Family Law Resources

Filing for Divorce in Ohio

Residency Requirements

At least one spouse must have been a resident of Ohio for 6 months and a resident of the county for 90 days before filing.

Divorce vs. Dissolution

• Dissolution: Both spouses agree on all terms. Simpler and faster process.


• Divorce: One spouse files a complaint. Used when parties don't agree.

Step-by-Step Process (Divorce)

1. File Complaint for Divorce with Court of Common Pleas


2. Pay filing fee: Approximately $200-$350


3. Serve your spouse: Personal service or certified mail


4. Spouse files Answer: Within 28 days


5. Discovery and negotiation


6. Attend hearings


7. Final Decree of Divorce

Grounds for Divorce

• No-fault: Incompatibility, living separate for 1 year


• Fault: Adultery, extreme cruelty, fraud, neglect, imprisonment, habitual drunkenness

Ohio Family Courts

Family law cases are handled by the Domestic Relations Division of the Court of Common Pleas in each county.

Major Court Locations

• Cuyahoga County (Cleveland): Justice Center, 1200 Ontario St


• Franklin County (Columbus): 373 S High St


• Hamilton County (Cincinnati): 800 Broadway


• Summit County (Akron): 205 S High St


• Montgomery County (Dayton): 41 N Perry St

Family Court Services

Many Ohio courts offer:

• Mediation services


• Self-help centers


• Parenting coordination


• Magistrate hearings

Ohio Courts Self-Help

Visit OhioLegalHelp.org for free legal information and resources.

Filing Fees in Ohio

Court of Common Pleas Fees (2025)

• Complaint for Divorce: $200-$350 (varies by county)


• Petition for Dissolution: $150-$250


• Motion to Modify: $100-$150


• Custody/Visitation Motion: $100-$150

Poverty Affidavit

If you cannot afford fees, file a Poverty Affidavit to request a fee waiver. You may qualify if:

• You receive public assistance


• Your income is below 125% of poverty level


• You cannot pay for basic necessities if you pay the fee

Other Costs

• Service of process: $30-$75


• Certified copies: $3-$5 per page


• Guardian ad Litem: $1,500-$5,000


• Custody evaluation: $2,000-$6,000

Free Legal Resources in Ohio

Legal Aid Organizations

• Legal Aid Society of Cleveland: (888) 817-3777


• Legal Aid Society of Columbus: (614) 241-2001


• Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati: (513) 241-9400


• Community Legal Aid (Akron): (800) 998-9454


• Ohio State Legal Services: (866) 529-6446

Ohio Legal Help

Visit OhioLegalHelp.org for free legal information, forms, and referrals.

Ohio State Bar Lawyer Referral

Call (800) 282-6556 for referral to a local attorney.

Pro Bono Programs

Many county bar associations offer pro bono family law clinics and reduced-fee programs.

Critical Deadlines in Ohio

Answer to Complaint

If served with a divorce complaint, you have 28 days to file an Answer.

42-Day Waiting Period

For dissolution (agreed divorce), there is a 30-42 day waiting period from filing to the final hearing.

Service Deadline

The plaintiff must serve the defendant within 6 months of filing or the case may be dismissed.

Parenting Classes

Many Ohio counties require divorcing parents to complete a parenting education class within 90 days.

Appeals

You have 30 days from the entry of judgment to file a Notice of Appeal.

Support Modifications

Child support can generally be modified if there is a change of circumstances resulting in a 10% or greater change in the calculated amount.

Ohio's Unique Family Law Features

Divorce vs. Dissolution

Ohio offers two paths: Divorce (contested, one party files) and Dissolution (uncontested, joint petition). Dissolution is simpler when both parties agree.

Shared Parenting Plans

Ohio's shared parenting concept requires a detailed written plan that both parents agree to. Courts approve the plan if it's in the child's best interest.

Magistrate Decisions

Many family law matters in Ohio are decided by magistrates rather than judges. Parties can object to a magistrate's decision within 14 days.

10% Rule for Support

Ohio has a strict 10% deviation rule - courts must explain any deviation from the guideline child support amount.

County CSEA

Each county has a Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) that can establish and modify support orders administratively.

Ohio's Spousal Support Factors

Ohio has 14 statutory factors for spousal support but no formula. Duration and amount are at the court's discretion.