| Step | Forms Needed | Law References |
|---|---|---|
|
To establish jurisdiction, one of the spouses must have lived in Ohio for at least six months before filing. In addition, one of the spouses must have lived in Franklin County for 90 days prior to filing.
|
Ohio Driver’s License or ID for Ohio residency. |
Oh. Civ. Rule 3(B)(9) |
|
Filing: A couple wanting to end their marriage, and agreeing on all issues, may jointly file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. If an attorney represents the party, the attorney is required to e-file the documents. However, if the parties choose to file independent of an attorney, they may file their documents in paper format, with the Petition for Dissolution on top of each set of copies. The documents required are listed in the next column. |
Required Notice of Previously Filed Case/ Certificate of Assignment Affidavit of Income (one per party) Affidavit of Property (one per party) – must match Separation Agreement Waiver of Legal Representation (if filing without an attorney) If there are minor children, also file: Parenting Proceeding Affidavit Child Support Guidelines (both parties must sign worksheet) (Use Ohio Child Support Calculator to complete worksheet) Shared Parenting Plan (if applicable) |
All petitions for dissolution shall be filed in triplicate if there are minor children born during the marriage or if the petition requests establishment of the father and child relationship; and in duplicate if there are no minor children born during the marriage and the petition does not request establishment of the father and child relationship.
|
| Attend Parenting Seminar before Final Hearing | Parenting Seminar Registration Page | Local Rule 26 |
|
Final Hearing: Must occur between 30 and 90 days from the filing of the Petition. The Dissolution is normally finalized the day of the hearing. Both parties must attend the hearing. |
Decree of Dissolution (E-file as “Filing Submitted to Judge” in Word format. If there are minor children, also file: Decree of Shared Parenting in Word format (if Plan was filed with Petition) Withholding Forms (if child support ordered) Deviation Findings (Search for "deviation from child support guidelines" at the Franklin County Law Library Legal Forms Page (if child support deviated) |