How to Fill Out Ohio Probate Form 11.0 (w/Examples) + FAQs

Ohio Probate Form 11.0, the Entry Appointing Appraiser, is the short court order a probate judge signs to officially name the person who will value a deceased Ohioan’s non-cash assets so the estate’s Inventory (Form 6.0) can be filed. The executor or administrator submits this entry to the county probate court soon after Letters of Authority issue, and the form must list a qualified, disinterested appraiser for each asset that is not cash, a publicly traded security, or a life insurance payout.

Getting Form 11.0 right matters because Ohio law gives the fiduciary only three months from appointment to file the Inventory under Ohio Revised Code 2115.02, and the appraiser named on Form 11.0 is the person who must sign the Inventory’s appraisal column. According to the Ohio Supreme Court’s annual statistical reports, Ohio probate courts process more than 60,000 decedent estate filings each year, and a sizable share of inventory hearings are continued because the appointing entry was filed late, named a disqualified appraiser, or omitted assets.

Here is what you will learn in this guide:

  • ๐Ÿ“œ What Form 11.0 actually does and where it fits in the Ohio probate timeline
  • ๐Ÿงพ Every line, box, caption, and signature on the entry, explained in plain English
  • ๐Ÿ‘ค Three named, real-world scenarios walking through the form from start to finish
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ How to file the entry in every Ohio county, by paper, mail, or e-file portal
  • โš ๏ธ The most common Form 11.0 mistakes and the exact consequence of each one

What Form 11.0 Is and Who Must File It

Ohio Standard Probate Form 11.0 is titled Entry Appointing Appraiser and is one of the Standard Probate Forms adopted by the Ohio Supreme Court under Sup. R. 51. The form is a one-page judicial order. The fiduciary fills in the appraiser’s name and the assets to be appraised, and the probate judge or magistrate signs it, making the appraiser an officer of the court for that estate.

The fiduciary of every Ohio decedent estate that contains non-cash, non-listed-security assets must file Form 11.0. That includes executors named in a will, administrators of intestate estates, and administrators with the will annexed. If the estate holds only cash, bank accounts, and publicly traded stock with a clear closing price, the fiduciary may not need an appraiser, but most estates do because real estate, vehicles, jewelry, household goods, business interests, and closely-held stock all require appraisal under ORC 2115.06.

The agency that receives the form is the probate division of the county Court of Common Pleas in the county where the decedent lived at death. Each of Ohio’s 88 counties has its own probate court, and while the form itself is statewide, local rules govern how it is filed, who qualifies as an appraiser, and what fee, if any, applies. The Franklin County Probate Court, Cuyahoga County Probate Court, and Hamilton County Probate Court all maintain approved-appraiser lists and detailed local rules.

The statute behind the form is ORC 2115.02 through 2115.16, which requires the fiduciary to file an inventory of the estate within three months of appointment and to have non-cash assets appraised by a “suitable disinterested person.” The penalty for ignoring the inventory deadline is a citation under ORC 2109.31, and continued non-compliance can lead to removal of the fiduciary and personal liability for losses to the estate.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Form 11.0 looks deceptively short, but you cannot fill it in correctly without several pieces of information from the rest of the estate file. Gather everything below before you open the PDF, because missing any one item is a common reason inventories get continued at hearing.

  • Case number from Form 4.0 โ€” the case number assigned when Form 4.0 Application for Authority to Administer Estate was accepted; without it, the clerk cannot route the entry to the right file.
  • Decedent’s full legal name as it appears on the death certificate โ€” any variation between Form 4.0 and Form 11.0 will trigger a clerk’s office rejection.
  • Date of death โ€” required in the caption on most county versions of the form and used to anchor valuation dates.
  • Fiduciary’s full legal name and mailing address โ€” must match the name printed on the Form 4.2 Fiduciary’s Acceptance.
  • Proposed appraiser’s full legal name, business address, and credentials โ€” judges often write in the appraiser’s qualification (Realtor, ASA, etc.) before signing.
  • A short, accurate description of every asset that needs appraisal โ€” real estate by street address and parcel number, vehicles by VIN, business interests by entity name.
  • The county probate court’s local rule on appraisers โ€” for example, Franklin County Loc. R. 61.1 requires court-approved appraisers from a published list for real estate.
  • The filing fee schedule for your county โ€” the entry itself is often free or under $5, but counties charge differently for certified copies.
  • The appraiser’s signed acceptance or willingness to serve โ€” many counties require this before signing the entry.
  • Attorney information, if represented โ€” Ohio Supreme Court Attorney Registration Number and contact information go in the signature block.

If any item is missing, the realistic consequence is a delay: the clerk may return the entry, the judge may decline to sign, or the inventory hearing may be continued, pushing the estate past the three-month statutory window and exposing the fiduciary to a citation.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

The official, current statewide version of Form 11.0 is published by the Ohio Supreme Court at the Standard Probate Forms page. The PDF is fillable, free, and current to the revision dated 1/1/2002, which remains the controlling version under Sup. R. 51 unless your county probate court has adopted a local supplement. Always confirm the revision date printed in the lower-left corner before filing.

Most county probate courts also publish their own branded version of Form 11.0 on their websites. The Franklin County Probate Court Forms page, the Cuyahoga County Probate Court Forms library, and the Hamilton County Probate Court forms list each host a county-formatted Form 11.0 that pre-populates the case caption and judge’s name. Using your county’s local version is usually safer than the statewide PDF because it matches the local docket conventions.

You can complete the form in three ways. First, you can type into the fillable PDF using free software like Adobe Acrobat Reader, then print and sign. Second, you can hand-print on a paper copy in black ink, which most courts still accept. Third, in counties with e-filing, you can complete and submit Form 11.0 through the court’s portal, such as the Franklin County e-File system or Cuyahoga County e-Filing.

If you are working with a probate attorney, they will usually prepare Form 11.0 inside their case management software and send it to you for review. If you are pro se, the Ohio Legal Help self-help probate guide walks through how to download and fill the form. The court itself cannot give you legal advice, but the clerks can confirm that you have the current version.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form 11.0 Line by Line

Form 11.0 has a court caption at the top, a body with three numbered paragraphs, two signature blocks, and a notice section. Every part below gets its own walkthrough.

Court Caption: Probate Court of ________ County, Ohio

What the field asks in plain English. This top line tells the court system which of Ohio’s 88 county probate courts is hearing the case.

How to answer it. Type or print the county name in all capital letters, with no extra words. Write FRANKLIN, not Franklin County or County of Franklin.

A specific example answer. Maria Lopez, who is administering her mother’s estate in Columbus, writes FRANKLIN in this blank.

A nuance or edge case. If the decedent owned real estate in a different Ohio county from where they lived, the case still belongs in the county of legal residence at death under ORC 2113.01, and ancillary administration handles the out-of-county property.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Filers sometimes write the county where the decedent died (often a hospital county) instead of the county of residence, which causes the clerk to reject the filing or transfer venue, costing weeks.

A misconception people hold about this field. Many people think they can pick the most convenient county. Venue is set by domicile at death, not by convenience or where the will was signed.

Estate of ________, Deceased

What the field asks in plain English. This is where the decedent’s name goes, identifying whose estate the entry belongs to.

How to answer it. Use the decedent’s full legal name exactly as it appears on the death certificate and on the previously filed Form 1.0 Surviving Spouse, Children, Next of Kin. Use first, middle, and last; do not use nicknames.

A specific example answer. Carlos Rivera, serving as executor for his late father, writes ROBERTO LUIS RIVERA in the blank.

A nuance or edge case. If the decedent used aliases (a/k/a names) on titled property, list the legal name first, then aka and the alias, so the appraiser can match the asset to the estate.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Writing Bob Rivera when the will and death certificate read Roberto Luis Rivera creates a name mismatch with later title transfers and may force a corrective entry.

A misconception people hold about this field. Filers often think the name on the will controls. The death certificate name controls because that is what county recorders, the BMV, and banks match against.

Case Number

What the field asks in plain English. This is the unique docket number the probate court gave the estate when Form 4.0 was accepted.

How to answer it. Copy the number exactly from your filed Form 4.0 or from the court’s online docket. Most Ohio probate case numbers follow a YYYY ES NNNNNN format.

A specific example answer. Janet Whitmore writes 2026 ES 001284 on her Form 11.0 because that is the number Cuyahoga County assigned her late husband’s estate.

A nuance or edge case. If you are filing Form 11.0 the same day as Form 4.0, the clerk may stamp the case number on after intake; in that situation, leave the line blank and let the intake clerk fill it.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Transposing digits routes the entry to the wrong file and the judge will not sign it because the captioned case will not match the docket.

A misconception people hold about this field. People think the case number changes with each new form. It does not; one estate keeps the same number from Form 4.0 through the final account.

Paragraph 1: Naming the Appraiser

What the field asks in plain English. This paragraph tells the judge whom you want appointed and confirms the person is suitable and disinterested.

How to answer it. Type the appraiser’s full legal name on the blank line. The pre-printed language already includes the words suitable disinterested person, so you are not paraphrasing the statute.

A specific example answer. Maria Lopez writes DAVID K. PARSONS, REALTOR on the blank because she has hired a licensed Realtor to value her mother’s house.

A nuance or edge case. If you need more than one appraiser (for example, a Realtor for the house and a vehicle appraiser for a classic car), most counties expect a separate Form 11.0 for each appraiser, although a few counties allow one combined entry.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Naming a relative, beneficiary, or the fiduciary themselves violates the disinterested requirement of ORC 2115.06, and the judge will refuse to sign.

A misconception people hold about this field. Many filers think any licensed Realtor or auctioneer qualifies. The appraiser must also be approved under the local rule; for instance, Cuyahoga County keeps a court-approved real estate appraiser list.

Paragraph 2: Listing the Assets to Be Appraised

What the field asks in plain English. Here you describe the property the appraiser is being appointed to value.

How to answer it. Write a short, specific description: real estate located at 4421 Maple Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, parcel 010-123456, or 2014 Toyota Camry, VIN 4T1BF1FK1EU000000. Avoid vague phrases like household goods, unless that truly is the scope.

A specific example answer. Carlos Rivera writes Real estate located at 1875 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Hamilton County parcel 098-0012-0034.

A nuance or edge case. For a closely-held business interest, write the entity’s legal name, the percentage owned, and the state of formation, because business appraisers price the percentage interest, not the underlying assets.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Listing only real estate without an address forces the appraiser to guess scope, and the inventory may later be rejected for inconsistency between Form 11.0 and Form 6.0.

A misconception people hold about this field. Filers think the asset list on Form 11.0 is final. It is not; if you discover more assets later, you file a supplemental Form 11.0 for additional appraisers or assets.

Paragraph 3: The Order of Appointment

What the field asks in plain English. This is the operative sentence that the judge will sign, ordering the named person to act as appraiser.

How to answer it. You do not edit this paragraph. Read it to confirm the appraiser’s name and assets carry through correctly from Paragraphs 1 and 2.

A specific example answer. Janet Whitmore reviews the paragraph and confirms it reads, in effect, that the court appoints David K. Parsons to appraise the real estate at 4421 Maple Ave.

A nuance or edge case. If your county uses an older locally branded version, the order language may include a clause requiring the appraiser to take an oath; check whether Form 11.1 Oath of Appraiser is also required.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Filers cross out or edit the pre-printed order language. The clerk will reject the entry because the standard form is mandated by Sup. R. 51.

A misconception people hold about this field. People think the order takes effect when they sign. It only takes effect when the judge or magistrate signs and the clerk journalizes it.

Attorney Signature Block

What the field asks in plain English. If an attorney is helping the fiduciary, this is where the attorney signs and identifies themselves to the court.

How to answer it. The attorney prints their name, Ohio Supreme Court Attorney Registration Number, firm name, address, phone, and email. The attorney signs in blue or black ink.

A specific example answer. Attorney Lauren Yates, #0098765, Yates & Associates, 100 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215, (614) 555-0199, lyates@yateslaw.com.

A nuance or edge case. Pro se fiduciaries leave this block blank or write Pro Se with their own contact information; most counties accept that without issue.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Missing the attorney registration number causes a clerk’s office hold, because the court must verify the attorney is in good standing.

A misconception people hold about this field. People think the attorney’s signature substitutes for the fiduciary’s signature. The fiduciary still signs as applicant on most county versions.

Judge or Magistrate Signature Line

What the field asks in plain English. This is the line the probate judge or assigned magistrate signs to make the appointment official.

How to answer it. You leave this line blank. The judge or magistrate signs after reviewing the entry and confirming the appraiser is qualified.

A specific example answer. On Maria Lopez’s Form 11.0, Judge Robert Montgomery signs the line in Franklin County.

A nuance or edge case. Some counties allow staff attorneys or magistrates to sign routine appraiser entries under standing orders; the signature still binds the court.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Filers sometimes sign in the judge’s blank thinking it is for the fiduciary, which voids the entry and requires a fresh form.

A misconception people hold about this field. People think they can pre-stamp or e-sign for the judge. Only the court applies the judicial signature.

Date Line

What the field asks in plain English. This is the date the judge signs the entry.

How to answer it. Leave this blank too; the court enters the date when the judge signs and the clerk journalizes the order.

A specific example answer. 03/14/2026 appears on Carlos Rivera’s entry after the magistrate signs.

A nuance or edge case. If the judge backdates or forward-dates by mistake, ask the clerk for a nunc pro tunc correction rather than altering the entry yourself.

A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Writing today’s date before the judge signs misrepresents the journalization date and can throw off the inventory deadline calculation.

A misconception people hold about this field. Filers think the date filed and the date signed are the same. They are not; the journal entry date is what controls under Civ. R. 58.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

Each scenario below follows one named fiduciary through a complete Form 11.0 in a different Ohio county.

Scenario 1: Maria Lopez โ€” Small Estate With One House (Franklin County)

Maria’s mother died in Columbus owning a paid-off house, a checking account, and personal effects. Maria is the sole heir and executor.

Form Section What Maria Enters
County FRANKLIN
Estate of ELENA MARIA LOPEZ
Case Number 2026 ES 002145
Paragraph 1 โ€” Appraiser DAVID K. PARSONS, REALTOR (Court-Approved List #FR-441)
Paragraph 2 โ€” Assets Real estate at 1212 High St., Columbus, OH 43201, parcel 010-998877
Attorney Block Pro Se โ€” Maria Lopez, 1212 High St., Columbus, OH 43201
Fiduciary Signature Maria Lopez in blue ink, dated 02/10/2026
Judge Signature Left blank for Judge Jeffrey D. Mackey
Filing Channel E-filed via Franklin County e-File portal
Fee $0 entry fee, $2 per certified copy

Scenario 2: Carlos Rivera โ€” Mid-Size Estate With a Family Business (Hamilton County)

Carlos’s father owned a 40 percent interest in a Cincinnati-based HVAC company, plus a primary residence and a 2014 Camry.

Form Section What Carlos Enters
County HAMILTON
Estate of ROBERTO LUIS RIVERA
Case Number 2026 ES 003311
Paragraph 1 โ€” Appraiser PATRICIA HOWELL, ASA, CBA (Business Valuation)
Paragraph 2 โ€” Assets 40% membership interest in Rivera HVAC LLC, Ohio entity #2012-0991
Attorney Block Lauren Yates, #0098765, Yates & Associates, Columbus
Fiduciary Signature Carlos Rivera dated 03/02/2026
Judge Signature Left blank for Magistrate Karen Falter
Filing Channel Hand-delivered to Hamilton County Probate Court
Fee $0 entry, $25 court costs deposit

Carlos files a separate Form 11.0 for the real estate appraiser and a third for the vehicle, because Hamilton County prefers one appraiser per entry.

Scenario 3: Janet Whitmore โ€” Estate With Collectibles and Firearms (Cuyahoga County)

Janet’s late husband collected vintage watches and licensed firearms, alongside a small condo.

Form Section What Janet Enters
County CUYAHOGA
Estate of MICHAEL THOMAS WHITMORE
Case Number 2026 ES 005887
Paragraph 1 โ€” Appraiser GREG ANSELM, ISA AM (Personal Property โ€” Watches & Firearms)
Paragraph 2 โ€” Assets Watch collection (12 pieces) and 4 long guns/2 handguns per FFL inventory
Attorney Block Pro Se โ€” Janet Whitmore
Fiduciary Signature Janet Whitmore dated 04/05/2026
Judge Signature Left blank for Judge Anthony J. Russo
Filing Channel Cuyahoga County e-Filing portal
Fee $0 entry, $1 per page certified copy

How to File the Completed Form

Form 11.0 is filed in the probate division of the county Court of Common Pleas where the estate is open. There are usually three filing channels available, and each county sets its own rules under Sup. R. 52.

In person. Bring the original signed entry, plus one copy for time-stamping, to the probate clerk’s office. The Franklin County clerk is at 373 S. High St., 22nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; Cuyahoga County is at 1 W. Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113; Hamilton County is at 230 E. 9th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. There is generally no separate filing fee for the entry, but certified copies cost about $1โ€“$2 per page. Payment is by cash, check, or card. Processing is usually same-day; you will leave with a time-stamped copy as proof of filing.

By mail. Mail the original and a self-addressed stamped envelope with extra postage so the clerk can return your time-stamped copy. Mail to the same addresses as above. Processing typically takes 5โ€“10 business days. Keep the certified mail receipt as proof.

Online (e-file). Counties such as Franklin, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Summit accept e-filing through portals like the Franklin County e-File system and Cuyahoga County e-Filing. Upload a PDF of the signed entry, pay any per-document fees by card, and download the time-stamped copy from the portal. Processing is usually 1โ€“3 business days.

Whichever channel you use, save the journalized copy with the judge’s signature; that is your proof the appraiser is officially appointed and may sign Form 6.0 later.

What Happens After You File

Once the judge signs Form 11.0, the clerk journalizes the entry, which is the formal moment the appraiser becomes an officer of the court for that estate. The fiduciary then sends a copy to the appraiser, along with access to the property to be valued. Many counties also expect Form 11.1 Oath of Appraiser signed and filed before the appraiser starts work.

The appraiser then inspects the assets, prepares written valuations, and signs the appraisal column on Form 6.0 Inventory and Appraisal and Form 6.1 Schedule of Assets. The fiduciary must file the inventory within three months of appointment under ORC 2115.02, and the court then schedules an inventory hearing under ORC 2115.16.

If the inventory is late, the court issues a citation under ORC 2109.31 requiring the fiduciary to appear and explain the delay. Repeated failures can lead to removal and a new fiduciary appointment.

If new assets surface after the original Form 11.0 is signed, the fiduciary files a supplemental Form 11.0 for an additional appraiser, then files Form 9.0 Newly Discovered Assets.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

  • Naming a beneficiary as appraiser. Violates the disinterested requirement and the judge will refuse to sign.
  • Using an outdated revision. Filing a pre-2002 version triggers an immediate clerk’s office rejection.
  • Mismatching the decedent’s name. A discrepancy between Form 11.0 and Form 4.0 forces a corrective entry and delays the inventory.
  • Leaving Paragraph 2 blank or vague. Without specific assets, the appraiser’s scope is unclear and the inventory can be rejected.
  • Choosing an appraiser not on the local approved list. In counties like Cuyahoga and Franklin, this means the entry will not be signed.
  • Skipping the attorney registration number. The clerk will hold the filing until the number is verified.
  • Editing the pre-printed order language. The standard form is mandatory; edits void the form.
  • Filing Form 11.0 before Form 4.0 is accepted. Without an open estate, there is no case number and no jurisdiction.
  • Forgetting Form 11.1 Oath of Appraiser when the county requires it. The appraiser cannot legally sign the inventory without the oath on file.
  • Missing the three-month inventory deadline because Form 11.0 was filed late. Triggers a citation under ORC 2109.31.
  • Failing to include the appraiser’s credentials. Some judges refuse to sign without a professional designation listed.
  • Not keeping a journalized copy. Without proof of appointment, the appraiser may not be paid from estate funds.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

  • Do confirm the form’s revision date matches the current statewide version before filing.
  • Do use the decedent’s exact legal name from the death certificate.
  • Do describe each asset with enough detail (address, VIN, parcel) for a stranger to identify it.
  • Do check your county’s approved appraiser list before naming anyone.
  • Do file Form 11.0 within the first few weeks after Letters of Authority issue.
  • Do keep the journalized copy with the rest of your estate records.

Don’ts

  • Don’t pick a relative, heir, or fiduciary as the appraiser; they fail the disinterested test.
  • Don’t edit the pre-printed order paragraphs; the standard form is mandatory.
  • Don’t sign the judge’s line; you will void the entry.
  • Don’t use vague asset descriptions like miscellaneous; specificity protects you later.
  • Don’t forget Form 11.1 if your county requires the appraiser’s oath.
  • Don’t wait until the three-month deadline approaches; appraisals take time.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With an Attorney

Pros of filing pro se

  • Saves attorney fees, which in Ohio commonly run $250โ€“$400 per hour.
  • Forces the fiduciary to learn the estate’s details firsthand.
  • Works well for small, single-asset estates.
  • Modern e-filing portals make pro se filing easier than ever.
  • The Ohio Supreme Court forms are designed to be self-explanatory under Sup. R. 51.

Cons of filing pro se

  • One mistake on the appraiser name can delay the entire estate.
  • You may pick an appraiser the court rejects.
  • Pro se filers often miss the inventory deadline because they underestimate appraiser turnaround.
  • Beneficiaries can challenge a pro se fiduciary’s filings more easily.
  • The fiduciary is personally liable for losses caused by procedural errors under ORC 2109.24.

FAQs

Do I need a separate Form 11.0 for each appraiser?

Yes. Most Ohio counties require a separate entry for each appraiser, because each entry orders one named person to value specific assets and judges sign one appointment at a time.

Can a beneficiary serve as the appraiser?

No. The appraiser must be a suitable disinterested person under ORC 2115.06, and a beneficiary, heir, or the fiduciary themselves fails the disinterested test.

Is there a filing fee for Form 11.0?

No. Most Ohio probate courts charge no separate fee for the entry itself, though certified copies cost about $1โ€“$2 per page and counties take a court costs deposit at case opening.

What goes on the Case Number line if my Form 4.0 is brand new?

No number is required if the clerk is assigning it the same day; leave the line blank and the intake clerk will stamp the case number when the file is opened.

Do I write the county where my parent died, or where they lived?

No, not the place of death; write the county of legal residence at death because venue under ORC 2113.01 follows domicile, not the hospital location.

Do I sign the judge’s signature line if I am the executor?

No. Only the probate judge or magistrate signs that line, and signing it yourself voids the entry.

Can I list household goods as the assets to be appraised?

Yes, but only if that is truly the full scope; vague descriptions invite later inconsistencies with Form 6.0 and risk a continued inventory hearing.

Can I e-file Form 11.0 in every Ohio county?

No. Only some counties โ€” like Franklin, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Summit โ€” currently offer e-filing; smaller counties still require paper filings by mail or in person.

Do I need Form 11.1 Oath of Appraiser too?

Yes in most counties; the oath confirms the appraiser will value assets honestly and is often required before the appraiser may sign Form 6.0.

Does naming a Realtor automatically satisfy the appraiser rule?

No. A real estate license is a starting point, but counties like Franklin and Cuyahoga maintain court-approved lists, and judges may decline to sign for a Realtor not on the list.

Can I use an out-of-state appraiser for Ohio real estate?

No in most cases, because Ohio courts require an appraiser familiar with local market conditions, and out-of-state appraisers usually need a co-signing Ohio professional.

What happens if I miss the three-month inventory deadline?

Yes, consequences follow: the court issues a citation under ORC 2109.31, the fiduciary must appear and explain, and repeated delays can lead to removal under ORC 2109.24.

Can one Form 11.0 cover both real estate and a vehicle?

Yes in some counties if the same appraiser is qualified for both, but most Ohio probate judges prefer one entry per appraiser to keep the record clean.

Do I need to attach the appraiser’s resume or license?

No in most counties, but listing credentials (Realtor, ASA, ISA, CBA) directly in Paragraph 1 helps the judge sign without questions.