Ohio R. Superi. Ct. 65

As amended through July 25, 2024

Rule 65 - Land Sales - RC Chapter 2127

(A) In all land sale proceedings, the plaintiff, prior to the issuance of an order finding the sale necessary, shall file with the court evidence of title showing the record condition of the title to the premises described in the complaint and prepared by a title company licensed by the state of Ohio, an attorney's certificate, or other evidence of title satisfactory to the court. Evidence of title shall be to a date subsequent to the date on which the complaint was filed.

(B) The plaintiff shall give notice of the time and place of sale by regular mail at least three weeks prior to the date of a public sale to all defendants at their last known addresses. Prior to the public sale, the plaintiff shall file a certificate stating that the required notice was given to the defendants and the sale was advertised pursuant to section 2127.32 of the Revised Code.

(C) In all private land sale proceedings by civil action, the judgment entry confirming sale, ordering issuance of deed, and ordering distribution shall show the gross amount of the proceeds and include a copy of the proposed closing statement itemizing all of the proposed disbursements.

(D) The court may appoint a disinterested person, answerable to the court, who shall investigate the circumstances surrounding the proposed transaction, view the property, ascertain whether the proposed sale is justified and report findings in writing. The report shall be a part of the record. The compensation for the person performing these services shall be fixed by the court, according to the circumstances of each case, and shall be taxed as costs.

Ohio. R. Superi. Ct. 65

Commentary (October 1, 1997)

This rule is analogous to former C.P. Sup. R. 33 and has been amended to be inclusive and to apply to all land sale proceedings. Former C.P. Sup. R. 33(A) only applied to public land sale, and not private land sale proceedings. The rule has been amended to require that evidence of title prepared by a title company must be prepared by a title company that is licensed in the State of Ohio.

Former C.P. Sup R. 33(B) has been amended to delete the requirement of giving notice by posting the notice of sale upon the premises. This appeared unnecessary since actual notice of the sale must be given to all defendants, and R.C. 2127.32 requires notice by publication to the general public.

Reference to the filing of an affidavit has been amended to refer to a "certificate," to reflect Civil Rule 73(H), which does not require certificates and pleadings to be under oath. An affidavit, by definition, is under oath. The content of the "certificate" has been amended to comply with the amended notice requirements of division (B).

Former C.P. Sup. R. 33(C) has been deleted in that the requirements are unnecessary and adequately covered by R.C. 2127.23 and 2127.35.

Amended division (C) requires that a proposed closing statement be attached to the order of confirmation of sale issued pursuant to R.C. 2127.35. The inclusion of the proposed closing statement provides the court with the details of the costs associated with the land sale proceedings.

Division (D) has been amended in order to be made gender neutral. No substantive changes have been made.