Columbus, OH Dissolution Lawyers
Ending a marriage doesn’t have to be a stress-filled journey. If you and your spouse agree on all terms, dissolution offers a faster, more affordable alternative to divorce in Ohio.
Marriage dissolution in Ohio is a no-fault proceeding where both husband and wife mutually agree to end their marriage legally. Both parties file a joint petition to terminate the marriage after signing a separation agreement, as required under Ohio Revised Code Section 3105.63.
Unlike divorce, dissolution allows you to skip many costly steps. But you and your spouse must satisfy certain requirements, and you need to file all the required documents properly to avoid issues down the road.
When both spouses are on the same page, dissolution provides a streamlined legal process. Borshchak Law Group helps you navigate the paperwork, negotiate terms, and present your case to the court with confidence.
The first step is to obtain the standardized forms from the Ohio Judicial System. The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Waiver of Summons are the key documents. Confirm with the court clerk that you have all required forms.
Both spouses are considered “plaintiffs” in Ohio dissolution law. You can file with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you or your spouse have been living for the past 90 days. Filing fees range from $150 to $400 depending on the county, and you and your spouse can split the charges.
The following county courts provide standardized dissolution forms online. Your attorney can help you identify which forms apply to your case and ensure they are completed correctly.
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations and Juvenile Division
Delaware County Domestic Relations Court
117 N. Union St., 400 Level, Delaware, Ohio 43015
The timeline depends on how quickly you and your spouse reach a separation agreement. Once you’ve agreed and filed the petition, at least 30 days must pass before the court hearing commences. The judge must hear your case within 90 days of filing.
At the hearing, the judge reviews the agreement and inquires about parenting, liabilities, and assets. If both parties are satisfied and in agreement, the judge grants the decision, and the separation agreement becomes a court order per Ohio Rev. Code §§ 3105.64, 3105.65.
Minimum wait after filing
Maximum time to hearing
Filing fee (split between spouses)
For dissolution to proceed, both parties must meet all of the following requirements. Tap each to learn more about what’s involved.
The husband or wife must have been residing in Ohio for six or more months before filing. This is required under Ohio Rev. Code § 3105.62.
Both parties must agree on all legal issues. Several states call this an 'uncontested divorce.'
Involves prolonged proceedings and a trial before a final hearing. Often referred to as a 'contested divorce.'
Does not force you into the many steps that come with divorce. Hearing must occur within 30 to 90 days of filing.
You must go through all the legal steps. Finalizing the procedure takes significantly more time.
Does not require separate filings. The filing fee ($150 to $400 depending on county) may be split between both parties if they agree to do so - but this is not required.
You bear the filing cost alone. The process is more complex, so you often require a lawyer.
You can file for dissolution in Ohio without an attorney’s help. But going the DIY path can put you at a disadvantage, even if you’ve agreed with your spouse.
An experienced lawyer ensures you have satisfied all the requirements and can pinpoint mistakes you might overlook during the filing process. They’ll help you gather and complete all the required forms in one sitting, saving you the back-and-forth that courts demand.
With our family law attorneys in Columbus, we walk with you from working out a separation agreement to ensuring you’ve met all the requirements and filed the petition. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation.
Answers to the questions we hear most often.
If you and your spouse agree it’s time, dissolution can give you both a fresh start. Call us for a free consultation to see if dissolution is right for you.