Which document typically initiates a civil lawsuit in Ohio?

In Ohio, the document that typically initiates a civil lawsuit is a complaint. The complaint serves as the formal written statement by the plaintiff outlining the claims against the defendant. It sets forth the facts of the case, the legal basis for the claims, and the relief being sought. This document is filed with the court and then served to the defendant, which officially commences the lawsuit.

The summons is a separate document that accompanies the complaint, informing the defendant that they are being sued and outlining how they should respond. However, it is the complaint that contains the substance of the lawsuit itself.

A motion is a request made to the court for a specific ruling or order but does not initiate a lawsuit. Depositions are part of the discovery process where witnesses provide sworn testimony and are not documents that initiate legal action. Thus, the complaint is the primary document that starts the legal proceedings in a civil suit in Ohio.