Page 23 - NovemberDecember24 Report

LEGAL COMMUNITY NEWS
This section features current news and events of interest to the local legal community. News items may be submitted to communications@cincybar.org.
Hamilton County
Clerk of Courts Updates
By Susan Ayers, Esq.
Important Update:
New Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure
We are pleased to inform you about significant changes to the Ohio Rules of Civil
Procedure that took effect on July 1, 2024. These updates introduce several key modi-
fications designed to facilitate smoother legal proceedings and reduce costs. Notably,
Rules 4.7 and 4.1 have been revised to increase the use of Waivers of Service in civil
cases before the Common Pleas Court.
What You Need to Know:
1. Waiver of Service: Service of summons can now be waived by the defendant
in any civil action before the Common Pleas Court.
2. Attorney-Signed Waivers: A waiver of service signed by an attorney is
presumed to be authorized by the party the attorney represents.
3. Individual Waivers: A waiver signed by an individual must include a valid
mailing or email address for subsequent service.
4. Delivery Receipts: Return receipts can be signed by any person accepting
delivery.
5. Cost-Shifting Provisions: Clarifies shifting of costs the court may impose if
a proposed waiver is not returned.
6. Suggested Forms: Provides forms and information needed to properly execute
a waiver of service.
How This Benefits You:
•
Extended Response Time: By waiving service, you are granted 60 days to respond
to a complaint instead of the usual 28 days.
•
Cost Savings: Waiving service can help avoid financial penalties that may be
assessed to your clients if service is not waived. This can be especially beneficial
in protracted litigation where service costs can add up significantly.
To assist with these changes, the Clerk’s Office has developed new waiver forms
available on our website. These forms are designed to meet the updated requirements
and streamline the process. Please ensure you exchange the request for waiver of
service, notification of consequences, and proof of waiver with the opposing party.
Once completed, submit the proof of waiver along with your summons and documen-
tation to our office. The date of entry will then serve as the basis for marking future
response deadlines.
We’re Here to Help
The Hamilton County Clerk’s Office is committed to supporting efficient legal
administration in our community. If you have any questions or need further assistance
regarding these new rules, please do not hesitate to contact us, www.courtclerk.org.
Seeking Members
for the Awards
and Nominating
Committees
The CBA is soliciting nominees/
volunteers to serve a three-year term
on the Awards Committee. The Awards
Committee identifies and reviews candi-
dates for CBA awards and makes award
recommendations to the CBA Board of
Trustees. The committee typically meets
once a year, prior to the CBA Annual
Meeting. Please send submissions to
Maria Palermo at mpalermo@cincybar.
org by December 6, 2024.
The CBA is also soliciting nominees/
volunteers to serve a two-year term on the
Nominating Committee. The committee
selects and recommends nominees for the
following appointments:
• CBA Board of Trustees
• CBA ABA Delegate
The committee typically meets once
a year in February. Please send submis-
sions and/or questions to nominations@
cincybar.org by December 6, 2024.
THE REPORT | November/December 2024 | CincyBar.org 23