Ohio Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/ohio/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
30-90 days for dissolution (uncontested, both parties agree), 4-6 months for uncontested divorce, 12-18 months for contested divorce in Ohio. Ohio Supreme Court guidelines require finalization within 12 months without children and 18 months with children.
Documents to Gather
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Valid Ohio Driver's License or State ID
- Social Security Cards for Both Spouses
- Children's Birth Certificates(if applicable)
- Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
- Real Estate Deeds and Mortgage Documents
- Vehicle Titles and Registration
- Health Insurance Policy Information
- Court Protection Orders (if any)(if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Last 3 years of federal and state tax returns (all schedules)
- Current pay stubs (last 3 months minimum)
- Bank statements for all accounts (last 12 months)
- Retirement and pension account statements
- Investment and brokerage account statements
- Credit card statements (last 12 months)
- Mortgage statements and home equity loan documents
- Life insurance policies with cash value statements
- Business financial records (if applicable)(if applicable)
- Student loan and other debt documentation
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Ohio Residency Requirements
- Determine Whether to File for Divorce or Dissolution
- Gather Essential Personal and Financial Documents
- Complete Mandatory Parenting Education Course (If Minor Children)
- Assess Domestic Violence Safety Concerns
2. Filing Process
- Complete the Required Filing Forms
- File the Complaint or Petition with the Court of Common Pleas
- Serve Your Spouse with the Divorce Complaint
3. After Filing
- Wait for Your Spouse's Response
- Request Temporary Orders If Needed
- Complete Financial Discovery and Disclosure
- Participate in Mediation or Settlement Negotiations
- Attend the Final Hearing and Obtain the Decree
- Complete Post-Decree Actions
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Ohio, you must first meet the residency requirement of six months in Ohio and 90 days in the filing county under ORC Section 3105.03. Ohio offers two paths: dissolution (both spouses agree on all terms, hearing within 30-90 days) or divorce (contested or uncontested, filed when agreement is not possible). For divorce, file Uniform Domestic Relations Form 6 or 7 (Complaint) with the Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, along with Affidavit 1 (Income and Expenses), Affidavit 2 (Property and Debt), and Form 31 (Request for Service). Filing fees range from $200 to $400 depending on county, plus a mandatory $32 domestic violence shelter surcharge. After filing, serve your spouse — they have 28 days to file an Answer per Civil Rule 12(A)(1). Cases with minor children require a parenting education course under ORC 3109.053 and either a Shared Parenting Plan (Form 20) or Parenting Plan (Form 21). Ohio Supreme Court guidelines require finalization within 12 months without children or 18 months with children. Fee waivers are available for households at or below 187.5% of the federal poverty level.