Filing for dissolution or divorce in Ohio: step by step

One spouse must have lived in Ohio for at least six months before filing. You'll also file in a county where one of you has lived for a set period, usually 90 days. If you're unsure, our free eligibility review asks about this.

If you both agree on everything, a dissolution is usually simplest: you file together, with no blame and no service. If one spouse needs to start the case, or not everything is settled yet, an uncontested divorce is the better fit.

Collect income, bank and retirement statements, debts, vehicles, and real estate details. Ohio courts require sworn financial affidavits, so accuracy matters.

This is the heart of the case: who keeps what, who pays which debts, and whether anyone pays spousal support. Clear wording now prevents problems later, especially for retirement accounts and the family home.

The petition (or complaint), agreement, affidavits and the county's local forms are filed with the clerk of the domestic relations court, along with the filing fee. Fees differ by county, so we confirm the current amount for yours before you file.

For a dissolution, the hearing is 30 to 90 days after filing and both spouses attend. For an uncontested divorce, it's at least six weeks after service. Either way, the hearing is usually short, and the court signs the decree that ends the marriage.

From our Dublin office (7652 Sawmill Rd., Ste. 263, Dublin, OH 43016) we help clients in Franklin, Delaware, Union, Madison, Pickaway, Fairfield, Licking counties.

From our Shelby office (34 E. Main St., Shelby, OH 44875) we help clients in Richland, Crawford, Huron, Ashland, Morrow counties.

Many steps happen online through your client portal, so you don't need to live near either office.