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How to File for Divorce in Ohio

Updated: May 15, 2024
Lauren Davenport
By Lauren Davenport

After graduating from the University of Dayton School of Law, Lauren spent eight years practicing law at a general practice firm in Dayton. Lauren is also a Member of the School Board for Summit Academy Community School and Summit Academy Transition High School in Dayton. Lauren leads the family law practice at Gounaris Abboud, LPA.

Ending a marriage is never an easy thing
to do, but divorce is the right choice for some couples.

If you are getting divorced, you are not
alone.

Filing for divorce is complicated. Beyond
the heavy, intense emotional issues, many legal and logistical matters must be
resolved.

Here, our Dayton divorce attorneys explain how to file for divorce in Ohio.

Four Steps for Filing for Divorce in Ohio

1.) You Must Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Under Ohio law (3105.01), you must meet the state’s residency requirements to file for divorce. Either you or your spouse must have lived in the state of Ohio for at least six months before you filed for divorce. Couples seeking a divorce in Ohio must file in the county where they have resided for the last 90 days. If you do not yet meet Ohio residency requirements, you must wait to do so.

2.) Select Your Grounds for Divorce

To file for divorce in Ohio, you must select and prove grounds for the
separation. Most couples choose to seek a no-fault divorce in Ohio. Married
couples can get a divorce on the grounds of “incompatibility” in
Ohio.

3.) Prepare and File Divorce Forms

When you file for divorce in Ohio, ensure that all forms are correctly prepared and submitted.

The specific requirements for divorce forms sometimes vary from county to county.

In any Ohio divorce, you must:

  • File a case
    designation sheet;
  • File a divorce
    complaint; and
  • Include
    instructions for serving divorce papers on your spouse.

If you are a parent of a minor, you must complete and submit a Parenting Proceeding Affidavit.

Eventually, divorcing parents must create a shared parenting plan with documents for child support calculations.

4.) Resolve the Key Issues

Before you can finalize your divorce, all
relevant issues must be resolved. Critical issues in an Ohio divorce case can
include:

In some divorce cases, litigation may be necessary to reach a resolution.

However, that is usually not the case.

Most divorces are settled outside of the courtroom — either through collaborative divorce, divorce mediation, or through another type of negotiation.

Get Help From Our Dayton, OH Divorce Lawyers Today

At Gounaris Abboud, LPA, our Ohio family
law attorneys are compassionate advocates for clients. If you are filing for
divorce, we are here to help.

For a free confidential divorce
consultation, please contact
our legal team
right away.

From our law office in Dayton, we serve communities throughout the region, including in Montgomery County, Miami County, and Greene County.

Available 24/7 & Obligation-Free