Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 1925.04 – Commencing an action

(A) An action is commenced in the small claims division when the plaintiff, or the plaintiff's attorney, states the amount and nature of the plaintiff's claim to the court as provided in this section. The commencement constitutes a waiver of any right of the plaintiff to trial by jury upon such action. At the time of the commencement of an action, the plaintiff, or the plaintiff's attorney, shall pay both of the following:
1. (1) A filing fee as determined by the court;
2. (2) The sum required by division (C) of section 1901.26 or division (C) of section 1907.24 of the Revised Code.
(B) The plaintiff, or the plaintiff's attorney, shall state to the administrative assistant or other official designated by the court, the plaintiff's and the defendant's place of residence, the military status of the defendant, and the nature and amount of the plaintiff's claim. The claim shall be reduced to writing in concise, nontechnical form. Such writing shall be signed by the plaintiff, or the plaintiff's attorney, under oath. A memorandum of the time and place set for trial shall be given to the person signing the writing. The time set for such trial shall be not less than fifteen or more than forty days after the commencement of the action. If taxes are sought to be recovered in the action, an authorized employee of a political subdivision or an authorized officer or employee of the state, as defined in section 1925.02 of the Revised Code, may commence the action. If an action is brought on behalf of a county department of job and family services, a representative of the prosecuting attorney of the county, designated under section 1925.18 of the Revised Code, may commence the action.