Jan. 5, 2009
Clerk’s Office to Accept Filing Fees Payments by Credit Card
The Supreme Court of Ohio today announced that the Clerk’s Office is now accepting payment for filing fees and security deposits via credit card.
The Supreme Court requires a $40 filing fee for filing a notice of appeal or cross-appeal, for filing an order certifying a conflict in a court of appeals and for instituting an original action. Original actions also require a $100 security deposit.
Supreme Court Clerk Kristina D. Frost said the additional payment option was instituted as a convenience for those who practice before the Supreme Court. “Implementing this initiative will enhance the customer service capabilities of the Clerk’s Office,” Frost said.
During the previous month, the Clerk’s Office accepted payment by credit card from a pilot group of attorneys to work out any potential issues before today’s full-scale implementation.
Payments for filing fees and security deposits can be made by American Express, MasterCard and Visa. Traditional options of paying by cash, check or money order will continue. Credit cards will not be accepted when paying for copies of documents.
Those who prefer to file case documents through the mail also will be able to pay by credit card by filling out a form that contains credit card information. According to Clerk’s Office policy, the form will be destroyed immediately after the filing is completed and the charge is processed. To obtain a form, call the Clerk’s Office at 614.387.9350 or visit this link: http://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/Clerk/CreditCardForm.pdf 
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The Supreme Court’s filings fees, which haven’t changed since the early 1980s, are among the lowest in the nation for state courts of last resort. Filing fees in other states range from $250 to $300 to file similar documents.
Other Supreme Court fees must continue to be paid by certified check or money order. These include board costs, publication costs and petitions for reinstatement in Attorney Discipline cases and board costs and civil penalties for Unauthorized Practice of Law cases.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow at 614.387.9250.