Ohio Divorce Records FAQs

Yes, Ohio is a no-fault divorce state. A spouse can file based on incompatibility or living separate and apart without proving wrongdoing.

At least one spouse must have lived in Ohio for six months before filing. In addition, the filing spouse must meet the county residency requirement, usually 90 days.

Divorce cases in Ohio are handled by the Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division. The case is filed in the county where either spouse resides.

An uncontested divorce may take as little as a few months. Contested divorces can take a year or longer, depending on complexity and court schedules.

Yes, Ohio divorce records are generally public. However, sensitive information such as financial details or records involving minors may be sealed or limited.

Divorce records can be obtained from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was finalized. Requests may be made in person, by mail, or sometimes online.

Ohio recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds. Fault grounds include adultery, extreme cruelty, habitual drunkenness, and gross neglect of duty.

Yes, Ohio allows legal separation. Couples remain legally married but receive court orders addressing property, support, and custody.

Mediation is not automatically required statewide. However, many counties require mediation for child custody or parenting disputes before trial.

Ohio divides property based on equitable distribution. This means assets are divided fairly, though not always equally.

Yes, Ohio follows equitable distribution principles. Courts consider factors such as income, marriage length, and contributions to the marriage.

Spousal support is determined based on statutory factors, including income, earning capacity, age, and standard of living. There is no fixed formula.

Ohio uses statewide child support guidelines. Calculations are based on both parents’ incomes, parenting time, and certain expenses.

Yes, child support can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Income changes or custody adjustments often qualify.

Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child. Courts consider parental involvement, stability, and the child’s needs.

Marital misconduct is generally not considered for property division. However, it may affect spousal support in limited circumstances.

Yes, retirement accounts accumulated during the marriage are typically marital property. Division often requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).

Business interests may be divided if they are marital property. Courts usually divide the value of the business rather than the business itself.

No, same-sex divorces are treated the same as all other divorces. Ohio applies identical laws to property, custody, and support.

Filing status depends on marital status at the end of the tax year. Divorce can affect deductions, credits, and dependency claims.

Yes, spouses may file jointly through a dissolution of marriage. This option requires full agreement on all divorce terms.

A divorce may be contested and decided by the court. A dissolution is a joint filing where both spouses agree on all issues in advance.

A divorce decree is the final court order ending the marriage. It outlines property division, support, and custody terms.

Yes, a divorce certificate simply confirms that a divorce occurred. The decree contains the full legal rulings and terms.

Yes, self-representation is allowed in Ohio. However, legal counsel is strongly recommended for contested or complex cases.