Structured Settlement Laws in Ohio

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas

Court procedures, filing requirements, and local rules for structured settlement transfers in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

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🏛️ Court
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
345 S. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
⏱️ Processing Time
30-75 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $200.00 (civil case filing fee)
👥 Population
1,321,820 (2023 estimate)
Volume: high

Court Information

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
Address: 345 S. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 525-3600
Clerk: Maryellen O'Shaughnessy
Jurisdiction: Franklin County
Established: Established 1803

Venue Overview

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas serves Ohio's most populous county and the state capital region, handling the highest volume of structured settlement transfer cases in Ohio. With over 1.32 million residents, Franklin County processes thousands of civil cases annually, including complex financial transactions requiring court approval under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2323.58. The court operates specialized divisions, with the Civil Division handling most structured settlement petitions in downtown Columbus. Judges in the 10th District Court of Appeals and Common Pleas Court are highly experienced in financial matters and maintain strict standards for payee protection under Ohio's comprehensive structured settlement transfer laws. The court requires extensive documentation including detailed financial disclosures, independent professional advisor reports, and thorough explanations of the transfer benefits. Columbus's status as Ohio's largest city and a major corporate center means the court handles diverse cases from urban professionals, suburban families, and corporate employees. Filing procedures in Franklin County emphasize transparency and payee protection. All petitions must comply with Ohio's detailed requirements, including mandatory court approval, comprehensive financial disclosure forms, and independent advisor certification. The court typically schedules hearings within 30-45 days of filing, with emergency hearings available for urgent medical or financial situations. Court-appointed experts frequently review complex financial calculations, especially in cases involving large lump sums or multiple transfers. Local rules require electronic filing through the Franklin County e-filing system, with original signatures required for verification. The court maintains specialized dockets for financial transactions, ensuring experienced judges handle these sensitive matters. Publication requirements are strictly enforced, with notices appearing in the Columbus Dispatch and other local publications when personal service is not possible. The 10th District serves not only Columbus but also surrounding communities like Dublin, Westerville, Grove City, and Reynoldsburg, each with unique economic considerations. Judges are familiar with the diverse needs of technology professionals, government employees, healthcare workers, and retail employees, tailoring their review process accordingly while maintaining strict compliance with state law.

Major Cities Served: Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Grove City, Reynoldsburg

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Petition filed electronically with Franklin County Clerk of Courts
2.Clerk reviews for completeness and assigns to Civil Division judge
3.Notice sent to all parties via certified mail and publication
4.30-day response period for interested parties (annuity companies)
5.Financial discovery and document exchange period (2-3 weeks)
6.Mandatory settlement conference for transfers over $25,000
7.Final hearing with testimony from payee and independent advisor
8.Court issues detailed written findings of fact and conclusions of law
9.30-day appeal period from entry of final judgment
⚖️ Local Rules
  • Electronic filing mandatory through Franklin County e-filing system
  • Original petition must be filed with clerk in Columbus
  • Mandatory court approval for all structured settlement transfers
  • Court requires detailed analysis of discount rate and present value
  • Publication notice required in Columbus Dispatch if personal service fails
  • Emergency hearings available for urgent medical situations
  • Court-appointed financial expert review for transfers over $50,000

Special Requirements

📋 Mandatory Requirements
  • All petitions must comply with Ohio Revised Code § 2323.58
  • Comprehensive financial disclosure affidavit required from payee
  • Independent professional financial advisor report mandatory
  • Court must find transfer is in payee's best interest with written findings
  • All interested parties must receive notice via certified mail
  • Detailed explanation of transfer benefits and alternatives required
  • Court considers payee's dependents and financial needs
⏱️ Timeline
Filing Fee:$200.00 (civil case filing fee)
Processing Time:30-75 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:high

Assigned Judges

Hon. Mark A. Serrott
Common Pleas Court Judge
Civil Division - 10th District
Presiding judge for complex civil matters including structured settlements
Over 20 years judicial experience, specializes in financial transactions
Hon. Kimberly Cocroft
Common Pleas Court Judge
Civil Division - Financial Cases
Handles structured settlement transfers and complex financial disputes
Former civil litigator with extensive financial case background
Hon. Jeffrey M. Brown
Common Pleas Court Judge
Civil Division - General Jurisdiction
Experienced in contract disputes and financial transfers
Background in commercial law and financial services

Local Resources & Links

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⚖️ Legal Disclaimer - Ohio Structured Settlement Information

For informational purposes only. This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Structured settlement laws vary by state and are subject to change.

Court approval required. All structured settlement transfers require court approval in every state to ensure the best interests of the payee and any dependents are protected.

Professional consultation recommended. We strongly recommend consulting with qualified legal and financial professionals before making any decisions regarding structured settlement transfers.

State-specific requirements. Each state has unique statutes, court procedures, and approval criteria. Always verify current requirements with official state resources.

Ohio specific information. The information provided here is specific to Ohio state laws and may not apply to other jurisdictions.

Contact information: For questions about structured settlements in your state, please contact your state insurance department or a qualified attorney.

Last updated:
Content last updated: November 20, 2025

Structured Settlement Transfer Procedures in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Ohio

Navigating structured settlement transfers in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Ohio requires understanding both state-level regulations and local court procedures. Each county may have specific filing requirements, court rules, and administrative procedures that supplement the broader Ohio structured settlement protection act.

When filing a structured settlement transfer petition in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Ohio, you'll work with the local court system to obtain approval. The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas court will review your petition to ensure the transfer serves your best interest, considers mandatory disclosure documents, and verifies that you've received independent professional advice. Local court procedures may include specific filing fees, timeline requirements, and documentation standards that vary from other counties in Ohio.

The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas court system's familiarity with structured settlement transfers can impact processing times and approval rates. Courts with high transfer volumes often have streamlined procedures, while others may require additional documentation or extended review periods. Working with professionals experienced in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas court procedures helps ensure your petition is filed correctly and moves through the approval process efficiently.

Smarter Payouts partners with licensed brokers and legal professionals who understand both Ohio state laws and Franklin County Court of Common Pleas local court requirements. This local expertise helps streamline the approval process, ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, and protects your rights throughout the transfer. Whether you're filing in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas or another jurisdiction in Ohio, our team ensures your petition meets all legal and procedural requirements.

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