File dissolution marriage ohio

Go to filing for a dissolution to get the forms that you will need to fill out and details about how to file them. Fill out the forms together with your spouse.

You will need to figure out details, like specific amounts of money or schedules for custody. You will have more forms to fill out if you have children together.

File the forms by bringing them to your local Domestic Relations Court and giving them to the Clerk of Court's office.

Clerk staff will schedule your hearing for 30 to 90 days after you file. There will be a fee when you file. 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. You and your spouse must both go to the hearing.

The judge will ask you and your spouse questions about the agreements you filed to make sure neither of you have changed your mind about anything. If you or your spouse disagree at the hearing, the judge may ask you to start the process over with a new dissolution or divorce, or change your current case into a divorce.

A divorce is the Ohio legal process for spouses who disagree about one or more issues. Dissolution in Ohio is simpler, faster and cheaper than a divorce.

Make sure you satisfy the Ohio residence requirement for filing a dissolution. At least one of you needs to have lived in Ohio for six months and in the current county of residence for at least 90 days. Make sure that you and your spouse agree on everything. During this process, both of you must make full financial disclosure to each other. If you are having trouble with any point, you can try working with a mediator or counselor who can help you work through any disagreements.

This is a written agreement that covers all the points in your dissolution. Since this is a complicated document, you may want to consult an attorney to help you draft it. Many states use the terms "divorce" and "dissolution" interchangeably, to mean the same thing. Not so in Ohio. In this state, dissolution of marriage does have the same legal and practical effect as divorce: it ends the marriage.

But when it comes to the requirements, procedures, and benefits, there are significant differences between dissolution and divorce in Ohio, including:. There are two basic requirements to file for a dissolution in Ohio: the state's residency requirement and the agreement. Either you or your spouse must have been a resident of Ohio for at least six months just before you file the initial paperwork for a dissolution.

Ohio Rev. In order to qualify for an Ohio dissolution, you and your spouse must have a written marital settlement agreement known as a "separation agreement" in Ohio that includes provisions on all of the following:. In your agreement, you may also authorize a judge to modify the property and spousal support provisions in the future.

If you're having trouble agreeing about all of these issues but still want to file for a dissolution, you can turn to a mediator for help.

Learn more about how divorce mediation works in Ohio. You can download the standardized court forms for a dissolution of marriage from the Ohio Judicial System's website. You and your spouse will fill out and sign the petition. You must attach your signed settlement agreement, along with the other accompanying forms. It's a good idea to check with the court clerk's office where you will be filing to see if the county has additional forms or requirements.

You also have the option of using an online divorce service, which will provide you with the completed forms. Because Ohio considers both spouses to be "defendants" in a dissolution proceeding, you may file the petition and other paperwork with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where either of you live.

Normally, you and your spouse will split the cost. But if you can't afford to pay, you may file a request to have the fee waived.