A Practice Note explaining the process for commencing a civil action in Ohio state court, particularly the court of common pleas, general division, and serving process on the defendant. Specifically, this Note covers how to properly file, electronically or in paper format, the complaint, and civil cover sheet or case designation form (when necessary). It further addresses how to request service of the complaint and summons on the defendant, or how to prepare and send the documents to request the defendant to waive service of summons, as well as how to file the proof of service and calendar the defendant's response.