Franklin Township, in Franklin County, lies close to the Court of Common Pleas and has its own police department, and a process server can deliver summonses and complaints, subpoenas, eviction notices and other court papers there after an online order. Standard Service, Rush Service and 24-Hour Service are the choices, and a signed proof of service is emailed after a successful delivery.
What a Process Server Costs in Franklin Township
The tiers: Standard Service, $185, means a first attempt within 5 business days. Rush Service, $225, means a first attempt within 48 hours. 24-Hour Service, $265, means a first attempt within 24 hours at best, and the rates page calls Columbus one of the places where that is most practical for orders received early in the day; it is still not promised, since order time and server availability decide. If service fails, $25 covers each additional attempt. See the rates page.
Franklin County Sheriff, Bailiff or Private Server?
The clerk starts with certified mail. Personal or residence service has to be requested by the plaintiff in writing, and then it goes to the sheriff, a municipal-court bailiff or a court-designated server.
Who May Serve Papers in Franklin County: Clerk Mail, Sheriff, Bailiff or Court-Designated Server
Civil Rule 4.1 is about order and permission. In order: clerk mail, then personal service, then residence service. With permission: the latter two happen only after the plaintiff files a written request. Delivery then belongs to the sheriff, to a bailiff of a municipal court, or to a person designated by court order for up to a year, who has sworn to being 18 or older, uninvolved, a citizen or legal resident, free of recent serious convictions and familiar with service rules. A server returns papers to the clerk after 28 days if service is not made.
Franklin Township Courts and the Franklin County Courthouse
Franklin Township has trustees and no municipal court of its own, and Columbus is a separate city with its own page. The Franklin County Courthouse, 345 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215, houses the Court of Common Pleas and is about 3.6 miles from the township. Lower-level civil, small claims and eviction cases are heard in a municipal or county court; the clerk of the court where a case is filed can confirm which one. Generally, municipal courts hear claims up to $15,000 and small claims up to $6,000.
Eviction Notices and Forcible Entry and Detainer Papers in Franklin Township
Before filing
A landlord must give written notice to leave at least three days before filing, by certified mail, hand delivery or a copy left at the home or premises. See the eviction notice guide.
After filing
The summons has to be served at least seven days before trial.
Subpoenas, Hospital Records and Out-of-State Subpoenas near Franklin Township
Civil Rule 45(B) allows a sheriff, bailiff, coroner, clerk, constable, deputy, attorney or court-designated person to serve a subpoena by delivery, reading, leaving at the usual residence or return-receipt mail, tendering the fees allowed by law. The return goes to the clerk. Written objections to a documents-only subpoena can be served within 14 days.
Franklin Township Police Department, 2193 Frank Road, Columbus, OH 43223, (614) 279-9411, is listed in a federal directory; confirm with the department before sending a records subpoena. Hospitals in the listing: Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, (614) 722-2000, 4.0 miles; Grant Medical Center, 111 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, (614) 566-9164, 4.2 miles; Ohio State University State Health System, 410 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, (614) 293-9700, 6.0 miles. For hospital subpoenas, see why they get rejected; for out-of-state witnesses, the UIDDA guide.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Communities Around Franklin Township
ZIP codes 43204, 43223 and 43228. Neighbors in the listing: Jackson Township, Columbus, Prairie Township and Norwich Township. See the Franklin County page.
Franklin Township Process Server FAQ
Who can personally serve a summons in Ohio?
The sheriff, a municipal bailiff or a court-designated person (Rule 4.1).
How long do I have to get the defendant served?
Six months (Rule 4(E)), or dismissal without prejudice.
How do I serve a township?
A trustee, the township clerk or the county prosecutor (Rule 4.2).