Filing for Dissolution in Brown County, Ohio

Brown County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division

101 South Main Street, Georgetown, OH 45121 • (937) 378-3233 • Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Filing fee: $250–$275. Fee waiver available.

Important things to know about Brown County

• Local Rule 31 requires each party to file a sworn Property and Financial Statement with supporting documents (pay stubs, tax returns, appraisals, account statements) along with the Petition.
• If your parenting plan doesn't include a specific schedule, the Local Rule 31.6 default applies — alternate weekends, midweek visits, a detailed holiday rotation (including the Brown County Fair), and up to 4 weeks of summer.
• $25 home investigation fee applies when minor children are involved.
• 'Helping Children Cope with Family Separation' parenting program is required BEFORE the final hearing will even be scheduled — the court rarely grants waivers.
• No cell phones, knives, scissors, box cutters, or aerosol cans allowed in the building. No electronic recording devices. Avoid steel-toed boots and heavy zippers/jewelry to speed through security.
• Do NOT park directly behind the courthouse — those spots are reserved for probation and police.

Required forms (all cases)

• Instructions for Filing a Dissolution (Brown County) — The court's step-by-step packet — read first.
• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Waiver of Service (Brown County Form 14) — Joint petition. Built-in waiver of service in Paragraph 7.
• Separation Agreement (Brown County Form 16) — Both spouses sign. Spells out property, debt, and support terms.
• Property Waiver (Brown County local) — Brown-specific form — complete and file with the rest.
• Sworn Property and Financial Statement (Local Rule 31) — Itemized list of assets, debts, marital vs non-marital, with supporting documents attached.
• 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 — Final order — prepare in advance for the Judge's signature.

Additional forms with minor children

• Shared Parenting Plan (Brown County Form 17) — Use if both parents share legal custody.
• Parenting Plan (Brown County Form 18) — sole custody — Use if one parent will be the residential parent.
• 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.
• Ohio Child Support Worksheet — Required even if parents agree to a different amount.

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.