The forms contained in the Appendix of Forms which the Supreme Court from time to time may approve are sufficient under these rules and shall be accepted for filing by courts of this state. Forms adopted by local courts that are substantially similar to the forms in the Appendix of Forms may also be accepted for filing. The forms in the Appendix of Forms are intended to indicate the simplicity and brevity of statement which these rules contemplate.
Rule 84.Forms
Last amended July 1, 2011 · Last verified July 1, 2026
In one sentenceRule 84 makes the forms in the Appendix of Forms sufficient under the Civil Rules, so a pleading or paper that follows an approved form can't be rejected merely because it uses that form.
Full Text of Rule 84
Amendment History
Effective Date: July 1, 1970
Amended: July 1, 2011
Staff Note (July 1, 2011 Amendment)
Civil Rule 84 is amended to indicate that forms contained in the Appendix of Forms provide a “safe haven” for litigants. The forms must be accepted by local courts as sufficient under the rules. Local courts may continue, however, to adopt local forms which can also be accepted for filing. The amendment is intended to make it easier for pro se litigants and practitioners to access courts and justice by allowing for standardized forms in certain proceedings.
Plain-English Summary
The forms contained in the Appendix of Forms that the Supreme Court may approve from time to time are sufficient under the Civil Rules. A party who follows an approved form for a pleading or other paper doesn't risk having it rejected merely because it used the form, giving practitioners a reliable, pre-approved template for common filings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pleading be rejected just because it follows one of the official forms?
No. Rule 84 makes the forms in the Appendix of Forms sufficient under the Civil Rules, so using an approved form satisfies the rule's requirements.
Who approves the forms referenced in Rule 84?
The Supreme Court, which may approve forms for the Appendix of Forms from time to time.
Are the appendix forms the only acceptable way to draft a pleading?
No. The forms are illustrations that are sufficient if used, but the rule doesn't require every pleading to follow one of them.
Source & verification. The rule text, Effective Date, Amended dates, and Staff Notes are reproduced verbatim from the
official Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure (Ohio R. Civ. P. 84). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Ohio (Ohio Constitution, Art. IV, § 5(B)). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 1, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: appendix of formsofficial forms