Affidavits of Disqualification
An Affidavit of Disqualification (AOD) is a statutory filing through which a party or attorney may request the Chief Justice to disqualify a judge from presiding over a specific case. The filing requirements are set forth in R.C. 2701.03 and Rules 21.01 through 21.04 of the Supreme Court Rules of Practice. There is no filing fee.
An AOD may be filed against any judge in Ohio, including judges of the:
- Common pleas courts (R.C. 2701.03)
- Probate courts (R.C. 2101.39)
- Courts of appeals (R.C. 2501.13)
- Municipal or county courts (R.C. 2701.031)
- Court of Claims (R.C. 2743.041)
An AOD cannot be filed against:
- Justices of the Supreme Court of Ohio
- Magistrates
- Clerks of court
- Prosecutors
- Any person who is not a judge
What Is an AOD For?
An AOD is only for alleging that a judge has a conflict of interest, bias or prejudice for or against a party or a party's counsel, or is otherwise interested in or disqualified from presiding over a proceeding, or other specific disqualifying circumstance. The affidavit must set forth specific facts sworn under oath that demonstrate the alleged bias or prejudice. Adverse rulings alone do not establish bias or prejudice and are not sufficient grounds for an AOD.
- Specific court documents from the underlying case that demonstrate the alleged bias or prejudice
- Relevant transcript sections that show the alleged bias or prejudice
- Unrelated pleadings or entries from the underlying case
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Psychological reports or evaluations
- Any other evidence not directly showing bias or prejudice
- Social Security Numbers or other Personal Identifying Information prohibited by state or federal law
- Any other information prohibited by federal law, state law, or court order, from being disclosed
- Use initials only — not full names — for all minors and victims referenced in the affidavit or exhibits
How to File
Affidavits may be submitted by mail, in person, by delivery service, or by email.
By Mail or In Person
Affidavits of DisqualificationOffice of the Clerk
Supreme Court of Ohio
65 South Front Street, 8th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-3431
By Email
Submit the affidavit as a single PDF attachment. If sending multiple emails, note the sequence in the subject line (e.g., "1 of 2").
Contact Information
Supreme Court of Ohio
65 South Front Street, 8th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-3431
Clerk of the Court:
Justin T. Kudela, Esq.