Judge John J. Spellacy Rules & Standing Orders

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 421 rules apply across Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, General Division. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Fees

All 126

Applies to
Mediation
No mediation fees are charged for civil cases referred to the court's dispute resolution department.
Applies to
Mediation
When a case is referred to a mediator outside the court's dispute resolution department, the parties share the mediation cost in proportions they agree upon.
Fee
$66
Applies to
Special process server application
Filing a Special Process Server application costs $66.00 plus any applicable Special Project Fees.

Filing Timing

All 85

A motion for extraordinary assigned-counsel compensation must be filed with the usual affidavit and entry requesting assigned-counsel fees.
A Guardian Ad Litem may request fees above the schedule by using the extraordinary-compensation procedure.
Assigned counsel must apply in writing for an investigator at least 30 days before trial.

Filing Requirements

All 56

Applies to
Notice of appearance
A notice of limited appearance must use the prescribed title, describe the representation’s scope and justification, and state that the limited representation was communicated to the client in writing.
Applies to
Special process server application
Must include
local rule certificate
An application for a standing order designating a Special Process Server must be supported by an affidavit containing the stated applicant information and agreements.
Applies to
Proposed standing order
The applicant must submit a proposed standing order with the specified caption and language designating the applicant to serve process and subpoenas for the stated one-year term or until further court order.

Adjournments

All 39

Mediation continuances require good cause, generally cannot be based solely on pending motions, and will not be granted unless mediation can be scheduled before the next court event.
If the Court cannot rule by the scheduled ruling date for any reason, the trial date must be continued for at least 60 days.
An automatic trial-date continuance does not apply when a party obtains an extension of the briefing schedule that requires extending the ruling date, although the Court may continue the trial date in its discretion.

More categories

View all Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, General Division rules

About Judge John J. Spellacy

- On the Common Pleas bench since: 2025 - Admitted to the bar: 1995 - Legal experience: Judge Spellacy has served as a city prosecutor, criminal defense attorney and magistrate.

- Courtroom: 23-C - Courthouse: 1200 Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 - Bailiff: Annie K. McCool (216) 443-8755 - Staff attorney: Molly Mahoney (216) 443-8601

Common questions about Judge John J. Spellacy's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge John J. Spellacy?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for exhibits. Courtesy copies of the exhibits must be given to the court on the day of trial.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Trials

Does Judge John J. Spellacy require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge John J. Spellacy's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery. Before filing a Motion to Compel, attorneys must attempt to resolve the discovery dispute and, if unsuccessful, contact the court.

View ruleSource: page 1, section DISCOVERY DISPUTES

What page or word limits apply to pretrial statement before Judge John J. Spellacy?

Judge John J. Spellacy's rule states these limits: 10 pages. Final pretrial statements, including exhibits, may not exceed 10 pages.

View ruleSource: page 1, section FINAL PRETRIALS/SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES

How may parties contact Judge John J. Spellacy's chambers?

The rule addresses phone communications. The rule lists phone 216-443-8601. A party that resolves a discovery dispute while a Motion to Compel is pending must immediately notify the staff attorney at the stated number or file a motion to withdraw.

View ruleSource: page 1, section DISCOVERY DISPUTES

What filing deadlines does Judge John J. Spellacy set?

Final pretrial statements must be filed seven days before the settlement conference.

View ruleSource: page 1, section FINAL PRETRIALS/SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES

What service or proof of service rules apply before Judge John J. Spellacy?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: timing: after service. A response to a motion in limine may be served within 14 days after the motion is served.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Trials

Complete rules summary for Judge John J. Spellacy

Before filing a Motion to Compel, attorneys must attempt to resolve the discovery dispute and, if unsuccessful, contact the court.

A party that resolves a discovery dispute while a Motion to Compel is pending must immediately notify the staff attorney at the stated number or file a motion to withdraw.

Final pretrial statements must be filed seven days before the settlement conference.

Final pretrial statements, including exhibits, may not exceed 10 pages.

A motion in limine is due 28 days before trial, and a response may be served within 14 days after service of the motion.

A response to a motion in limine may be served within 14 days after the motion is served.

Trial briefs, jury instructions, jury interrogatories, jury verdict forms, and stipulations must be received by the court no later than seven days before trial.

The parties must exchange proposed exhibits three days before trial.

Courtesy copies of the exhibits must be given to the court on the day of trial.

Objections to testimonial depositions requiring a court ruling must be submitted to the court three days before trial.