Ohio Rev. Code § 2323.31
The court of common pleas by rule may require an advance deposit for the filing of any civil action or proceeding or of any responsive action by the defendant. On the motion of any party, and if satisfied that such deposit is insufficient, the court may require it to be increased from time to time, so as to secure all costs that may accrue in the cause, or may require personal security to be given. However, if a party makes an application to be qualified as an indigent litigant as set forth in section 2323.311 of the Revised Code, the clerk of the court shall receive and file the civil action or proceeding or the responsive action by the defendant. If the court approves the application, the clerk shall waive the advance deposit or personal security under this section and the court shall proceed with the action or proceeding or the defendant's responsive action. If the court denies the application, the clerk shall retain the filing of the civil action or proceeding or the defendant's responsive action, and the court shall issue an order granting the applicant whose application is denied thirty days to make the required deposit or personal security prior to any dismissal or other action on the filing of the civil action or proceeding or the defendant's responsive action.
R.C. § 2323.31