Ohio Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

A judgment is the final decision issued by a court that resolves the main dispute in a case. In Ohio, judgments are entered in both civil and criminal cases. A civil judgment finds one party liable for a civil wrong and orders them to pay a specific sum of money or perform an action. In a criminal case, a judgment serves as the final ruling on a defendant’s guilt or innocence.

What Is a Judgment in Ohio?

Pursuant to Rule 54a of the Ohio Rule of Civil Procedure, a judgment is a written order signed by a judge and recorded in the court docket that either grants or denies relief. This order carries the authority of law and can be enforced through remedies like levies and liens.

A common example of a legally binding judgment is in family court, where it establishes the rights and duties of the parties involved in a separation case. In addition, a creditor may obtain a money judgment against a debtor for an unpaid debt. Until they are satisfied or expired, judgments in Ohio can have a long-lasting financial effect on a debtor.

Types of Judgments in Ohio

Depending on the case, an Ohio court can issue any of the judgments listed below:

1. Money Judgment

A money judgment creates a legal obligation for the debtor to pay and for the creditor to collect the amount owed through legal remedies like wage garnishments.

2. Default Judgment (Ohio Civil Rule 55)

A default judgment can be entered by the court against a party if they fail to appear in court after proper service of the lawsuit.

3. Declaratory Judgment (Ohio Civil Rule 57; Ohio Revised Code § 2721.12)

This type of judgment is often used in cases involving property disputes and insurance policies. It resolves uncertainty about rights before a dispute escalates.

4. Summary Judgment (Ohio Civil Rule 56)

This is a court ruling made without a trial when the facts are undisputed and the law clearly favors one party.

5. Criminal Restitution Judgment (Ohio Revised Code § 2929.18(A)(1))

This is a court order that requires a convicted defendant to repay a victim for financial losses caused by the defendant’s criminal conduct.

How to Search for Judgments in Ohio

The several ways through which record seekers can find judgments in Ohio include:

1. Clerk of Court Offices – Anyone can conduct in-person searches or request certified copies for a small fee from the Clerk’s Office.
2. Third-Party Aggregator Websites: Individuals can use third-party websites to find judgment records in their jurisdiction, often for a fee. Nevertheless, it is essential for users to verify that the information provided on these platforms is current.
3. Online Court Portals: Many Ohio counties have searchable dockets where individuals may view judgments by date, name, or case number.

The information contained in judgment records typically include:

• Judgment date
• Relief ordered
• Court location
• Case number
• Parties involved

Judgment Records in Major Ohio Counties

In Ohio counties, access to judgment records may be influenced by online availability, fees and costs, and specific request procedures:

• Cleveland (Cuyahoga County): The Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts maintains an online court docket for searching case information, including judgment records. In addition, anyone can submit a verbal or written request to the clerk to inspect judgments in person.
• Columbus (Franklin County): Through the Case Information Online, Franklin County residents can find judgment records for cases heard in the Court of Common Pleas.
• Cincinnati (Hamilton County): Although Hamilton County judgments can be viewed online, the Clerk of Courts requires individuals to request judgment records by completing a Court Document Request.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Ohio?

In Ohio, a judgment is valid for five years but can become dormant if no enforcement action is taken. To keep a judgment active, creditors must engage in collection activities like starting a garnishment. Moreover, a dormant judgment can be revived within ten years of becoming dormant. A proper renewal and continuous enforcement can keep the judgment active for a long time.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Ohio?

Once a judgment is issued, creditors obtain the legal power to enforce payment, while debtors are required to satisfy their financial obligations.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: A creditor can get a court order to make an employer withhold a debtor’s wages until the full amount is satisfied.
• Judgment Liens: Until the debt is paid off, creditors can record a lien on a debtor’s property to block a sale.
• Bank Levies: Funds may be removed from a debtor’s bank account if there is a court order.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: Appearing on a credit report, a judgment can harm credit scores and make it harder to borrow loans.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: Once the debtor has paid the judgment, the creditor must inform the court to free the debtor.
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: A defendant may ask the court to vacate a default judgment if they show good cause, like lack of proper service.