Filing for Dissolution in Allen County, Ohio

Allen County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division

301 North Main Street, Lima, OH 45801 • (419) 223-8511 • Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Filing fee: See current schedule — contact the Clerk at (419) 223-8512–See current schedule — contact the Clerk at (419) 223-8512 (parenting program fee is also due at filing). Fee waiver available.

Important things to know about Allen County

• Magistrates Drexler and Kerber don't just hear contested matters — they also provide MEDIATION services on request. Built-in dispute resolution without a separate mediator.
• Allen County's local Case Designation Sheet is required with EVERY new filing — it tells the Clerk what type of action you're filing.
• Cases with children require a SEPARATE parenting program course fee paid at the time of filing, in addition to standard court costs. The Clerk collects it and forwards to the County Auditor.
• Fax filing is allowed for documents AFTER the original filing — up to 20 pages per transmission to (419) 222-8427.
• Family File system under Local Rule 20: every DR case has a 'Family File' that follows the case through the court system.
• Self-rep formatting rule: 8½ x 11 paper, 3-inch top margin, 1-inch margins on sides and bottom, legibly handwritten or typed, signed, with a certificate of service to the other party.
• Historic Allen County Courthouse — on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.
• Court staff can answer questions about procedures, rules, and legal terms but cannot help fill out forms or give legal advice.

Required forms (all cases)

• Allen County Case Designation Sheet (local) — Required with every new case. Tells the court what type of action you're filing.
• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Waiver of Service of Summons (Form 17) — The main joint petition — both spouses sign together and waive formal service.
• Separation Agreement (Form 19) — Your full settlement on property, debt, and spousal support. Both spouses must sign.
• Affidavit of Basic Information, Income & Expenses (Affidavit 1) — Each spouse files their own — employment, income, and monthly expenses.
• Affidavit of Property and Debt (Affidavit 2) — Each spouse files their own — all assets and debts.
• Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (Form 18) — Final court order ending the marriage. Prepare it in advance for the Judge to sign.

Additional forms with minor children

• Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (Affidavit 3) — Required in every case with minor children — 5-year address history and any other court cases involving the children.
• Health Insurance Affidavit (Affidavit 4) — Each parent's access to health insurance for the children.
• Shared Parenting Plan (Form 20) — Option A — Use if both parents will share legal custody and significant parenting time. Both parents must sign.
• Parenting Plan (Form 21) — Option B, sole custody — Use if one parent will be residential — outlines the parenting time schedule. Pair with the Parenting Judgment Entry.
• Parenting Judgment Entry (Form 22) — Option B, sole custody — Sole-custody court order naming the residential parent.
• Ohio Child Support Worksheet — Run the numbers in the Ohio Child Support Calculator, print the worksheet, and file it with your packet.
• IV-D Application for Child Support Services — Required when child support orders are to be issued. Contact Allen County CSEA directly for the application.

Related to your 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.