Marriage & Divorce Laws in Ohio

Ohio Finances, Property and Support

Other Important Topics about Divorce in Ohio 

Important Information About Divorce in Ohio

What is the waiting period in Ohio? For divorce, there is no waiting period. For dissolution (uncontested), there is a 30-day waiting period.

Do you need to be separated before filing for divorce in Ohio? If so, how long? No.

What is the property division method (e.g., separate property/equitable property) in Ohio? Equitable property.

What is the filing fee in Ohio? Varies by county. Can be over $300 in some counties.

Is a joint petition possible in Ohio? Yes. If filing for dissolution (uncontested), a co-signed petition is required. You cannot jointly petition for divorce.

How do you waive the filing fee in Ohio? Use the Poverty Affidavit Form Assistant to create a waiver form. Link to online form.

What are the annulment rules in Ohio?

• Underage

• Bigamy

• Incompetence

• Fraud

• Force

• No consummation More information.

Is there a faster way to divorce (e.g., summary dissolution in CA) in Ohio? Uncontested (dissolution) is the fastest.

What are the parties divorcing called in Ohio? Plaintiff and Defendant.

What methods are available for serving the petition, and can the respondent waive service in Ohio? The court handles service based on your selected method: certified mail (return receipt), sheriff service (at petitioner's expense), or public posting if the spouse’s whereabouts are unknown. You must follow up to ensure service success. More details.

What are the residency requirements for divorce in Ohio? One spouse must live in Ohio for 6 months and in the filing county for 90 days.

Does it matter who files first in Ohio? No. Filing for dissolution is a joint process.

What is the deadline to respond to a divorce filing in Ohio? 28 days generally, or 14 days to dispute temporary orders. More details.

Are parties required to go to court in Ohio? Describe. Yes. There is typically a pre-trial hearing and possibly a temporary orders hearing. After approval, the judge signs a Judgment Entry for Divorce.

Are there requirements before filing or finalizing a divorce (like classes) in Ohio? Yes, parenting classes are required for divorces involving minor children. More details and Ohio Supreme Court.

Is separation required before finalizing a divorce in Ohio? No.

Is Ohio a no-fault state? Both. Dissolution is no-fault, divorce can be fault-based.

What are the fault grounds for divorce in Ohio? Adultery, cruelty, absence, substance abuse. No-fault grounds: living separately for one year or incompatibility (uncontested). More details.

Is permanent alimony/spousal support available in Ohio? Yes, if deemed necessary by the court.

What are the rules for alimony/spousal support in Ohio? Factors include income, earning ability, marriage length, standard of living, and more. Modifiable decisions apply to both dissolution and divorce. More details.

What are the child support rules in Ohio? Ohio's child support guidelines and additional factors are considered. More details.

What are the military divorce rules in Ohio? Active duty members can't be penalized for missing hearings. Residency can be established by being stationed in Ohio.

Is there an official spousal support calculator in Ohio? No.

Is there an official child support calculator in Ohio? Yes.

When can you file taxes as a single person in Ohio? If legally separated or divorced by the last day of the tax year.

Can parties legally separate in Ohio? If so, how? Yes. Legal separation procedures are similar to divorce. More details.

Where do you file for divorce in Ohio? In the county where either spouse resides. Consider differences in fees and custody evaluations between counties. More details.

What are the primary divorce documents called in Ohio? Decree of Divorce (with or without children), Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.

Can you change your name during the divorce process in Ohio? Yes.

Can you finalize your divorce while pregnant in Ohio? No.

If you can't divorce while pregnant, what happens after pregnancy in Ohio? You finalize child-related matters after the child is born.

Can you end domestic partnerships in Ohio? Only in counties that recognize them. Example form.

Are financial disclosures required in Ohio? Yes. You must detail income, expenses, assets, and debts. More details.

Is there free legal help for divorce in Ohio? Yes. Start at Ohio Legal Help.

Is common law marriage recognized in Ohio? Not after October 10, 1991. More details.

Is e-filing available in Ohio? Yes, in some counties, but not required.

Are you required to appear in court at any point during divorce in Ohio? Yes, typically within 30-90 days after filing a dissolution agreement.