In Ohio, when you’re ready to start the divorce process, you can choose an uncontested divorce or contested divorce depending on the circumstances surrounding your split with your spouse. Here are the steps you’ll have to take to get the ball rolling.
Fulfill Your Residency Requirements
To file for divorce, you need to have been a resident of Ohio for at least six months.
Choose Between a Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
Generally, an uncontested divorce is one where you and your spouse agree on the terms of the divorce including alimony, child support, and the division of assets. A contested divorce applies if you and your spouse cannot agree on key issues and you need to go to court to figure out solutions. You’ll need to choose which type of divorce to file for when you begin the process.
File Your Paperwork
File your divorce paperwork with the local Court of Common Pleas in the Ohio county where you or your spouse have resided for at least 90 days. The forms you’ll need to fill out include the Complaint for Divorce, Statement of Property and Debt, Statement of Basic Information, Income, and Expenses, and a Request for Service. You’ll need to pay court fees, which are typically a few hundred dollars. You can ask the court to waive the fees if you cannot afford them and can prove you are low-income.
Get in Touch With Richard P. Arthur
Richard P. Arthur, Attorney at Law, can assist you with getting a divorce in Ohio. You can call 937-254-3738 for a consultation. He has more than three decades of experience helping clients in Dayton and Trotwood, as well as Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Clark, and Warren counties.