Adams County Divorce Attorneys

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

Adams County, Ohio · West Union

A divorce in Adams County is filed in the Domestic Relations Division of the Court of Common Pleas at 110 West Main Street, West Union, before Judge Brett M. Spencer and Magistrate David M. Hunter. Adams County runs one unified court for all divisions, and a divorce can be granted whether or not the spouses agree — the court can decide contested property, support, and (with children) the allocation of parental rights. Pro se filers must use the county's AC-### forms paired with Ohio Supreme Court SC forms; incomplete packets may be rejected.

Hire Gavvl for your Adams County divorce case

Flat-fee and full-representation options: we handle the filings, the Adams County local forms, the court strategy, and the hearings — and you know the price before we start.

Start with a $25 consultation and talk through your options with an Ohio family-law attorney before you commit to anything. Get started online or see payment plans & financing.

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

File your packet in person or by mail with the Clerk of Courts at 110 West Main Street, Room 207, West Union, OH 45693 (Adams County does not yet accept e-filing). Without children, the deposit is $300 and the packet is AC-001 Notice of Appearance, AC-002 Waiver of Counsel, SC Form 6 Complaint for Divorce, SC Affidavit 1 (Income & Expenses), SC Affidavit 2 (Property), and AC-005 Praecipe for Service. With children, the deposit is $350 and you add SC Form 7, SC Affidavits 3 and 4, a signed Ohio Child Support Worksheet, AC-202 CSEA setup, JFS 07076, and the AC-203/AC-204 Beech Acres parenting-seminar forms. Deposits must be paid before the Clerk accepts the filing; confirm current amounts at (937) 544-2344.

Hire Gavvl Law for your Adams County divorce

An Adams County divorce is filed in the Domestic Relations Division at 110 West Main Street, West Union, before Judge Brett M. Spencer and Magistrate David M. Hunter, and the county pairs its own AC-### forms with the Ohio Supreme Court SC forms — incomplete packets get rejected under Local Rule 033. Gavvl Law builds the AC-001, SC complaint, affidavit, and AC-005 packet the Clerk at Room 207 will accept, pays the $300 or $350 deposit correctly, and offers a flat fee for straightforward cases or full representation when it is contested.

The AC-### forms the SC forms don't replace. Adams County requires AC-001 (Notice of Appearance), AC-002 (Waiver of Counsel), and AC-005 (Praecipe) alongside the Supreme Court complaint and affidavits, and pro se filers who skip the court-specified forms can have the case rejected, returned, or dismissed under Local Rule 033. We file the full AC-plus-SC set the first time.
Filed in person, because there's no e-filing yet. As of the 2/3/2026 local rules, Adams County's e-filing requirement (Local Rule 010) is not in effect, so filings go in person or by mail to the Clerk at 110 West Main Street, Room 207. We prepare a clean paper packet for that counter instead of assuming an online portal that does not exist.
Beech Acres seminar on the calendar. With children, Local Rule 213 requires the online Beech Acres "Helping Children Cope With Family Separation" seminar before the final hearing, filed on AC-203/AC-204; missing it by 60 days triggers a notice, and 90 days is reported and can delay the decree. We register you early and quote the flat fee up front.

If the $300 or $350 deposit is out of reach, Adams County lets you move to waive it with the AC-012 Financial Disclosure / Fee-Waiver Affidavit when you meet federal poverty guidelines — and its distinctive Local Rule 034 requires disclosing any AI use on Form AC-016, a filing trap we handle so nothing bounces back.

Flat-fee options

Flat-fee limited scope: we draft and file the correct complaint packet for your situation; you appear at any hearings yourself.

Complaint for Divorce: $1,250
With temporary orders: $1,750
With minor children: $1,750
With children + temporary orders: $2,000

Prefer full representation? An Ohio attorney can carry the entire case on a $3,500 retainer.

Split any flat fee with Gavvl Direct — our in-house plan at 19% APR, $500 minimum — on a 60%-down schedule of 18 weekly, 8 bi-weekly, or 4 monthly payments, or full financing where work begins once 60% is paid. Affirm, Klarna, and PayPal Pay Later are also available through LawPay.

Start your divorce case or see payment plans & financing.

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
Phone: (937) 544-2921
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed legal holidays)
Website: Court website

Juvenile Branch (Never-Married Parents)

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

Divorce is the right path if…

You and your spouse don't agree on everything — custody, parenting time, property, debt, or support.
Your spouse won't sign paperwork, won't communicate, or can't be located.
You need temporary orders now for support, parenting time, or exclusive use of the home.
You or your spouse have lived in Ohio for at least 6 months and reside in Adams County.

If you and your spouse already agree on everything in writing, a dissolution is faster and cheaper at the same court. Compare divorce vs. dissolution in Adams County.

Filing Fees

$300 without children · $350 with children (Domestic Relations deposit) · Post-decree motion $100 · Foreign Sheriff service $40 · GAL deposit $750 · Fee waiver via AC-012 — confirm current amounts with the Clerk at (937) 544-2344.

Forms & Filing Packets

Core divorce packet (no minor children) — $300 deposit

Plaintiff's filing packet for a divorce without children. File with the Clerk at 110 West Main Street, Room 207.

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.
Complaint for Divorce Without Children (Ohio SC Form 6) — Opens your divorce case and tells the court what you're asking for. Use when you and your spouse have no minor children together.
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.
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.

Core divorce packet (with minor children) — $350 deposit

Plaintiff's filing packet for a divorce with children, including child-support and Beech Acres parenting-seminar paperwork.

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.
Complaint for Divorce With Children (Ohio SC Form 7) — The divorce Complaint used when you and your spouse have minor children together. Pleads custody, parenting time, and child-support allegations.
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.
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.
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.
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 add-on

Add when both parents ask to be residential parents. Adams County requires its local AC-216 plan — the Supreme Court shared-parenting plan is not accepted.

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.

Temporary orders add-on

File the SC Affidavit 5 Motion/Affidavit for Temporary Orders to put support and parenting orders in place while the case is pending. A hearing may be required.

Motion/Affidavit for Temporary Orders (SC Affidavit 5) — Asks the court for temporary support, parenting time, or exclusive use of the home while a divorce is pending. A hearing may be required.
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.

How to File Divorce in Adams County

Confirm residency. You or your spouse must have lived in Ohio for at least 6 months and reside in Adams County before filing.
Pick your grounds. Ohio recognizes no-fault grounds (incompatibility, or living separate and apart for 1 year) and fault grounds. A divorce can proceed even if your spouse contests or defaults.
Assemble the AC-### + SC packet. Complete AC-001, AC-002, the SC Complaint (Form 6 or 7), SC Affidavits 1 and 2 (plus 3 and 4 and the support worksheet with children), and AC-005 Praecipe for Service.
Register for the parenting seminar (if children). Complete "Helping Children Cope With Family Separation" through Beech Acres and file AC-203/AC-204. Required before the final hearing.
File and pay the deposit. File with the Clerk at 110 West Main Street, Room 207, and pay $300 (no children) or $350 (with children). Ask about AC-012 fee waiver if you can't afford it.
Serve your spouse. Use the AC-005 Praecipe to direct service by certified mail, Sheriff, or publication. The defendant then has time to answer or counterclaim.

Adams County Practice Notes

No e-filing yet — file with the Clerk. As of the 2/3/2026 local rules, Adams County's e-filing requirement (Local Rule 010) is not yet in effect. File in person or by mail with the Clerk at 110 West Main Street, Room 207, West Union. Pro se litigants will never be forced to e-file even after implementation.
Use the county AC-### forms, not just the SC forms. Adams County requires AC-001 (Notice of Appearance), AC-002 (Waiver of Counsel) and AC-005 (Praecipe) alongside the Supreme Court complaint and affidavits. Pro se filers must use the court-specified forms (Local Rule 033) or the filing can be rejected, returned, or dismissed.
Beech Acres parenting seminar is mandatory with children. Under Local Rule 213, the moving party must complete "Helping Children Cope With Family Separation" (online, through Beech Acres) before the final hearing. File AC-203 and AC-204. Failing to attend within 60 days triggers a notice; non-completion within 90 days is reported to the court and can delay the decree.
Disclose AI use on Form AC-016. Local Rule 034 is distinctive: any AI-assisted document or evidence must be disclosed on AC-016, naming the AI, describing its role, certifying review, and attaching the full text of any AI-generated case citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I file for divorce in Adams County?: In the Domestic Relations Division of the Adams County Court of Common Pleas, 110 West Main Street, West Union, OH 45693. Judge Brett M. Spencer presides and David M. Hunter is the magistrate. Adams County runs one unified Court of Common Pleas — there is no separate, standalone domestic relations courthouse. The court's main line is (937) 544-2921; the Clerk of Courts (Larry Heller) is (937) 544-2344.
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.
Can I e-file family-law cases in Adams County?: Not yet. As of the local rules dated 2/3/2026, Adams County's electronic-filing requirement (Local Rule 010) is not yet in effect, so you file in person or by mail with the Clerk at 110 West Main Street, Room 207, West Union. When e-filing is implemented it will be mandatory for attorneys, but self-represented (pro se) litigants are never required to e-file — they file on paper and the Clerk scans and uploads.
Can I get temporary support or parenting orders while my Adams County divorce is pending?: Yes. File the SC Affidavit 5 Motion/Affidavit for Temporary Orders to ask for temporary child or spousal support, parenting time, or exclusive use of the home while the case is pending. A hearing may be required. Temporary orders are separate from the final decree and only last while the case is open.
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.
Does Adams County have a rule about using AI for court filings?: Yes — a distinctive one. Local Rule 034 requires that any AI-assisted document or evidence submitted to the court be disclosed on Form AC-016 (Certification & Disclosure of Artificial Intelligence Use). The certification must identify the AI used, describe its role, certify attorney review and responsibility, and — for any AI-generated case citation — attach the full text of each cited case to prevent "hallucinations." Traditional tools like Westlaw, LexisNexis, and word processors are excluded.

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 divorce case

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

Related guides

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

How to File for Divorce in Ohio: A Step-by-Step Guide — Filing for divorce in Ohio follows a defined path: confirm residency, choose your grounds, file the complaint, serve your spouse, and work toward temporary orders and a final decree. Here is how each step works.
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.

Continue your Adams County research

Ohio Divorce guide — Statewide overview of divorce in Ohio.
Cincinnati family law — Local attorneys and courts serving the Cincinnati metro.
Adams County family law guide — Court info, local filing notes, FAQs, and the downloadable Adams County guide.
Meet Stephanie Green — Managing Partner & Co-Founder 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.
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce in Ohio — What each path means for your timeline and total cost.

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