Getting a divorce without children

To get a divorce in Ohio, you will need to file a set of forms and then go through the divorce hearing process. This can take 4 to 12 months, or more. This page will help you file the forms you need to get the process started. Learn more about the whole process for a divorce in Ohio.  

However, divorce isn’t the only way to end your marriage. If you feel that you and your spouse are able to agree on everything, including how to divide money and debt, you can consider filing for dissolution instead.

If you’re in an abusive relationship, you should think through the best way to keep yourself safe while filing. Find a lawyer to help you. Learn more about divorce and domestic violence.

Who can file for divorce?

Not everyone can get a divorce 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 are filing for at least 90 days. Learn more about deciding what county to file in.
• If you or your spouse are pregnant, you can't finalize the divorce until the baby is born. As you will likely have a child by the time the divorce is finalized, see filing for divorce with children. 

You do not have to be legally separated before getting divorced.

Think through what you need

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

• Decide if you need a lawyer. A lawyer can help make decisions, file the paperwork and speak for you in court. There are situations when it might be particularly important to get a lawyer, like if you have experienced domestic violence, or if the divorce could impact your immigration status. 
• Gather and understand your financial information. You will need details on your incomes, debts and assets. Getting organized for your divorce or dissolution provides an overview of the kind of information you will need. Since you will swear that all your responses are true, you want to make sure they are both complete and correct.
• Consider your short-term needs. A divorce can take several months to over a year. To make sure you have what you need in the meantime, you can request “temporary orders.” These can include spousal support (sometimes called “alimony”). They could also include requests to split property or for your spouse to pay certain bills.  
• Decide on the “grounds” (or reason) for divorce. Most people use “incompatibility,” but there may be reasons to use others. 

Filling out and filing the paperwork

Use our Divorce without Children Form Assistant to fill out the forms you will need to file. It will ask you some questions, which you can answer on any phone or computer. It can take a few hours to complete all the necessary information. You will be able to save your progress and return to complete your forms if you need to. 

Once your forms are complete, do not sign them yet. Take them to a notary and sign the forms in front of them. Make copies of the notarized forms, and take them to the clerk of court's office at your local domestic relations court. Ask the clerk to file the forms. The clerk may be able to help you make sure your paperwork is complete. They will not be able to help you with the information in the forms. 

If you have a low income and can’t afford the filing fee, you can use the Poverty Affidavit Form Assistant to create an additional form to file with your packet of documents. This form asks that you be allowed to file without paying a fee upfront. You may still be responsible for paying the fee at the end of the case.