no matter where the location of the case. The Parenting Proceeding Affidavit is necessary for the Court to determine if it has the authority to issue parenting orders in the case being filed.
Request for Service
This form is your instructions to the Clerk on how you wish your documents to be served on the other party. You must indicate the requested method of service on the form.
Financial Statement
Form to calculate the parties’ child support and medical support obligation in a case.
Waiver of Service of Summons
This form is used when you want to waive the right to receive service of documents filed or to be filed by the other party. The Court may require additional forms to accompany this document.
Motion for Waiver of Deposit and Affidavit of Indigency
If you qualify to have your filing fee waived, this does not waive court costs. You will still be ordered to pay court costs and they will be due ten (10) days after final judgement is entered.
Request/Motion for Emergency Hearing
This document is filed to request an emergency hearing. This request can not be filed by itself unless you already have a pending motion or complaint filed with the Court. Not all requests for Emergency Hearing are granted. The Judge will review your request and determine whether an emergency hearing will be held. If the Judge grants your request for an emergency hearing, the Court will contact you by telephone to schedule a hearing. If the Judge denies your request for an emergency hearing a judgment entry will be mailed to you.
Shared Parenting Plan
A shared parenting plan is a detailed plan that sets forth the arrangements for the parenting of a minor child(ren).
Shared Parenting Plan
Shared Parenting Plan
A shared parenting plan is a detailed plan that sets forth the arrangements for the parenting of a minor child(ren).
Complaint for Paternity and Objection to Admininstrative Order
Complaint for Paternity and Objection to Administrative Order
This form is only to be used if you are objecting to an administrative order to establish the parent/child relationship that was filed throught the Huron Co. CSEA. There is NOT a filing fee to file this objection.
Complaint for Support / Objection to Administrative Order
Complaint for Support / Objection to Administrative Order
This form is only to be used if you are objecting to an administrative order for child support through the Huron Co. CSEA or to terminate an administrative order for child support through the Huron Co. CSEA. DO NOT USE THIS FORM, if you do not have an administrative order for child support for this child through the Huron Co. CSEA. There is NOT a filing fee to file this objection.
Father's Complaint to Rescind Acknowledgement of Paternity
Father's Complaint to Rescind Acknowledgement of Paternity
This document is filed by a person that signed an acknowledgment of paternity at the time a child was born but he no longer feels the child is his biological child and wishes to request genetic testing. (Must be filed no later than one year after the acknowledgment becomes final.)
Motion for Waiver of Deposit and Affidavit of Indigency
If you qualify to have your filing fee waived, this does not waive court costs. You will still be ordered to pay court costs and they will be due ten (10) days after final judgement is entered.
Mother's Complaint to Rescind Acknowledgement of Paternity
Mother's Complaint to Rescind Acknowledgement of Paternity
This document is filed by a guardian or legal custodian of a child who does not believe that the man who signed an acknowledgment of paternity at the time of the child’s birth is the child’s father and wishes to request genetic testing. (Must be filed no later than one year after the acknowledgment becomes final.)
Motion for Waiver of Deposit and Affidavit of Indigency
If you qualify to have your filing fee waived, this does not waive court costs. You will still be ordered to pay court costs and they will be due ten (10) days after final judgement is entered.
Grandparent Caretaker Authorization
Grandparent Caretaker Authorization
Form filed by a grandparent who is caring for a grandchild in Ohio and cannot locate the child’s parents. This power of attorney allows you to temporarily arrange for the child’s routine and emergency medical, dental and psychological treatment; authorize your grandchild’s enrollment in school; access information regarding education; and provide consent for educational activities. This is NOT an order for custody.
Grandparent Power of Attorney
Grandparent Power of Attorney
To be filed by a grandparent who is caring for a grandchild in Ohio and has the authorization from the consenting parent. This power of attorney allows you to temporarily arrange for the child's routine and emergency medical, dental, psychological treatment; authorize your grandchild's enrollment in school; access information regarding education; and provide consent for educational activities. This is NOT an order for custody.
Motion for Waiver of Deposit & Affidavit of Indigency
Motion for Waiver of Deposit and Affidavit of Indigency
If you qualify to have your filing fee waived, this does not waive court costs. You will still be ordered to pay court costs and they will be due ten (10) days after final judgement is entered.
Motion for Change of Parental Rights and Responsibilities
Motion for Change of Parental Rights and Responsibilities
This document is filed to request a change in a shared parenting plan or a change in the designation of the sole residential parent and legal custodian.
Personal Identifier Sheet
This form is used for the parties to submit personal identifiers. This form is not a public record.
Parenting Proceeding Affidavit
A Parenting Proceeding Affidavit must be filed pursuant to Ohio Revised Code §3127.23 at the initial filing of a complaint for custody and/or visitation. It must also be filed with the initial filing of a Motion to Modify custody and/or visitation. The Parenting Proceeding Affidavit is a sworn statement stating the names and dates of birth of the minor children of the parties, their residence addresses for the previous five years and whether any or all of the children have been the subject of any court cases where a designation of parental rights has been made no matter where the location of the case. The Parenting Proceeding Affidavit is necessary for the Court to determine if it has the authority to issue parenting orders in the case being filed.
Request for Service
This form is your instructions to the Clerk on how you wish your documents to be served on the other party. You must indicate the requested method of service on the form.
Financial Statement
Form to calculate the parties’ child support and medical support obligation in a case.
Waiver of Service of Summons
This form is used when you want to waive the right to receive service of documents filed or to be filed by the other party. The Court may require additional forms to accompany this document.
Motion for Waiver of Deposit and Affidavit of Indigency
If you qualify to have your filing fee waived, this does not waive court costs. You will still be ordered to pay court costs and they will be due ten (10) days after final judgement is entered.
Request/Motion for Emergency Hearing
This document is filed to request an emergency hearing. This request can not be filed by itself unless you already have a pending motion or complaint filed with the Court. Not all requests for Emergency Hearing are granted. The Judge will review your request and determine whether an emergency hearing will be held. If the Judge grants your request for an emergency hearing, the Court will contact you by telephone to schedule a hearing. If the Judge denies your request for an emergency hearing a judgment entry will be mailed to you.
Shared Parenting Plan
A shared parenting plan is a detailed plan that sets forth the arrangements for the parenting of a minor child(ren).
Motion for Change of Parenting Time (Companionship and Visitation)
Motion for Change of Parenting Time (Companionship and Visitation)
This document is filed to request a change in parenting time (visitation) order.
Personal Identifier Sheet
This form is used for the parties to submit personal identifiers. This form is not a public record.
Parenting Proceeding Affidavit
A Parenting Proceeding Affidavit must be filed pursuant to Ohio Revised Code §3127.23 at the initial filing of a complaint for custody and/or visitation. It must also be filed with the initial filing of a Motion to Modify custody and/or visitation. The Parenting Proceeding Affidavit is a sworn statement stating the names and dates of birth of the minor children of the parties, their residence addresses for the previous five years and whether any or all of the children have been the subject of any court cases where a designation of parental rights has been made no matter where the location of the case. The Parenting Proceeding Affidavit is necessary for the Court to determine if it has the authority to issue parenting orders in the case being filed.
Request for Service
This form is your instructions to the Clerk on how you wish your documents to be served on the other party. You must indicate the requested method of service on the form.
Financial Statement
Form to calculate the parties’ child support and medical support obligation in a case.
Waiver of Service of Summons
This form is used when you want to waive the right to receive service of documents filed or to be filed by the other party. The Court may require additional forms to accompany this document.
Motion for Waiver of Deposit and Affidavit of Indigency
If you qualify to have your filing fee waived, this does not waive court costs. You will still be ordered to pay court costs and they will be due ten (10) days after final judgement is entered.
Request/Motion for Emergency Hearing
This document is filed to request an emergency hearing. This request can not be filed by itself unless you already have a pending motion or complaint filed with the Court. Not all requests for Emergency Hearing are granted. The Judge will review your request and determine whether an emergency hearing will be held. If the Judge grants your request for an emergency hearing, the Court will contact you by telephone to schedule a hearing. If the Judge denies your request for an emergency hearing a judgment entry will be mailed to you.
Shared Parenting Plan
A shared parenting plan is a detailed plan that sets forth the arrangements for the parenting of a minor child(ren).
Motion for Change of Child Support, Medical Support, Tax Exemption, or Other Child-Related Expenses
Motion for Change of Child Support, Medical Support, Tax Exemption, or Other Child-Related Expenses
This document is filed to request a change in the child support or child support -related matters.
Personal Identifier Sheet
This form is used for the parties to submit personal identifiers. This form is not a public record.
Request for Service
This form is your instructions to the Clerk on how you wish your documents to be served on the other party. You must indicate the requested method of service on the form.
Financial Statement
Form to calculate the parties’ child support and medical support obligation in a case.
Waiver of Service of Summons
This form is used when you want to waive the right to receive service of documents filed or to be filed by the other party. The Court may require additional forms to accompany this document.
Motion for Waiver of Deposit and Affidavit of Indigency
If you qualify to have your filing fee waived, this does not waive court costs. You will still be ordered to pay court costs and they will be due ten (10) days after final judgement is entered.
Motion for Contempt, Affidavit, and Instructions for Service
Motion for Contempt, Affidavit, and Instructions for Service
This document is filed to request the enforcement of a court order and hold the other party in contempt for violating the court order.
Personal Identifier Sheet
This form is used for the parties to submit personal identifiers. This form is not a public record.
Request for Service
This form is your instructions to the Clerk on how you wish your documents to be served on the other party. You must indicate the requested method of service on the form.
Explanation of Health Care Bills
Motion for Waiver of Deposit and Affidavit of Indigency
If you qualify to have your filing fee waived, this does not waive court costs. You will still be ordered to pay court costs and they will be due ten (10) days after final judgement is entered.
Request/Motion for Emergency Hearing
Request/Motion for Emergency Hearing
This document is filed to request an emergency hearing. This request can not be filed by itself unless you already have a pending motion or complaint filed with the Court. Not all requests for Emergency Hearing are granted. The Judge will review your request and determine whether an emergency hearing will be held. If the Judge grants your request for an emergency hearing, the Court will contact you by telephone to schedule a hearing. If the Judge denies your request for an emergency hearing a judgment entry will be mailed to you.
Motion Other
Motion Other
NOT to be used for custody, child support, medical support, and/or contempt.
Motion for Continuance
Motion for Continuance
This document is filed to request a continuance of a hearing that is currently scheduled before this Court.
Request for Service (Precipe)
Request for Service
This form is your instructions to the Clerk on how you wish your documents to be served on the other party. You must indicate the requested method of service on the form.
Notice of Intent to Relocate & Affidavit
Notice of Intent to Relocate
This form is used to notify the Court and the non-residential parent of your intent to relocate. In Ohio, if a residential (custodial) parent wants to move with the minor child, they must file a notice of intent to relocate with the court and the other parent. If the other parent disagrees with relocation, the court will hold a hearing to determine if the move is in the child's best interest.
Objections to Magistrate's Decision
Objections to Magistrate's Decision
This form is used to object to a Decision of the Magistrate. Your objection must be filed within fourteen (14) days of the date of the filing of the Decision. Objections shall be specific and state the particular grounds for such objections.
Precipe for Subpena
Precipe for Subpena
This document is filed to instruct the Clerk to send out a subpoena to persons you wish to appear at a hearing on your behalf.
Precipe for Subpena Duces Tecum
Precipe for Subpena Duces Tecum
This document is filed to instruct the Clerk to send out a subpoena duces tecum (to compel the production of documents that might be admissible before the Court) to persons you wish to appear at a hearing on your behalf.
Witness & Exhibit List
Witness and Exhibit List
A witness and exhibit list, lists every witness and all evidence that will be presented in a case at the trial. You will need to file the original witness and exhibit list with the Court (DO NOT ATTACH YOUR EXHIBITS TO THE COURT’S COPY UNLESS OTHERWISE TOLD TO IN THE COURT’S JUDGMENT ENTRY).
You will also need to provide a copy of the witness and exhibit list to the other party(s) or his/her attorney on the case and you MUST attach a copy of any and all exhibits you plan to use as evidence at your trial.
The witness and exhibit must be filed with the Court by the date ordered by the Judge and/or Magistrate.