Ohio homeowners have 28 calendar days from service to file an Answer in the Ohio Court of Common Pleas. Ohio is a judicial foreclosure state with specific pleading requirements. Here is how to respond.
Ohio is a judicial foreclosure state governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2323. The lender files a Complaint in the Court of Common Pleas. Ohio Rule of Civil Procedure 12(A)(1) gives you 28 days to respond — one of the unique deadlines in the country.
28 Days — File Your Answer
Ohio Civ. R. 12(A)(1): 28 calendar days from service. This is longer than many states, giving you additional preparation time.
Respond to Each Allegation
Admit, deny, or state insufficient knowledge for each numbered paragraph. Raise all affirmative defenses: lack of standing, failure to join necessary parties, statute of limitations, TILA/RESPA violations, and failure to comply with federal servicing requirements.
File in the Court of Common Pleas
File the original Answer with the Clerk of Courts in the county where the property is located. No filing fee for defendant's Answer. Serve a copy on plaintiff's attorney by mail.
| Deadline | 28 calendar days (Ohio Civ. R. 12(A)(1)) |
| Court | OH Court of Common Pleas (county of property) |
| Filing Fee | None for Answer |
| Key Law | Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2323; Ohio Civ. R. 12 |
Ohio's 28-day deadline is longer than most — use the time to prepare a complete Answer.
Start Your OH Answer