{"id":375640,"date":"2018-04-19T16:17:16","date_gmt":"2018-04-19T21:17:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-divorce-forms-and-process.html"},"modified":"2024-03-18T08:38:22","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T13:38:22","slug":"ohio-divorce-forms-and-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-divorce-forms-and-process.html","title":{"rendered":"Ohio Divorce Forms and Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Ohio Divorce Forms and Process<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Very few people say their wedding vows expecting to get divorced years later. You have options if you’re questioning whether you want to stay in your marriage. Ohio law provides for both divorce and legal separation<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we’ll explain the processes for an Ohio divorce<\/a> and separation. We\u2019ll also discuss the specific requirements for separation and divorce in Ohio. This includes the state\u2019s residency requirement<\/a>, waiting period<\/a>, and other legal requirements.<\/p>\r\n

There Is a Difference between Dissolution and Divorce in Ohio<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Most states use the terms \u201cdivorce\u201d and \u201cdissolution of marriage<\/a>\u201d interchangeably. This isn\u2019t the case in Ohio. Unlike most states, Ohio distinguishes between a dissolution and a divorce<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

You would file for a dissolution of marriage when your spouse doesn\u2019t contest the divorce. This is the ideal solution when a couple agrees on alimony<\/a>, child custody<\/a>, and property division<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

A divorce involves a contested hearing where the judge may decide these issues for you. This doesn\u2019t mean you and your spouse can\u2019t submit a marital settlement agreement. You can let the judge know that you have already worked out the allocation of parenting time, child and spousal support, and division of your property.<\/p>\r\n

The judge at the local court will hear evidence and decide any issues you haven\u2019t already resolved.<\/p>\r\n

Grounds for Divorce in Ohio<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Under Ohio law, there are 11 grounds for divorce<\/a>. Most states only offer six or seven. You must cite specific grounds for divorce when you file your complaint for divorce. Remember, your spouse can file a counterclaim, arguing that you are the reason the marriage broke down.<\/p>\r\n

Grounds for divorce in Ohio include:<\/p>\r\n