Filing for Divorce with Children in Clark County
Reviewed by Stephanie Green, Esq. · Managing Partner, Gavvl Law · Last updated May 27, 2026
File for divorce with minor children in the Clark County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations. Step-by-step guidance, 9 required forms, Deposit set by Clerk — call (937) 521-1753 filing fee, parenting class requirements, and Ohio attorney help.
Clark County's Division of Domestic Relations sits at 101 N. Limestone Street in Springfield, with Magistrates Ringler and Phillips hearing matters one block away at the A.B. Graham Building (31 N. Limestone Street). The detail that trips up most filers: Clark County does not publish any local divorce forms — it uses the Ohio Supreme Court standardized DR forms only. There is no flat filing fee posted; the Clerk sets a deposit, so call (937) 521-1753 before you file. The 42-day waiting period after service applies before any final divorce hearing, and the court offers court-connected mediation through its Mediation Referral Form.
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) |
Clark County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations
101 N. Limestone Street, Springfield, OH 45502Phone: (937) 521-1753
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Website: clarkcountyohio.gov
Clerk of Courts, Clark County Court of Common Pleas, 101 N. Limestone Street, Springfield, OH 45502 — call (937) 521-1753 to confirm the current filing deposit.
Filing Fees
Deposit set by the Clerk — call (937) 521-1753 to confirm the current amount before filing
Clark County Procedure Quirks
- Clark County does NOT publish local divorce forms — it uses the Ohio Supreme Court standardized DR forms only.
- The Judge sits at 101 N. Limestone Street; Magistrates Ringler and Phillips hold hearings one block away at the A.B. Graham Building, 31 N. Limestone Street.
- Under Civ. R. 75(N), Clark County DR may set an oral hearing on temporary-orders motions — file with a complete Affidavit 1 and Affidavit 2 or risk a continuance.
- 42-day waiting period after service before a final divorce hearing — it cannot be waived.
- Court-connected mediation is available via the Clark County Mediation Referral Form.
Parenting Class
Confirm the current Clark County parenting-class requirement with the Clerk — Clark County Clerk of Courts (https://www.clarkcountyohio.gov/)
Clark County's parenting-class requirements are not published in a single form packet — call (937) 521-1753 to confirm the current required class and provider before your final hearing.
Free Local Resources in Clark County
- Clark County Domestic Relations Rules of Court. clarkcountyohio.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2787 — the local DR rules, including the temporary-orders cover sheet and mediation referral process.
- Ohio Supreme Court Standardized DR Forms. supremecourt.ohio.gov/forms — Clark County uses these standardized forms; no local divorce form packet exists.
- Ohio Child Support Calculator. ohiochildsupportcalculator.ohio.gov — run and print the Child Support Worksheet required at filing.
Related to your divorce
- 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 (513) 643-1969 or email support@gavvl.com.
