Filing for Dissolution in Adams County

Reviewed by Stephanie Green · Managing Partner & Co-Founder · Last updated June 11, 2026

Adams County, Ohio · West Union

A dissolution is Ohio's fully-agreed, no-fault end of a marriage: both spouses sign a Separation Agreement (and, with children, a parenting plan) and file a joint petition with no plaintiff or defendant. Adams County hears dissolutions in the Domestic Relations Division of Common Pleas, Judge Brett M. Spencer / Magistrate David M. Hunter, and holds the hearing 30–90 days after filing — both spouses must appear and confirm the agreement. Note that all pro se dissolutions are set for a pre-trial/compliance hearing first, and the court strongly suggests at least one party consult an attorney to prepare the documents.

How do I file for dissolution in Adams County, Ohio?

Both spouses jointly file with the Clerk at 110 West Main Street, Room 207, West Union. The core packet is AC-001, AC-002, AC-003 Waiver of Service of Summons (one per spouse), SC-17 Petition for Dissolution, the SC Affidavit 1 (Income & Expenses) and SC Affidavit 2 (Property) — or the AC-200/AC-201 waivers — SC-19 Separation Agreement, and AC-005 Praecipe. With children, you add SC Affidavits 3 and 4, the AC-216 shared parenting plan or AC-217 parenting plan with AC-206/AC-207/AC-208, a signed support worksheet, AC-202, JFS 07076, and the AC-203/AC-204 seminar. The deposit is $300 without children and $350 with children, and the decree won't issue until court costs are paid. The hearing is held 30–90 days after filing.

Ohio Divorce by the Numbers

6 months Ohio residency required before you can file Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3105.03
90 days Residency in the county of filing (venue) Source: Ohio Civ. R. 3
30–90 days Typical time to finalize an uncontested dissolution Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3105.64
1 year Living separate and apart that qualifies as no-fault grounds Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3105.01

Compare Your Options for Ending a Marriage in Ohio

Path	Ends the marriage?	Agreement required?	Best when
Dissolution	Yes	Yes — on every term before filing	Both spouses agree on everything and want the fastest, lowest-cost path
Divorce (contested)	Yes	No	Spouses disagree on property, support, or parenting and need a judge to decide
Divorce (uncontested / default)	Yes	No	One spouse will not respond or cannot be located
Legal separation	No — you stay married	Optional	You need court orders but must stay married (religion, insurance, or benefits)
Annulment	Treated as never valid	No	The marriage was never legally valid (fraud, bigamy, underage, or incapacity)

Where to File: Adams County Court of Common Pleas — Domestic Relations Division

110 West Main Street, West Union, OH 45693, West Union, OH 45693
Phone: (937) 544-2921
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed legal holidays)
Website: www.adamscountycourts.com/

Juvenile Branch (Never-Married Parents)

Adams County Juvenile Court
110 West Main Street, West Union, OH 45693, West Union, OH 45693
Phone: (937) 544-2921
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed legal holidays)

Dissolution is the right path if…

You and your spouse agree on everything — property, debt, support, and (if applicable) parenting.
You can both sign a written Separation Agreement before filing.
You're willing to file jointly with no plaintiff or defendant.
Both spouses can appear at a hearing 30–90 days after filing to confirm the agreement.

If you don't agree on everything, or your spouse won't cooperate, you'll need a divorce instead. See the Adams County divorce guide.

Filing Fees

$300 without children · $350 with children (Domestic Relations deposit) · Decree will not issue until court costs are paid (Local Rule 200) · Fee waiver via AC-012 — confirm current amounts with the Clerk at (937) 544-2344.

Forms & Filing Packets

Dissolution packet (no minor children) — $300 deposit

Joint filing for a dissolution without children. The income and property affidavits can be waived using AC-200/AC-201 when there are no children.

Notice of Appearance (AC-001) — Filed by attorneys and any unrepresented spouse/party to enter the case. Required on every Adams County family-law filing.
Waiver of Counsel (AC-002) — Signed by any unrepresented party, acknowledging they are proceeding without an attorney.
Waiver of Service of Summons (AC-003) — Used in a dissolution — one per spouse, both must sign — so neither has to be formally served.
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Ohio SC Form 17) — Both spouses file jointly, telling the court they have a complete agreement and want the marriage dissolved.
Waiver of Affidavit of Income & Expenses (AC-200) — Both spouses sign to waive the income affidavit in a dissolution — available ONLY when there are no children of the marriage.
Waiver of Affidavit of Property (AC-201) — Both spouses sign to waive the property affidavit in a dissolution.
Separation Agreement (Ohio SC Form 19) — The contract that settles property, debt, support, and parenting. Both spouses must sign in front of a notary.
Praecipe (Request) for Service (AC-005) — Tells the Clerk how to serve the other party (certified mail, Sheriff, or publication). Required when service is needed.
Waiver of Magistrate's Decision & 14-Day Waiver (AC-006) — Brought to the final dissolution hearing (not filed with the Clerk in advance) so the decree can issue without the usual objection window.

Dissolution packet (with minor children) — $350 deposit

Joint filing for a dissolution with children. The income affidavit (Affidavit 1) cannot be waived when children are involved.

Notice of Appearance (AC-001) — Filed by attorneys and any unrepresented spouse/party to enter the case. Required on every Adams County family-law filing.
Waiver of Counsel (AC-002) — Signed by any unrepresented party, acknowledging they are proceeding without an attorney.
Waiver of Service of Summons (AC-003) — Used in a dissolution — one per spouse, both must sign — so neither has to be formally served.
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Ohio SC Form 17) — Both spouses file jointly, telling the court they have a complete agreement and want the marriage dissolved.
Parenting Proceeding / UCCJEA Affidavit (Ohio SC Affidavit 3) — Required in any case with minor children. Lists where each child has lived for the last 5 years, confirming Ohio's UCCJEA jurisdiction.
Health Insurance Affidavit (Ohio SC Affidavit 4) — Discloses whether health insurance is available for the children through either parent's employer, so the court can order medical support.
Affidavit of Income & Expenses (Ohio SC Affidavit 1) — Income, expenses, and basic financial information. Each party files their own. Must be notarized.
Affidavit of Property (Ohio SC Affidavit 2) — Lists every asset and debt. Required at filing.
Separation Agreement (Ohio SC Form 19) — The contract that settles property, debt, support, and parenting. Both spouses must sign in front of a notary.
Notice of "Helping Children Cope With Family Separation" Seminar (AC-203) — The notice for Adams County's mandatory online parenting seminar (Local Rule 213), administered through Beech Acres.
"Helping Children Cope With Family Separation" Registration Packet (AC-204) — One per parent. Registration materials are submitted directly to Beech Acres, not filed with the court.
Praecipe (Request) for Service (AC-005) — Tells the Clerk how to serve the other party (certified mail, Sheriff, or publication). Required when service is needed.

Shared parenting plan add-on (with children)

When both parents will be residential parents, add the AC-216 plan and supporting orders. AC-208 is required even if support is deviated to zero.

Adams County Shared Parenting Plan (AC-216) — Adams County's local shared parenting plan. The court will NOT accept the Ohio Supreme Court shared-parenting plan — it does not comply with Adams County local rules. Must address every R.C. 3109.04(G) factor.
Miscellaneous Motion (AC-205) — Adams County's catch-all motion — used for a Motion for Shared Parenting, Motion for Guardian ad Litem, or Motion for a parenting/custody investigation.
Standard Parenting Orders (AC-206) — Adams County's standard parenting-order terms, filed with the parenting plan/shared parenting plan.
Standard Parenting Schedule (AC-207) — The county's default parenting-time schedule, filed alongside AC-206.
Standard Child Support & Medical Support Order (AC-208) — Required with a shared parenting plan or parenting plan — even if support is deviated to zero.
Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet (2024 Income Shares) — Run the official Ohio Child Support Calculator, print, and sign. Required any time the court sets or changes support.
Adams County CSEA Account Setup Sheet (AC-202) — Opens the support account with the Adams County Child Support Enforcement Agency. Required in every case involving children — even if no child support is requested.
Application for Child Support Services (JFS 07076) — The Ohio child-support services application that opens a IV-D case with the Adams County CSEA. Brought to the final hearing in a dissolution; filed with the packet in contested cases.

Parenting plan add-on (non-shared, with children)

When one parent will be the residential parent and legal custodian, use the AC-217 parenting plan with the standard orders and support paperwork.

Adams County Parenting Plan (AC-217) — The local (non-shared) parenting plan used when one parent will be the residential parent and legal custodian. Use this instead of the Supreme Court parenting plan.
Standard Parenting Orders (AC-206) — Adams County's standard parenting-order terms, filed with the parenting plan/shared parenting plan.
Standard Parenting Schedule (AC-207) — The county's default parenting-time schedule, filed alongside AC-206.
Standard Child Support & Medical Support Order (AC-208) — Required with a shared parenting plan or parenting plan — even if support is deviated to zero.
Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet (2024 Income Shares) — Run the official Ohio Child Support Calculator, print, and sign. Required any time the court sets or changes support.
Adams County CSEA Account Setup Sheet (AC-202) — Opens the support account with the Adams County Child Support Enforcement Agency. Required in every case involving children — even if no child support is requested.
Application for Child Support Services (JFS 07076) — The Ohio child-support services application that opens a IV-D case with the Adams County CSEA. Brought to the final hearing in a dissolution; filed with the packet in contested cases.

How to File Dissolution in Adams County

Reach a full agreement. Settle property, debt, support, and parenting in writing. A dissolution requires complete agreement before filing.
Draft the Separation Agreement (SC-19). Both spouses sign the Separation Agreement and, with children, the AC-216 or AC-217 parenting plan with AC-206/AC-207/AC-208.
Complete the parenting seminar (if children). Both parties complete "Helping Children Cope With Family Separation" through Beech Acres and file AC-203/AC-204 before the hearing.
File the joint petition. File SC-17 with AC-001, AC-002, AC-003, the affidavits (or AC-200/AC-201 waivers), and AC-005, paying $300 or $350.
Attend the hearing 30–90 days later. Both spouses appear to confirm the agreement. Bring AC-202, JFS 07076, the decree(s), and AC-006. The decree issues once court costs are paid.

Adams County Practice Notes

Pro se dissolutions get a compliance hearing. Every pro se dissolution is set for a pre-trial/compliance hearing to review the pleadings and confirm seminar attendance. The court strongly suggests at least one party consult an attorney to prepare the documents correctly.
Use AC-216 / AC-217 — not the Supreme Court plans. Adams County states the Supreme Court shared-parenting plan and parenting plan do not comply with its local rules. Use the county AC-216 (shared) or AC-217 (parenting plan), filed with AC-206, AC-207, and AC-208.
Some documents are brought to the hearing, not filed. AC-202 CSEA setup, JFS 07076, the proposed decree(s), and AC-006 (Waiver of Magistrate's Decision & 14-Day Waiver) are brought to the final hearing rather than filed with the Clerk in advance.
Income affidavit can't be waived with children. AC-200 (waiver of the income & expenses affidavit) is only available when there are no children of the marriage. With children, SC Affidavit 1 must be filed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a divorce and a dissolution in Adams County?: A dissolution is Ohio's fully-agreed, no-fault route: both spouses sign a Separation Agreement (and a parenting plan if there are children) and file a joint petition with no plaintiff or defendant; the court holds a hearing 30–90 days later and both spouses must appear. A divorce is filed by one spouse against the other and the court can decide contested issues. Neither is the same as an "uncontested divorce" — that term refers to a divorce where the other spouse defaults.
How much does it cost to file a divorce or dissolution in Adams County?: The Domestic Relations deposit is $300 without children and $350 with children (a divorce, dissolution, or annulment uses the same schedule). Deposits must be paid before the Clerk will accept your filing, and a dissolution decree will not issue until court costs are paid (Local Rule 200). If you cannot afford the deposit, file the AC-012 Fee-Waiver Affidavit with a motion — you must meet federal poverty guidelines. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk at (937) 544-2344 before filing.
Is a parenting class required in Adams County?: Yes, in any divorce, legal separation, dissolution, or custody/visitation case involving minor children (Local Rule 213). Adams County uses the online program "Helping Children Cope With Family Separation," administered through Beech Acres — file the AC-203 notice and AC-204 registration (one per parent). In a divorce the moving party must complete it before the final hearing; in a dissolution both parties must. Failure to attend within 60 days triggers a notice, and non-completion within 90 days is reported to the court and can delay your hearing.
Is there a separate domestic relations court in Adams County?: No. Adams County operates a single Court of Common Pleas that handles all divisions — General, Domestic Relations, Juvenile, and Probate — under the same judge (Brett M. Spencer). Under Local Rule 037 the court is scheduled to split into two elected judgeships by February 9, 2029, but until then one judge presides over every division.
Where do I get Adams County family-law forms?: From the court's forms portal at sites.google.com/view/adamscountycommonpleas/home. Adams County forms are labeled AC-### and Ohio Supreme Court standardized forms are labeled SC (and link to the Supreme Court site). Pro se litigants must use the court-specified forms (Local Rule 033); incomplete or non-conforming filings may be rejected, returned, or dismissed.
What if I can't afford the filing deposit in Adams County?: Court-cost deposits must be paid before any pleadings are accepted, but you can ask the court to waive them. File an affidavit of indigency and a motion to waive the court-cost deposit using the county's AC-012 Financial Disclosure / Fee-Waiver Affidavit & Order. You must meet federal poverty guidelines or the motion will not be granted. See the court's indigency page for details.

Free Local Resources in Adams County

Adams County Clerk of Courts (Larry Heller). Legal division on the top floor of the Courthouse, 110 West Main Street, Room 207, West Union, OH 45693. Accepts filings and provides current fees and instructions. Call (937) 544-2344 (lheller@adamscountycourts.com) before filing to confirm deposits and packet requirements.
Adams County Common Pleas forms & local rules portal. sites.google.com/view/adamscountycommonpleas/home — county AC-### forms, Ohio Supreme Court SC forms, checklists, the local rules (dated 2/3/2026), and pro-se/indigency pages.
Adams County Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). Director Angie Malott. 482 Rice Drive, P.O. Box 386, West Union, OH 45693. Phone (937) 544-5155 or toll-free (800) 840-5711 — establishes/modifies support, paternity, wage withholding, and payment distribution. Set up a court account with Form AC-202.
Adams County Children Services. 300 North Wilson Drive, West Union, OH 45693. Phone (937) 544-2511 for abuse/neglect concerns and emergency child-safety. Call 911 in an emergency.
Adams County CASA / GAL program. Volunteer and contact line (937) 618-0189. Court Appointed Special Advocates carry only 1–2 cases at a time and advocate for a child's best interest in contested and abuse/neglect matters.
Fee waiver (indigency). File the AC-012 Financial Disclosure / Fee-Waiver Affidavit & Order with a motion to waive the court-cost deposit if you meet federal poverty guidelines. See sites.google.com/view/adamscountycommonpleas/indigency.
Ohio Child Support Calculator. ohiochildsupportcalculator.ohio.gov — run the 2024 Income Shares worksheet, print, and sign it for filing.

Related to your dissolution case

Child Support — Calculate, establish, or modify support under Ohio's guidelines.
Spousal Support — Pursue or respond to alimony requests during and after divorce.
Paternity & Custody — Establish parentage and build a parenting plan that protects your children.

Related guides

In-depth, attorney-written guides on dissolution and related Ohio family law topics.

Divorce vs. Dissolution in Ohio: Which Path Is Right for You? — Divorce and dissolution both end an Ohio marriage, but they work very differently. Dissolution is a no-fault, agreed process; divorce is a lawsuit for couples who can't agree. Here's how to choose.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Ohio? — The cost of an Ohio divorce ranges widely depending on conflict and complexity. Here's what drives the price — court fees, attorney fees, experts — and how to keep it manageable.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Ohio? — There is no single answer to how long an Ohio divorce takes — an agreed dissolution can finish in a couple of months, while a contested divorce may run a year or more. Here's what drives the timeline.
Dividing Property in an Ohio Divorce — Ohio divides marital property equitably — meaning fairly, not always equally. The first step is classifying every asset and debt. Here's how the process works.

Keep exploring

Ohio Dissolution guide — Statewide overview of dissolution in Ohio.
Cincinnati family law — Local attorneys and courts serving the Cincinnati metro.
Meet Stephanie Green — Managing Partner & Family Law Attorney at Gavvl Law.
Payment plans & financing — Flat fees with Gavvl Direct, Affirm, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later.

Understand the cost

Divorce vs. Dissolution in Ohio — How the two paths compare on agreement, timeline, and cost.
Ohio Divorce Cost & Timeline by Path — Compare cost and timeline across every path to ending a marriage.

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