Ohio Dissolution Filing Fees by County (2026)
Filing fees for dissolution of marriage in Ohio vary considerably by county — from under $200 in some rural counties to nearly $475 in larger urban ones. This page gives you the most current county-by-county breakdown so you know what to budget before you walk into the courthouse.
Note: Filing fees change periodically. Always call your county Clerk of Courts to confirm the current fee before filing. Fees below reflect rates as of early 2026.
Major Urban Counties
Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$350–$375
- Clerk of Courts: Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division
- E-filing available: Yes, through Tyler Technologies
- Notes: Cuyahoga processes a high volume of cases; dissolution hearings typically scheduled 45–70 days after filing
Franklin County (Columbus)
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$325–$360
- Clerk of Courts: Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division
- E-filing available: Yes
- Notes: Very active domestic relations division; typically 30–60 day hearing wait
Hamilton County (Cincinnati)
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$325–$375
- Clerk of Courts: Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division
- E-filing available: Yes
- Notes: Check county website for current fee schedule; has a Self-Help Center with forms assistance
Summit County (Akron)
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$300–$350
- Clerk of Courts: Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division
- E-filing available: Yes
- Notes: Hearing typically scheduled within 45–75 days of filing
Montgomery County (Dayton)
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$300–$350
- Clerk of Courts: Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division
- E-filing available: Yes
- Notes: Self-Help Center available at the courthouse
Mid-Size Counties
Lucas County (Toledo)
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$275–$325
Stark County (Canton)
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$250–$325
Butler County (Fairfield/Hamilton area)
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$275–$350
Lorain County
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$250–$325
Lake County
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$250–$300
Mahoning County (Youngstown)
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$250–$300
Medina County
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$250–$325
Warren County
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$275–$350
Licking County (Newark)
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$200–$300
Trumbull County (Warren)
- Dissolution filing fee: ~$250–$300
Smaller and Rural Counties
Most smaller Ohio counties charge lower dissolution fees, typically in the $150–$275 range. Examples:
| County | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Athens | $175–$225 |
| Fairfield | $225–$275 |
| Greene | $250–$300 |
| Knox | $175–$225 |
| Miami | $225–$275 |
| Portage | $225–$275 |
| Richland | $200–$275 |
| Ross | $175–$225 |
| Tuscarawas | $175–$225 |
| Wayne | $200–$275 |
What's Typically Included in the Filing Fee
The base filing fee generally covers:
- Filing the Petition for Dissolution and all attached documents
- Assignment of a case number
- Scheduling of the dissolution hearing
It typically does not include:
- Certified copies of the Decree
- Any post-decree filings (QDRO filing, name change petition, modification filings)
Additional Costs Beyond the Filing Fee
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copies of Decree | $1–$5 per page (get 3–5 copies) |
| Notary for Separation Agreement | Free–$25 |
| QDRO drafting and filing (if retirement accounts) | $400–$1,500 |
| Real estate deed preparation and recording | $200–$500 + recording fees ($28–$128) |
| Attorney review of Separation Agreement (optional) | $200–$600 |
| Vehicle title transfer (Ohio BMV) | $15–$25 per title |
| Mediation (optional — if you hit a sticking point) | $150–$350/hour |
| Document/form prep service (optional) | $150–$500 |
Fee Waivers (In Forma Pauperis)
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Ohio allows you to file an Affidavit of Indigency (sometimes called an In Forma Pauperis affidavit) with the court. If approved, the filing fee is waived or deferred.
To qualify, you generally need to demonstrate that:
- Your income is at or near the federal poverty level
- You receive public assistance (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, etc.)
- Paying the fee would cause genuine hardship
Ask the Clerk of Courts for the indigency affidavit when you arrive to file. Ohio Legal Help (ohiolegalhelp.org) can also help you determine if you qualify.
Total Cost Estimate: Dissolution Without Children
| Budget Level | Typical Total |
|---|---|
| Bare minimum (DIY, no complications) | $175–$400 |
| Typical DIY (filing + copies + notary) | $250–$550 |
| DIY with professional touches (attorney MSA review) | $450–$1,100 |
| DIY with retirement account division (QDRO) | $700–$2,000 |
Total Cost Estimate: Dissolution With Children
| Budget Level | Typical Total |
|---|---|
| DIY, simple parenting plan | $250–$500 |
| DIY with attorney review of parenting plan | $500–$1,200 |
| With child support setup through CSEA | Add $50–$150 for CSEA services |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Filing fees change. Always confirm with your county Clerk of Courts before filing.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.