LibGuides: FIling a Lawsuit in Ohio: Jurisdiction

Introduction

One of the first decisions you will need to make before filing a lawsuit is to decide which court to use. This guide is focused on the Franklin County Courts, located in Columbus, Ohio. If your case involves money damages of less than $6,000, you can file in Franklin County Small Claims Court. For cases between $6,000 and $15,000, you can file in Franklin County Municipal Court. If your case is worth more than $15,000, you must file in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. If you are suing the State of Ohio, you must file in the Ohio Court of Claims.

Ohio Laws

Courts:

Oh. Rev. Code Sec. 1901.17
Monetary jurisdiction of municipal courts.
Oh. Rev. Code Sec.1905.02
Jurisdiction of small claims courts
Oh. Rev. Code Sec. 2305.01
Common pleas courts have general jurisdiction, but you must use them if your case is over $15,000 and
(A) To recover damages for an assault or assault and battery;
(B) For malicious prosecution;
(C) Against county judges, or other officers, for misconduct in office, except as provided in this chapter;
(D) For slander or libel;
(E) For the recovery of title to real estate,
Oh. Rev. Code Sec. 2743.03
Ohio Court of Claims

Personal Jurisdiction

You can only sue in Franklin County if the defendant (the person or entity you are suing) has some "minimum contacts" with Franklin County:

Oh. Rule of Civ. Proc. 4.3
Service of process, out of state service permitted

Oh. Rev. Code Sec. 2307.381
Long arm statute definitions
Oh. Rev. Code Sec. 2307.382
Personal jurisdiction