Filing for Dissolution in Butler County, Ohio
Butler County is one of the most organized dissolution counties in Ohio. The DR Court provides complete packets (with-children and no-children versions) that bundle every form into one download, AND the Case Management Office reviews your paperwork BEFORE you ever pay the filing fee. That two-step process catches errors most pro se filers don't catch on their own — it saves time and money. Plan for multiple copies of everything: the Decree alone requires the original plus 5 copies.
Butler County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division
315 High Street, 2nd Floor, Hamilton, OH 45011 • (513) 887-3100 ext. 2 • Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. daily)
Filing fee: $211–$352. Fee waiver available.
Important things to know about Butler County
- Pre-filing review is REQUIRED. Submit your packet to the Case Management Office, get approval, THEN file with the Clerk and pay. This catches errors before they cost you money.
- Butler provides complete dissolution packets (no children / with children) that bundle every form into one download. You don't have to hunt for individual forms.
- Additional local forms (Family Information Sheet, Affidavit of Property, etc.) are provided by the court after you submit your packet.
- Multiple copies required for most filings: Petition (original + 2), Separation Agreement (original + 2 or 3), Decree (original + 5).
- Bring a photo ID to the hearing — both spouses. No ID = no proceeding. If you don't have one, bring your Social Security card.
- If a party can't appear, notify the Judicial Case Manager at least 7 days before the hearing.
- Add DRCourtNoReply@bcohio.gov to your safe sender list to receive court notifications.
Required forms (all cases)
- Dissolution Without Minor Children — Complete Packet — Bundles every required form into one download.
- Instructions for Filing a Dissolution — Read first. Step-by-step.
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage — Joint petition (Original + 2 copies).
- Separation Agreement — Original + 2 copies (or +3 if spousal support is ordered).
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage — Original + 5 copies. Judge signs after hearing.
- Waiver of Service (if applicable) — Original + 2 copies.
- Waiver of Representation (if unrepresented) — Original + 2 copies — confirms you understand your right to a lawyer.
- Family Information Sheet (DR729) — provided by court — Local form handed out during review.
- Affidavit of Property (DR602-B) — provided by court — Each spouse files their own.
- Addendum to Separation Agreement — Division of Personal Property (DR634) — Provided by the court.
Additional forms with minor children
- Dissolution With Minor Children — Complete Packet — Adds parenting forms to the base packet.
- Shared Parenting Plan (if applicable) — Original + 2 copies (or +3 if child support is ordered through plan).
- Decree of Shared Parenting (if applicable) — Original + 6 copies.
- Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (DR616 or Aff. 3) — provided by court — 5-year address history for each child.
- Health Insurance Affidavit — provided by court — Each parent's access to health insurance.
- Basic Child Support Schedule (DR626) — provided by court — The child support calculation worksheet.
- Title IV-D Application (ODHS 7076) — provided by court — Child support enforcement application.
- Withholding Order / Qualified Medical CSO Information Sheet (DR201) — Provided by the court.
- Notice to Attend Mandatory Education Class (DR628) — Provided by the court.
- Guidelines for Parents Living in Different Homes (DR803) — Provided by the court.
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.
Call +1-844-694-2885 or email support@gavvl.com.
