Ohio Probate Form 26.0 is the Petition for Involuntary Treatment for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, the court document a spouse, relative, or guardian files in their county probate court to ask a judge to order a loved one into addiction treatment against that person’s will. You file it under Ohio Revised Code 5119.93, and the official statewide form carries an effective date of July 1, 2016, so make sure the version you print shows that date at the bottom of each page.
This form exists for one of the hardest moments a family faces: watching someone you love spiral into drug or alcohol use while they refuse help. A small wording mistake on the petition, a missing physician’s certificate, or a blank payment guarantee can get your filing rejected and cost your loved one days you may not have. Ohio’s law took effect in 2016 after the state’s overdose crisis, and overdose deaths in Ohio still topped 4,000 in recent years, which is part of why lawmakers gave probate judges this power to act.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📝 How to complete every line of Form 26.0 in plain English, with named examples
- 🧾 Which documents and certificates you must attach before the court will accept it
- 🏛️ Where to get the form and how to file it in your county probate court
- 💵 What the security deposit and Guarantee of Payment really commit you to
- ⚠️ The most common mistakes that get petitions tossed and how to dodge each one
What Form 26.0 Is and Who Must File It
Form 26.0 is a standardized petition created by the Supreme Court of Ohio and used in all 88 county probate courts. It starts a civil court case asking a judge to order an adult into treatment for alcohol or drug abuse, even when that adult does not agree. The legal basis is R.C. 5119.93, part of a chain of statutes (5119.90 through 5119.98) that Ohio passed in 2013 and put into use through these forms in 2016.
Not just anyone can file this petition. The law limits who may file to three groups: a spouse, a relative, or a guardian of the person who needs help. The person you are trying to help is called the Respondent, and you, the person filing, are the Petitioner. If you do not fit one of those three roles, the court will reject your petition and you will need to find a qualifying family member to step in.
The judge cannot order treatment just because someone drinks too much or uses drugs. Under the law, you must show the Respondent both suffers from alcohol or other drug abuse and presents an imminent danger or imminent threat of danger to self, family, or others. The statute defines that danger as substantial physical harm or the threat of it, which is a high bar. The court must find these facts by clear and convincing evidence before it can order anyone into treatment.
This form is the first step, but it does not travel alone. It connects to a family of companion forms, including Form 26.1 (Certificate of Physician), Form 26.2 (Affidavit of Refusal of Examination), Form 26.7 (Respondent’s Rights), and Form 26.8 (Affidavit of Indigency). Each plays a role, and the court will look for the right ones attached to your petition.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather everything below before you open the form. Missing even one item is the top reason these petitions stall at the clerk’s window.
- The Respondent’s full legal name, because the court must match its orders and notices to the correct person and a wrong name can void service.
- The Respondent’s residence address, since this decides which county probate court has the power to hear your case.
- The Respondent’s current location if it differs from home, because the court needs to know where to send the sheriff if it orders transport.
- Your own full name, address, and relationship to the Respondent, since only a spouse, relative, or guardian may file and the court checks this first.
- Names and addresses of the Respondent’s parents or guardian, spouse, custodian, nearest relative, and a friend, because the law requires the court to notify close family.
- A written, dated record of the facts showing abuse and danger, because vague statements get petitions dismissed and specific dated events win them.
- A Certificate of Physician (Form 26.1) or proof the Respondent refused examination, because one of these two must back up your petition.
- A statement from the treatment facility, because Form 26.0 requires written verification that a provider has agreed to treat the Respondent.
- The security deposit amount your county sets, because the court will not process the petition until the deposit is posted.
- The name and full address of the treatment provider, since the court orders treatment to a specific named facility, not a general idea of rehab.
If you cannot afford the deposit or attorney fees, ask the clerk about Form 26.8 (Affidavit of Indigency), which lets the court appoint counsel and may waive some costs.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The safest place to get Form 26.0 is the Supreme Court of Ohio forms page, which hosts the official statewide version as a fillable PDF. Download it directly from the court’s site rather than a random search result so you know the July 1, 2016 effective date is printed at the bottom. Some private form sites post old or temporarily amended copies, and filing an outdated version can trigger a rejection.
Most county probate courts also post the form on their own websites under “Involuntary Treatment” or “Alcohol and Drug” sections. Counties such as Franklin, Cuyahoga, and Hamilton keep the full 26.0 through 26.14 set online, and they may add a local cover sheet or checklist. Because the law says these forms are filed in your local county court, always check that county’s site for extra local forms before you file.
You can fill the form out two ways. You can type directly into the fillable PDF on a computer, then print it, which keeps it neat and easy to read. Or you can print it blank and complete it in black ink by hand. Either way, you must sign it in front of a notary, so do not sign until you are at the notary’s desk.
If you are unsure which county to file in, file where the Respondent legally resides. The statute ties jurisdiction to the Respondent’s residence, so filing in the wrong county wastes time and may force you to start over.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form 26.0 Line by Line
Form 26.0 runs three pages: the Petition itself (Page 1), the Verification of Treatment (Page 2), and the Guarantee of Payment (Page 3). Complete every field in the order it appears. Use the exact labels printed on the form, and remember that anything you swear to here is made under oath.
Caption: Probate Court of ___ County, Ohio, and Judge
The form opens with a heading that asks for the county and the judge’s name. This tells the clerk which court and division your case belongs in.
To answer it, write the county where the Respondent legally lives on the County line, then leave the Judge line blank unless the court tells you the assigned judge. Spell the county name in full.
For example, Maria Hill files for her husband who lives in Columbus, so she writes FRANKLIN on the county line and leaves the judge line blank for the clerk to fill.
What if your loved one recently moved? Use the county of their true legal residence, not a temporary address, because the law ties the case to legal residence.
A common mistake here is naming the county where you live instead of where the Respondent lives. That mismatch can send your case to a court with no power to hear it, forcing a refile.
People often think any nearby probate court will do. It will not; the Respondent’s residence county is the only correct venue under the statute.
In the Interest of: (Respondent’s Name) and Case No.
This line names the person you want the court to help, the Respondent, and leaves room for a case number. The Respondent is the subject of the entire case.
Write the Respondent’s full legal name exactly as it appears on a government ID. Leave the Case No. blank, because the clerk assigns that number when you file.
For example, Maria writes DANIEL R. HILL in the “In the Interest of” line and leaves the case number blank.
What if the Respondent uses a nickname or goes by a middle name? Use the full legal name, then you can note any alias in the facts section so the court can identify the right person.
A common mistake is writing your own name here. This line is only for the Respondent, and putting the wrong name on it can misdirect every notice and order in the case.
Many people assume the case number goes here because it sits on the same line. The court fills that in, so leaving it blank is correct.
Respondent’s Residence Address and Current Location
These two lines pin down where the Respondent legally lives and where they physically are right now. The court uses them for jurisdiction and for any order to transport.
Write the Respondent’s full home street address on the Residence Address line. If the Respondent is somewhere else right now, such as a hospital, a friend’s house, or another city, write that on the Current Location (if different) line.
For example, Maria writes 742 Maple Street, Columbus, OH 43215 as the residence, and on the current location line she writes Riverside Methodist Hospital, Room 412, Columbus, OH because Daniel is admitted there after an overdose.
What if the residence is a P.O. Box? List a physical street address for residence whenever possible, because the sheriff cannot serve papers or transport someone to a P.O. Box.
A common mistake is leaving the current location blank when the Respondent is not at home. That can delay an emergency order because the court does not know where to find them.
People often believe the two address lines must match. They do not; the form expects them to differ when the Respondent has moved or is hospitalized.
Petitioner and Petitioner’s Address
This is where you, the person filing, identify yourself and where you can be reached. The court communicates with you through this address.
Write your full legal name on the Petitioner line and your complete mailing address on the Petitioner’s Address line. Use an address where you reliably receive mail.
For example, Maria writes MARIA L. HILL as Petitioner and 742 Maple Street, Columbus, OH 43215 as her address.
What if you live at a different address than the Respondent for safety reasons? Use your own real mailing address, because the court sends hearing notices and orders to you there.
A common mistake is using an old or temporary address. If you miss a mailed notice, you can miss your own hearing and the case can be dismissed.
Many petitioners think they can leave this blank to stay private. You cannot; the court must be able to reach the person who filed the case.
Petitioner States That He/She Is: Spouse, Relative, or Guardian
This set of checkboxes proves you are legally allowed to file. Only a spouse, relative, or guardian may bring this petition under the statute.
Check the one box that fits your relationship. If you check Relative, write your exact relationship, such as mother, brother, or adult daughter, on the blank line provided.
For example, Maria checks the Spouse box. In a different case, James Carter files for his adult son and checks Relative, writing father on the line.
What if you are both a relative and a guardian? Check the box that gives the strongest standing, usually Guardian, and you can explain the dual role in the facts section.
A common mistake is leaving all three boxes unchecked. Without a checked box, the court cannot confirm your standing and will reject the petition.
People often think a close friend or roommate can file. The law does not allow it; a friend must find a qualifying spouse, relative, or guardian to be the Petitioner.
Names and Addresses of Related Persons
This block asks for the Respondent’s parents or guardian, spouse, person having custody, nearest relative, and a friend. The court uses this to notify family members who have a right to know about the case.
Fill in each line with the person’s name and complete address. The form says to provide these if known, so write “unknown” on any line where you truly do not have the information.
For example, Maria lists Daniel’s mother Ruth Hill, 19 Oak Lane, Dublin, OH under parents, herself as spouse, and Daniel’s brother Kevin Hill, 88 Pine Ct, Hilliard, OH as nearest relative.
What if a family member is estranged or you fear them? Still list them if known, because the court decides who gets notice, but you can raise safety concerns to the judge.
A common mistake is leaving lines blank instead of writing “unknown.” Blanks look like you skipped the form, while “unknown” shows you answered honestly.
People assume listing relatives means those relatives must agree with the petition. It does not; listing them only gives the court the contacts it needs for notice.
Statement of Facts Supporting Alcohol or Drug Abuse
Here you explain why you believe the Respondent suffers from alcohol or other drug abuse. These facts are the heart of your petition and the judge reads them closely.
State specific, dated events, not opinions. Write what you saw, when it happened, and how often, such as drug paraphernalia found, missed work, blackouts, or hospital visits. Keep it factual and concrete.
For example, Maria writes On 5/2/2026 Daniel was hospitalized for a fentanyl overdose; he has used opioids daily since January 2026; on 5/18/2026 I found needles in our bathroom.
What if you have only secondhand reports? Note who told you and when, but lead with what you personally witnessed, because firsthand facts carry the most weight.
A common mistake is writing vague lines like “he drinks too much.” Vague statements fail the clear and convincing standard and judges dismiss petitions built on them.
People think more dramatic language wins cases. Calm, dated, specific facts persuade judges far more than emotional adjectives.
Statement of Facts Supporting Imminent Danger
This section requires you to show the Respondent presents an imminent danger or imminent threat of danger to self, family, or others. Under R.C. 5119.90, danger means substantial physical harm or the threat of it.
Describe recent, specific events that show real physical risk, such as an overdose, threats with a weapon, driving while impaired, or self-harm. Tie the danger to the substance use and keep it recent so it reads as imminent.
For example, Maria writes On 5/2/2026 Daniel overdosed and required Narcan; on 5/20/2026 he threatened to crash his car “to end it all” while intoxicated.
What if the danger is to the family rather than the Respondent? Describe the physical threat clearly, such as violent outbursts or driving children while high, because danger to family also counts.
A common mistake is describing old events from years ago. The law requires imminent danger, so stale facts will not support an order.
People believe emotional harm alone is enough. The statute requires substantial physical harm or its threat, so focus your facts there.
Check One: Certificate of Physician OR Refusal of Examination
This is one of the most important parts of the form. You must check exactly one box: either a Certificate of Physician is attached, or the Respondent has refused all requests to undergo a physician’s exam.
If a doctor has examined the Respondent, attach Form 26.1 (Certificate of Physician) and check the first box. If the Respondent refused every request to be examined, check the second box and be ready to back it up, often with Form 26.2.
For example, Daniel refused to see a doctor, so Maria checks the second box and notes she asked him three times in writing.
What if a doctor examined the Respondent but will not sign the certificate? Then you cannot truthfully check the first box; check refusal only if the Respondent actually refused.
A common mistake is checking the physician box but forgetting to attach Form 26.1. The court will not accept the petition without the certificate it references.
People assume they can skip this choice. You cannot; one of these two boxes must be checked or the petition has no medical or legal foundation.
Petition Is Accompanied By: Security Deposit and Guarantee of Payment
This block confirms two attachments: a security deposit and the Guarantee of Payment. These show the court that costs of examination, hearing, and treatment will be covered.
Write the security deposit amount on the blank line, using the figure your county probate court requires. Confirm that the Guarantee of Payment on Page 3 is completed and signed.
For example, Maria’s county sets a deposit of $300, so she writes $300.00 and signs the Guarantee on Page 3.
What if you cannot afford the deposit? Ask the clerk about Form 26.8 (Affidavit of Indigency), which can lead to appointed counsel and possible cost relief.
A common mistake is leaving the dollar amount blank. The clerk may refuse the petition until the deposit is set and posted.
People think the state pays for involuntary treatment. Under R.C. 5119.93(D)(2), the Petitioner or another authorized person guarantees the costs.
Signatures, Notary, and Sworn Statement (Page 1)
The bottom of Page 1 holds signature lines for the attorney and the Petitioner, printed-name lines, and a notary block. Your signature here swears the petition is true.
Sign on the Signature of Petitioner line and print your name below it. If an attorney represents you, the attorney signs and prints too. Do not sign until you are in front of a notary, who completes the date and notary block.
For example, Maria signs as Petitioner in front of a notary on the 22nd of May, 2026, and prints MARIA L. HILL below her signature.
What if you have no attorney? Leave the attorney lines blank; you may file pro se (on your own) as the Petitioner.
A common mistake is signing the form at home before reaching the notary. A notary cannot notarize a signature they did not witness, so you would have to redo it.
People think a notary checks whether the facts are true. The notary only verifies your identity and that you signed under oath; the judge weighs the facts.
Page 2: Verification of Treatment by Petitioner
Page 2 confirms you have arranged actual treatment for the Respondent. The form states a statement from the facility MUST accompany this petition.
Write your name as Petitioner, the Respondent’s name, and the name and full address of the treatment provider. Then attach the facility’s own written statement confirming it will treat the Respondent.
For example, Maria writes that treatment will be facilitated by Maryhaven Addiction Center, 1791 Alum Creek Dr, Columbus, OH 43207 and attaches Maryhaven’s acceptance letter.
What if no facility has agreed yet? You must secure a provider first, because the court orders treatment to a specific named facility, not a general plan.
A common mistake is naming a facility but skipping its written statement. Without that attachment, Page 2 is incomplete and the petition can be rejected.
People assume the court finds the treatment center. It does not; the Petitioner arranges and names the provider on this page.
Page 3: Guarantee of Payment
Page 3 is the financial promise required by R.C. 5119.93(D)(2). By signing, you or another authorized person promise to pay all costs for the Respondent’s examination, transportation, hearing, and treatment.
Sign and date the guarantee, print your name, state your relationship to the Respondent (Petitioner, spouse, relative, or guardian), and write a complete billing address. A notary then witnesses this signature too.
For example, Maria signs as guarantor, prints her name, writes Spouse as her relationship, and lists 742 Maple Street, Columbus, OH 43215 as the billing address.
What if a different family member will pay? That authorized person (a spouse, relative, or guardian) can sign the guarantee instead of you, but someone must sign it.
A common mistake is signing the guarantee without realizing it is a binding promise to pay. You can be billed for real costs, so understand it before you sign.
People believe insurance automatically covers everything. It may not, and the guarantee makes you responsible for any costs insurance does not pay.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Below are three common fact patterns. Each follows one Petitioner through the key sections of Form 26.0.
Scenario 1: Maria files for her husband Daniel after an opioid overdose
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| County / Judge | FRANKLIN / left blank |
| In the Interest of | DANIEL R. HILL |
| Respondent’s Residence Address | 742 Maple Street, Columbus, OH 43215 |
| Current Location | Riverside Methodist Hospital, Room 412, Columbus, OH |
| Petitioner / Relationship box | MARIA L. HILL / checks Spouse |
| Facts of abuse | 5/2/2026 fentanyl overdose; daily opioid use since Jan 2026; needles found 5/18/2026 |
| Facts of imminent danger | Overdosed 5/2/2026, needed Narcan; threatened to crash car 5/20/2026 |
| Physician box | Checks Respondent refused all requests for examination |
| Treatment provider (Page 2) | Maryhaven Addiction Center, Columbus, OH + facility letter attached |
| Guarantee of Payment (Page 3) | Signs as Spouse, billing address listed, notarized |
Scenario 2: James files for his adult son Tyler with alcohol use disorder
| Form Section | What James Enters |
|---|---|
| County / Judge | HAMILTON / left blank |
| In the Interest of | TYLER J. CARTER |
| Respondent’s Residence Address | 305 Vine St, Apt 2, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
| Current Location | Same as residence |
| Petitioner / Relationship box | JAMES CARTER / checks Relative, writes father |
| Facts of abuse | Drinks 1 liter vodka daily; fired 4/2026 for drinking at work; two DUIs in 2025 |
| Facts of imminent danger | Drove drunk with grandchild 5/10/2026; fell and fractured wrist while intoxicated 5/15/2026 |
| Physician box | Checks Certificate of Physician attached (Form 26.1) |
| Treatment provider (Page 2) | The Crossroads Center, Cincinnati, OH + facility letter attached |
| Guarantee of Payment (Page 3) | Signs as Relative (father), notarized |
Scenario 3: Karen, a guardian, files for her ward Lisa using indigency relief
| Form Section | What Karen Enters |
|---|---|
| County / Judge | CUYAHOGA / left blank |
| In the Interest of | LISA M. ADAMS |
| Respondent’s Residence Address | 12 Birch Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113 |
| Current Location | Sister’s home, 4400 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH |
| Petitioner / Relationship box | KAREN OWENS / checks Guardian |
| Facts of abuse | Daily methamphetamine use since 2025; lost housing 3/2026; two ER visits for drug effects |
| Facts of imminent danger | Found unconscious 5/12/2026; threatened self-harm 5/19/2026 while high |
| Physician box | Checks Respondent refused all requests for examination |
| Security deposit | Files Form 26.8 (Affidavit of Indigency) in place of full deposit |
| Guarantee of Payment (Page 3) | Signs as Guardian, billing address listed, notarized |
How to File the Completed Form
You file Form 26.0 in the probate division of the common pleas court in the county where the Respondent legally resides. Filing channels vary by county, so confirm your court’s options before you go.
- In person: Bring the signed, notarized original plus copies and all attachments to the probate court clerk’s window. For Franklin County, that is the Franklin County Probate Court. Pay the security deposit by cash, check, or money order as the clerk directs, and ask for a time-stamped copy as your proof of filing.
- By mail: Some counties accept mailed petitions sent to the probate court clerk’s address listed on the county site. Include a check or money order for the deposit and a self-addressed stamped envelope, and keep your mailing receipt as proof.
- Online / e-filing: A growing number of counties, such as Franklin, offer e-filing through their court portals. Upload the petition and attachments, pay any fee electronically, and save the confirmation page as proof of filing.
Filing fees and security deposits are set locally and often range from roughly $200 to $400, with guardianship-related probate filings in some counties running about $350. Because costs differ by county, call your probate court clerk to confirm the exact amount and accepted payment methods before you file. Always keep a stamped copy of everything you submit.
What Happens After You File
Once you file, the court reviews the petition and may hold a probable cause hearing to decide whether there is enough reason to move forward. If the judge finds probable cause, the court can order the Respondent to undergo examinations and appear at a full hearing, using companion forms like Form 26.4 (Notice of Hearing) and Form 26.5 (Order to Appear).
At the hearing, the judge weighs your evidence against the clear and convincing standard. The Respondent has rights spelled out in Form 26.7 (Respondent’s Rights), including the right to counsel, and the court can appoint a lawyer for them through Form 26.9. You should be ready to testify to the dated facts you wrote in the petition.
If the court agrees, it issues an order for treatment, and may use Form 26.13 (Order to Transport) or Form 26.6 (Emergency Order) to get the Respondent to the named facility. The order directs treatment to the specific provider you listed, and your Guarantee of Payment becomes active for the costs. If the court denies the petition, the case ends, though you may refile later if circumstances change and new dangerous events occur.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Filing in the wrong county; this sends your case to a court with no power to hear it and forces a refile.
- Listing the Petitioner’s name in the “In the Interest of” line; this misdirects every notice and order in the case.
- Leaving all three relationship boxes unchecked; the court cannot confirm your standing and rejects the petition.
- Writing vague facts like “drinks too much”; vague statements fail the clear and convincing standard and get cases dismissed.
- Using old events to show danger; the law requires imminent danger, so stale facts cannot support an order.
- Checking the physician box but not attaching Form 26.1; the court will not accept a petition missing the certificate it names.
- Leaving the security deposit line blank; the clerk may refuse the filing until the deposit amount is set and posted.
- Naming a treatment facility without its written statement; Page 2 stays incomplete and the petition can be rejected.
- Signing the form before reaching the notary; a notary cannot notarize a signature they did not witness, so you redo it.
- Skipping the Guarantee of Payment on Page 3; without it the petition lacks the financial assurance the statute requires.
- Using a P.O. Box for the Respondent’s residence; the sheriff cannot serve or transport someone to a P.O. Box.
- Forgetting to keep a time-stamped copy; without proof of filing you cannot show when or whether you filed.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do download the form from the official Supreme Court of Ohio site, because that version carries the correct July 1, 2016 effective date.
- Do write specific, dated facts, because concrete events meet the clear and convincing standard that vague claims fail.
- Do arrange treatment and get the facility’s written statement first, because the court orders treatment to a named provider only.
- Do sign in front of a notary, because an un-witnessed signature cannot be notarized and the petition will bounce.
- Do call your county clerk about fees, because deposits vary by county and the clerk confirms the exact amount.
- Do ask about Form 26.8 if money is tight, because indigency relief can bring appointed counsel and cost help.
Don’ts
- Don’t file as a friend or roommate, because only a spouse, relative, or guardian has standing to petition.
- Don’t leave the danger section general, because the law demands a showing of substantial physical harm or its threat.
- Don’t forget the required attachments, because a missing physician certificate or facility letter stalls the case.
- Don’t sign the Guarantee of Payment without reading it, because it is a binding promise to pay real treatment costs.
- Don’t guess at the county, because filing where the Respondent does not reside can void the case.
- Don’t rely on an outdated form copy, because temporarily amended or old versions can trigger a rejection.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
| Filing Pro Se (On Your Own) | Filing With an Attorney |
|---|---|
| Saves attorney fees, which matters when you already guarantee treatment costs. | Costs more, since you pay legal fees on top of the deposit and treatment. |
| Lets you act fast in a crisis without waiting to retain counsel. | May take longer to start while you find and hire a lawyer. |
| Keeps a private family matter within the family. | Brings in a professional who knows the clear and convincing standard. |
| Gives you full control over the facts you present. | Helps draft danger facts that meet the legal test and survive challenge. |
| Works well when the facts are clear and the Respondent is cooperative. | Valuable when the Respondent contests the petition or has a lawyer. |
| Free guidance is often available from the clerk on form mechanics. | Can manage the companion forms (26.1 through 26.14) and the hearing for you. |
FAQs
Is Ohio Form 26.0 the same as a Fiduciary’s Account?
No. Form 26.0 is the Petition for Involuntary Treatment for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse. The Fiduciary’s Account is the separate Form 13.0 used in estate cases.
Can a friend file Form 26.0?
No. Only a spouse, relative, or guardian of the Respondent may file under R.C. 5119.93. A friend must find a qualifying family member to be the Petitioner.
Do I write my own name in the “In the Interest of” line?
No. That line is only for the Respondent, the person you want the court to help. Your name goes on the Petitioner line below it.
Should I leave the Case No. blank?
Yes. The clerk assigns the case number when you file, so leaving it blank on the form is correct.
Do I check both the physician and refusal boxes?
No. Check exactly one: either a Certificate of Physician (Form 26.1) is attached, or the Respondent refused all requests for examination.
Must I attach a treatment facility’s statement?
Yes. Page 2 of Form 26.0 states a statement from the facility must accompany the petition, naming the provider that agreed to treat the Respondent.
Does the state pay for the involuntary treatment?
No. Under R.C. 5119.93(D)(2), the Petitioner or another authorized person signs a Guarantee of Payment promising to cover examination, hearing, and treatment costs.
Can I file if I cannot afford the deposit?
Yes. Ask the clerk about Form 26.8 (Affidavit of Indigency), which can lead to appointed counsel and possible relief from some costs.
Do I write “unknown” if I lack a relative’s address?
Yes. The form asks for related persons if known, so writing “unknown” shows you answered honestly rather than skipped the line.
Can I sign the petition at home before going to court?
No. You must sign in front of a notary, because a notary cannot notarize a signature they did not personally witness.
Is emotional harm enough to show danger?
No. The statute requires substantial physical harm or the threat of it to self, family, or others, so focus your facts on physical risk.
Must I file in the county where I live?
No. You file in the probate court of the county where the Respondent legally resides, not where you live.
Can the Respondent get a lawyer?
Yes. The Respondent has rights under Form 26.7, including the right to counsel, and the court can appoint a lawyer using Form 26.9.
Is Form 26.0 a one-page document?
No. It runs three pages: the Petition (Page 1), Verification of Treatment (Page 2), and Guarantee of Payment (Page 3), all bearing the July 1, 2016 effective date.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Ohio Probate Form 14.1 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Ohio Probate Form 2.0 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Ohio Probate Form 4.0 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Ohio Probate Form 7.0 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Ohio Probate Form 8.0 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Ohio Probate Form 23.0 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Arkansas Petition for Probate of Will (w/Examples) + FAQs