How to get a dissolution in Ohio

A dissolution is a faster way to end a marriage than filing for a divorce. The whole process can be completed in about 30 to 90 days, but you must:

• Agree on everything. You and your spouse will need to agree on all parts of what will happen after your marriage ends if you want a dissolution of marriage.
• Complete the forms. You will need to put all of your agreements in writing and file a detailed set of paperwork.
• Get the court’s approval. You must file your forms in court. A judge will review your paperwork to make sure it follows Ohio law.

If you find that you and your spouse can't agree on everything you need to include in the paperwork, you won't be able to get a dissolution. You may want to consider getting a divorce instead. Learn the difference between divorce and dissolution.

If you’re in an abusive relationship, dissolution is not a good option. Find a lawyer to help keep yourself safe while filing for divorce. Find nonprofits that offer free legal help in your area on this page under "Legal Help and Lawyers." Learn more about divorce and domestic violence.

Who can get a dissolution

Not everyone can get a dissolution in Ohio. To file:

• You or your spouse must have lived in Ohio for at least 6 months. 
• You or your spouse must have lived in the county where you’re filing for at least 90 days. Learn more about deciding what county to file in. This can be important when you have children.
• If you or your spouse are pregnant, you usually can't get a dissolution. You will need to wait until the baby is born.

What to do before you file

Before you file, you need to gather information and make some decisions.

• Understand your financials. You will need details on your incomes, debts and assets. Learn how to get organized for your divorce or dissolution and find an overview of the information you will need.
• Define your parenting plan. If you have children, you will need to agree on exactly how you will raise them and if one of the parents will provide child support to the other. Learn more about custody and visitation and child support.
• Define how money, property and bills should be divided. The court will expect you to fairly divide everything you bought and all the debts you took on in the marriage. Learn more about dividing up your property and debts. If one spouse earns much more than the other, you should also think through spousal support.

How to complete your paperwork

You will need to fill out detailed paperwork to get a dissolution of marriage:

• Get the forms. On this site, you will find a Dissolution Form Assistant that will create a packet of the blank forms you need. It will ask you some questions, which you can answer on any phone or computer.
• Email or download the forms. You will need to be able to email the blank forms to yourself, or save them to a computer. The blank forms should be filled out on a computer, if possible.
• Fill out the forms. Both you and your spouse will need to agree to all of the information in all of the forms. The forms can take several hours to complete.
• Go to a notary to sign the forms. Once your forms are filled out, do not sign them yet. Take them to a notary. Both you and your spouse will need to go to the notary and sign the forms in front of them.
• Make copies of your forms. Usually it's a good idea to make at least 3 copies of your notarized forms.

There will be a fee to file your paperwork with the court. If you have a low income and can’t afford the filing fee, you can add a Poverty Affidavit to your packet of documents. This form asks that you be allowed to file without paying a fee up front. You may still be responsible for the fee at the end of the case.

How to file your forms with the court

Once your forms are complete and you're ready to file your dissolution paperwork:

• Bring your forms to the clerk of courts. Find the clerk of courts for the domestic relations court in the county where you are filing for dissolution.
• Pay the filing fee. The fee to file for dissolution of marriage varies by county. Typical fees range from $200 to $400. The fee may be higher if you are filing for a dissolution with children.
• Follow the court's instructions. Pay attention to any information you get from the court. Look for important dates and deadlines in your case.

You usually must complete a final set of forms before your dissolution can be finalized. The forms are called your proposed "judgment entry" or "final decree." They say what you want the judge to include in your final dissolution order.

What happens after you file

The court will schedule a hearing 30 to 90 days from the date you filed for dissolution.

• You and your spouse must attend the hearing. Review your hearing notice to find out what you need to bring with you to the hearing. Arrive early to the court.
• Answer questions. A judge or magistrate will ask you and your spouse questions about your agreements to make sure neither of you have changed your mind about anything.
• Get your final order. Your dissolution is not finalized until the judge has signed a final order and it is filed with the court. You can usually get a certified copy of your final dissolution order for a small fee from the clerk of courts.