Grounds for Divorce in Ohio

Ohio recognizes no-fault and fault grounds. Many couples use no-fault to lower conflict and cost.

No-Fault Grounds

Incompatibility (unless denied by the other spouse) or living separate and apart for one year allow divorce without proving misconduct.

Fault Grounds

Fault grounds can include adultery, extreme cruelty, gross neglect of duty, habitual drunkenness, fraudulent contract, imprisonment, bigamy, and willful absence for a year. These require proof and can add time and expense.

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FAQs

Do I need to prove fault to get divorced in Ohio?
No. Many cases proceed on incompatibility or one year of separation.

Can fault change the outcome?
Sometimes in limited contexts, but results usually turn on financial facts and children’s best interests.

What’s the difference between dissolution and divorce?
Dissolution is a joint process with a full agreement; divorce starts with a complaint when you still have unresolved issues.