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Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Ohio

December 23, 2025

Uncontested / Simple Divorce in Ohio: A Plain-English Guide

Thinking about ending your marriage in Ohio but hoping to avoid a long, expensive court fight? Many couples qualify for a faster, agreement first path called a Dissolution of Marriage (often what people mean when they say “uncontested divorce in Ohio”). In the right situation, dissolution is usually quicker, simpler, and less stressful than a contested divorce.

This guide walks you through how an Ohio dissolution (and an uncontested divorce) typically works: who qualifies, the basic steps, timelines, common costs, and where a do it yourself approach can fit in.

Important disclaimer: PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm. This article is general legal information, not legal advice. Court rules, forms, and fees can change, and local counties may require additional paperwork. Always confirm current requirements with your local Court of Common Pleas (Domestic Relations Division) or a licensed Ohio lawyer.

If you’re already sure an uncontested or simple case is right for you, an organized self help kit can make the paperwork much easier.

Table of Contents

uncontested divorce in Ohio

1. What Is an Uncontested or Simple Divorce in Ohio?

In Ohio, there are two main legal paths to end a marriage:

  • Dissolution of Marriage – a joint filing where both spouses agree on everything up front and ask the court to approve the paperwork.
  • Divorce – a court case (a lawsuit). It can still become “uncontested” if the spouses reach agreement, but it starts with one spouse filing against the other.

When people search for a simple divorce in Ohio, they often mean a dissolution because it is the Ohio specific “agreement first” route. In a dissolution, you typically file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Waiver of Service of Summons (Uniform Domestic Relations Form 17) along with your signed Separation Agreement (Uniform Domestic Relations Form 19).

Even though dissolution is simpler, it is not casual. The Separation Agreement becomes a court order, and it can affect parenting, support, and long term finances. If you have questions about what is fair or what you are giving up, that’s a good time to talk to a lawyer before you sign.

2. Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in Ohio?

Residency requirements

To file for dissolution (or divorce) in Ohio, you generally need to meet the state residency rule:

  • State residency: At least one spouse has lived in Ohio for the last six months before filing.
  • County filing location (venue): The case is filed in the appropriate county Court of Common Pleas (Domestic Relations Division). Local rules can affect where you file and what extra forms you must include.

If you recently moved (or you’re close to the residency timeline), confirm requirements with the local clerk or court website before you prepare a full packet.

Agreement requirements (the real gatekeeper)

A dissolution only works when you and your spouse can fully agree in writing on the key issues, typically including:

  • Division of property and debts
  • Spousal support (if any)
  • If you have children: parenting arrangements and child support terms
  • Required affidavit forms used by your county (see the “Affidavit Series” below)

Mandatory final hearing appearance (Ohio specific)

One Ohio “gotcha” that surprises people: for a dissolution, both spouses must appear at a short Final Hearing so the court can confirm (under oath) that you both still want the marriage dissolved and you both signed voluntarily.

When uncontested may not be a good fit

A DIY dissolution or uncontested divorce may not be appropriate if there is domestic violence, coercion, hidden assets, complex business or retirement issues, or serious disputes about children or support. In those situations, it’s safer to get legal advice before signing anything final.

3. Step by Step Overview of the Uncontested Divorce Process in Ohio

The exact details can vary by county, but most Ohio “simple” cases follow this general structure.

Step 1 – Decide: Dissolution vs. Divorce

If you already agree on everything, dissolution is often the cleanest route. If you’re not fully aligned yet (or cooperation is uncertain), an uncontested divorce may be more flexible because it starts as a divorce filing and can later settle by agreement.

Step 2 – Create a complete Separation Agreement (Form 19)

In an Ohio dissolution, the Separation Agreement is not optional. It is the core contract the court will adopt. Many people use the statewide standardized Separation Agreement (Uniform Domestic Relations Form 19) as the base document, then add any county required attachments (especially for children).

Step 3 – Prepare your key court forms (the “Affidavit Series” hard stop)

Ohio DIY filers often get stuck here because Ohio does not use one generic “financial disclosure.” Instead, many counties expect a specific set of standardized affidavits. If your county requires them and one is missing, your packet can be rejected or delayed.

Common statewide affidavit forms you will see referenced by number include:

  • Affidavit 1: Affidavit of Income and Expenses
  • Affidavit 2: Affidavit of Property and Debt
  • Affidavit 3: Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (commonly required when you have children)
  • Affidavit 4: Health Insurance Affidavit (commonly required in cases involving children, and sometimes required even without)

Also note: Form 17 is built as the Petition and a Waiver of Service of Summons. Dissolution is a joint filing, so you usually are not paying to serve the other spouse like you would in a divorce case. Still, counties can have local requirements, so always check your county’s dissolution checklist.

Checklist: Common Ohio Dissolution Forms People See by Number

  • Form 17 – Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Waiver of Service of Summons
  • Form 19 – Separation Agreement
  • Affidavit 1 – Affidavit of Income and Expenses
  • Affidavit 2 – Affidavit of Property and Debt
  • Affidavit 3 – Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (if you have children)
  • Affidavit 4 – Health Insurance Affidavit (commonly required in cases with children)

Note: Your county may require additional forms (local cover sheets, child support worksheets, parenting plans, and more). Always follow your county court’s current checklist.

Step 4 – File with the Clerk of Courts

  • File in the correct county Court of Common Pleas (Domestic Relations Division).
  • Pay the filing fee (or ask about a fee waiver if eligible).
  • Ask the clerk what happens next in your county (hearing scheduling, required classes, extra local forms).

Step 5 – Final Hearing (mandatory for dissolution, with a strict 30 to 90 day window)

Ohio dissolution has a timing rule that is easy to miss: the court must hold the dissolution hearing not less than 30 days and not more than 90 days after you file the petition.

Ohio Dissolution Timeline Window (What Confuses People)

Filing date → Wait at least 30 days → Final hearing must happen by Day 90 → Decree signed

Tip: If your hearing isn’t scheduled inside the 30–90 day window, contact the Clerk of Courts (Domestic Relations) to ask what your county requires to get it set.

At the hearing, the judge typically confirms (under oath) that both spouses signed voluntarily, understand the agreement, and still want the marriage dissolved. If everything is complete, the judge signs the Judgment Entry – Decree of Dissolution.

Step 6 – Get certified copies for your records

After the court files the signed decree, you can request certified copies from the clerk. Many people use certified copies for name change documents, insurance updates, and other official record changes.

4. Special Issues When You Have Children

If you have minor children, the court must confirm that your paperwork protects the children’s best interests. Even in an uncontested case, counties often require additional documents, parenting terms, and child support calculations.

The two “kids” affidavits most people miss (Affidavit 3 and Affidavit 4)

If your dissolution involves children, expect your county to require the Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (Affidavit 3) and the Health Insurance Affidavit (Affidavit 4), along with child support guideline paperwork and parenting plan documents required locally.

The “IV-D” application many counties require (JFS 07076)

Even if you agree on child support, many counties require an IV-D child support services application to set up the case with the local Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). The form commonly referenced is the Application for Child Support Services (JFS 07076). Requirements vary, so confirm with your county and CSEA.

Local requirements

Some counties require parenting classes or additional local affidavits. Always check your county’s site for “dissolution with children” requirements and any local forms.

5. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Ohio?

Here’s the key Ohio timing rule that matters most for “simple” cases:

  • Dissolution of Marriage: The court must schedule the final hearing within the 30 to 90 day statutory window after filing, and both spouses must appear.
  • Uncontested Divorce: Usually takes longer because it includes service of process and an answer period, plus whatever scheduling timeline your county follows.

Your timeline can stretch if forms are missing (especially affidavits), your county requires extra steps (classes or mediation), or you need to revise your Separation Agreement after filing.

6. What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Ohio?

Ohio filing fees vary by county, so you must confirm your county’s current fee schedule with the Clerk of Courts. In general:

  • Dissolution is often cheaper in practice because it is a joint filing and usually avoids service of process costs.
  • Divorce can cost more because it typically involves formal service and related fees (plus potential motion practice if it becomes contested).

Other common costs can include notary fees for affidavits, parenting class fees (where required), and certified copy fees after the decree is filed.

7. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You

DIY is not a match for every situation. You may need legal help if there is:

  • Domestic violence or safety concerns
  • Hidden income or assets or refusal to exchange financial information
  • Complex property (business ownership, major retirement division questions, multiple properties)
  • Immigration, bankruptcy, or tax complications
  • Disagreements about children or support

If you’re questioning whether an agreement is fair or enforceable, that’s exactly the kind of case specific judgment call that is worth a lawyer’s input.

8. Where a Self-Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Process

Handling your own Ohio dissolution is possible, but the packet can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to match the right affidavits and local county requirements to your situation.

A good Ohio dissolution / uncontested divorce kit can help you:

  • Stay organized with checklists and a step by step filing roadmap
  • Understand the difference between Dissolution and Divorce in Ohio (and which track fits your situation)
  • Work through property, support, and parenting decisions before you commit them to the Separation Agreement
  • Reduce avoidable delays by helping you prepare a cleaner, more complete packet (especially the affidavit stack)

Download Our Ohio Uncontested Divorce Self-Help Kit

Always pair any self help materials with your local court’s current instructions and forms list, since counties can require extra documents beyond the statewide standardized forms.

9. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

If you and your spouse are cooperative and can agree on all terms, Ohio’s Dissolution of Marriage can be a clear, structured path, with a built in 30 to 90 day window for the final hearing after filing.

Your next steps usually include:

  • Confirm Ohio residency and correct county filing location
  • Decide whether you are doing a dissolution (joint) or an uncontested divorce (lawsuit that settles)
  • Gather financial documents (income, debts, bank and retirement statements)
  • Draft and review a complete Separation Agreement (Form 19)
  • Prepare your affidavit series based on what your county requires (Affidavits 1, 2, 3, and 4 are the common “by number” forms people see)
  • If you have children, confirm local child support paperwork requirements (including whether your county requires the IV-D application (JFS 07076))

Remember: PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm, and nothing here is legal advice. This is general information to help you understand the Ohio process so you can make informed decisions and verify the current requirements with official sources.

About Harry D

Expert contributor at PlainDivorce, helping Canadians and American navigate simple uncontested divorces with clarity and confidence.