On July 1, 2026, changes to the Ohio Rules of Appellate Procedure became effective. The following changes are likely to have the broadest impact on litigants and attorneys practicing in Ohio appellate courts.
Appellate Rule 13 – Enhanced Service Requirements
The rule regarding service of filings and proof of service now requires specificity as to where a party was served, not just when and how, as previously required.
According to the new App.R. 13(F), the proof of service must consist of a statement by the person who made service, certifying the date and manner of service and the names of the persons served. For each person served, the division of App.R. 13(D) through which service was made must be identified, and the mail or electronic address, fax number, or address of the place of delivery must be listed.
Appellate Rule 26 – New Timelines for Post‑Judgment Filings
This appellate rule addresses the requirements for certain post-judgment filings, including applications for reconsideration and for consideration en banc. Some of the changes include the expansion of the time for filing to 15 days from when the judgment is filed and 15 days for a response from the party opposing the motion. These new time requirements may be altered by local rule. At this time, the First District does not have a local rule that alters these requirements.
Further, the new rule prohibits briefing other than the application and response, except at the request of the court.
Pursuant to the new rule, extensions of time for filing these applications will only be granted for the “most compelling” reasons.
Appellate Rule 3 – Updated Notice‑of‑Appeal Requirements
Changes to App.R. 3 now require appellants to serve the notice of appeal according to App.R. 13(D)(5). Although this is a new requirement statewide, it is not a change in the First District, where appellant‑service was already required. Loc.R. 3.1(C).
Further, the appellate rules now require the appellant to attach to the notice of appeal a copy of the judgment or order from which the appeal is taken. This is also not a change for the First District.
In addition, the rule clarifies that cross‑appeals must be filed in the trial court, and clerks must assign each cross‑appeal its own appeal number, as outlined in App.R. 3(F).
There are other changes and we encourage all who are participating in appeals before the First District to review the new rules. Read the Ohio Rules of Appellate Procedure.