Ohio Bankruptcy Definitions & Tips:

A few of the more common words and phrases used by the Ohio bankruptcy courts are included in following list. Be aware of variations between common usage, as compared to legal definitions derived from statutes, case interpretations, and local customs.

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Act of 2004 is now pending before both houses of U.S. Congress. Amendments included within this act include more stringent requirements to qualify for Ch. 7 discharge, higher monthly payments in Ch. 13, and new fines and penalties which apply only to debtors. Governor Bob Taft (Republican) is expected to support these amendments.

Most Courts across the county, including Ohio bankruptcy Courts, require all cases to be filed electronically. Electronic filing includes online submission and filing by diskette at the clerk's office. On 03-15-04 the Ohio Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District issued the following order: "Notice to Attorneys Concerning Paper Filings: Any Attorney wishing to file a new petition or other document on paper, under circumstances that are not governed by one of the exceptions to mandatory electronic case filing set forth in Amended General Order 03-1, shall initially file a motion for leave to file on paper. The motion, which may be filed via the mail or over the counter, shall be accompanied by an affidavit and proposed order. The affidavit shall set forth the specific reasons that the filing cannot be made electronically."

Back to Ohio Bankruptcy Court directory page.