Ohio Rules of Juvenile Procedure – 2026
The Ohio Rules of Juvenile Procedure govern proceedings in Ohio juvenile courts. They cover custody, delinquency, abuse and neglect, and other matters involving children and families.
Browse all 44 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
Rule 1
Scope of Rules: Applicability; Construction; Exceptions
Rule 2
Definitions
Rule 3
Waiver of Rights
Rule 4
Assistance of Counsel; Guardian Ad Litem
Rule 5
Use of Juvenile’s Initials
Rule 6
Taking Into Custody
Rule 7
Detention and Shelter Care
Rule 8
Filing By Electronic Transmission
Rule 9
Intake
Rule 10
Complaint
Rule 11
Transfer to Another County
Rule 13
Temporary Disposition; Temporary Orders; Emergency Medical and
Rule 14
Termination, Extension or Modification of Temporary Custody Orders
Rule 15
Process: Issuance, Form
Rule 16
Process: Service
Rule 17
Subpoena
Rule 18
Time
Rule 19
Motions
Rule 20
Service and Filing of Papers When Required Subsequent to Filing of
Rule 21
Preliminary Conferences
Rule 22
Pleadings and Motions; Defenses and Objections
Rule 23
Continuance
Rule 24
Discovery
Rule 25
Depositions
Rule 26
Victim’s Rights and Responsibilities
Rule 27
Hearings: General
Rule 29
Adjudicatory Hearing
Rule 30
Relinquishment of Jurisdiction for Purposes of Criminal Prosecution
Rule 32
Social History; Physical Examination; Mental Examination; Investigation
Rule 34
Dispositional Hearing
Rule 35
Proceedings After Judgment
Rule 36
Dispositional Review
Rule 37
Recording of Proceedings
Rule 38
Voluntary Surrender of Custody
Rule 39
Out of County Removal Hearings
Rule 40
Magistrates
Rule 41
Taking Testimony
Rule 42
Consent to Marry
Rule 43
Reference to Ohio Revised Code
Rule 44
Jurisdiction Unaffected
Rule 45
Rules by Juvenile Courts; Procedure Not Otherwise Specified
Rule 46
Forms
Rule 47
Effective Date
Rule 48
Title
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the Ohio Rules of Juvenile Procedure cover?
These rules govern how cases are handled in Ohio's juvenile courts, including proceedings related to delinquency, child abuse and neglect, custody, and other family matters involving children. They apply whenever a case falls under the jurisdiction of an Ohio juvenile court, setting out the procedures that judges, attorneys, and parties must follow from the start of a case through its resolution.
How do the Ohio Rules of Juvenile Procedure differ from Ohio's civil or criminal rules?
Juvenile court proceedings in Ohio follow their own separate set of rules rather than the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure or the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure, reflecting the fact that juvenile court has a distinct purpose focused on the well-being of children and families. Where the Juvenile Rules do not address a specific situation, courts may look to the civil rules to fill in the gaps, but the Juvenile Rules take priority in covered proceedings.
Where in these rules can I find information about hearings and notice requirements?
Rules on summons, notice, and the different types of hearings, including adjudicatory and dispositional hearings, are spread across the middle sections of the 44-rule set, roughly in the range of Ohio Juv.R. 15 through 34. Searching by citation (Ohio Juv.R.) followed by the rule number is the fastest way to locate a specific procedure on this site.