Motion to Seal Affidavit – Cuyahoga County, Ohio

This form, titled “Motion to Seal Affidavit,” is a legal document used in the State of Ohio, specifically within Cuyahoga County. It is intended for tenants or defendants who wish to request the court to seal their eviction records. The Motion to Seal Affidavit form concludes with spaces for the defendant’s signature and the notary public’s certification.

Filling out this form correctly is crucial to ensure your request is considered by the court. Follow these steps to complete the form:

Case Number: Write your case number in the designated space at the top of the form.

Personal Information

• State that you are over eighteen years old.
• Confirm that you were the tenant/defendant in the case.

Reason for Sealing the Eviction Record

• Check the appropriate box (A, B, C, D, or E) that applies to your situation:

A: The court dismissed the claim or entered judgment in your favor.

B: The landlord dismissed the claim before it was adjudicated.

C: The landlord agreed in writing to seal the record, and no other eviction records have been sealed for this reason in the last five years.

D: The landlord won the claim, but extenuating circumstances led to the eviction, and at least five years have passed since judgment, with no adverse judgments granting eviction in any jurisdiction within those five years.

E: Other reasons (specify in the provided space).

Complete Addresses (If Applicable)

1. • If you are requesting the record, be sealed under Item 4.D, list all the addresses where you have lived in the past five years in the provided space.

Additional Relevant Information

1. • Provide any additional information that might support your request in the space provided.

Signature and Notarization

1. • Sign the form as the defendant.
   • Have the form notarized. This means it must be signed in front of a notary public, who will also sign and stamp the form, confirming your identity and the authenticity of your signature.

Submission

1. • After completing and notarizing the form, submit it to the court handling your eviction case.

By carefully following these steps, you can ensure that your “Motion to Seal Affidavit” form is filled out accurately and thoroughly, increasing the likelihood of your request being considered favorably by the court.