Filing for Dissolution in Belmont County, Ohio

Belmont County Court of Common Pleas

101 West Main Street, St. Clairsville, OH 43950 • (740) 695-2121 • Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Filing fee: $251. Fee waiver available.

Important things to know about Belmont County

• All domestic relations cases are heard by the Magistrate unless a Judge orders otherwise.
• Pro se (self-represented) dissolutions are allowed, but the court can deny one if it believes the legal issues may not be properly addressed.
• When children are involved, the Magistrate WILL NOT hold a hearing or issue a Decision until an IV-D Application AND a Child Support Guideline Worksheet are filed — even if both parents have agreed to deviate from the guideline amount.
• Both parents must file a Certificate of Attendance from the OSU Extension Belmont County parenting program (or an approved equivalent) before the Magistrate will issue a Decision.
• Mutual Restraining Order is required at filing — prevents both spouses from selling, hiding, or destroying property, canceling insurance, or taking on unusual debt.
• Strict courtroom rules: no cell phones, no food or drink, no hats, dress appropriately. Leave young children at home if possible.

Required forms (all cases)

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Waiver of Service (Form 17) — Joint petition signed by both spouses.
• Separation Agreement (Form 19) — The heart of your dissolution. Both spouses sign.
• Affidavit of Basic Information, Income & Expenses (Aff. 1) — Each spouse files one.
• Affidavit of Property and Debt (Aff. 2) — Each spouse files one.
• Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (Form 18) — Final court order ending the marriage.
• Civil Fee Waiver Affidavit and Order (if needed) — If you can't afford the $251 fee.
• Financial Affidavit (Belmont local) — Detailed county-specific financial disclosure. Each spouse files one.
• Mutual Restraining Order (Belmont local) — Required at filing — prevents both spouses from disposing of property or canceling insurance.
• Mediation Form (Belmont local) — Include this with your filing.

Additional forms with minor children

• Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (Aff. 3) — 5-year address history for each child.
• Health Insurance Affidavit (Aff. 4) — Each parent's ability to insure the children.
• Shared Parenting Plan (Form 20) — Use if both parents will share legal custody.
• Parenting Plan (Form 21) — sole custody — Outlines parenting time for the non-residential parent.
• Parenting Judgment Entry (Form 22) — Names the residential parent.
• Affidavit of Child Custody (Belmont local) — Additional county-specific custody information.
• IV-D Child Support Application — REQUIRED — Magistrate will not schedule a hearing without this on file. Contact CSEA or the court at (740) 695-2121.
• Child Support Guideline Worksheet — REQUIRED even if parents agree to deviate. Run in the Ohio Child Support Calculator.

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.