Filing for Dissolution in Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court

1 West Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113 • (216) 443-8800 • Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Filing fee: $150–$200. Fee waiver available.

Important things to know about Cuyahoga County

• Among the LOWEST filing fees in Ohio — $150 without children, $200 with children.
• Largest Domestic Relations Court in the state with four judges handling DR cases.
• E-filing is fully supported and encouraged — there's a dedicated help desk at (216) 698-8682 or Efile_support@cuyahogacounty.us.
• Virtual Self-Help Center at ccdrc.ohiolegalhelp.org lets you complete forms online with guided assistance from Ohio Legal Help.
• If something doesn't apply, write 'N/A' — do NOT leave blanks on any form.
• Local Rule 34: both parents must complete the court-approved divorce seminar (Children in Between Online) within 30 days of filing if minor children are involved. No hearing and no final order until certificates are presented to the Journal Department.
• Text message case-update notifications are available — sign up through the court.

Required forms (all cases)

• Dissolution Without Children — Complete Packet — Pre-built PDF bundling every form needed for a dissolution without children.
• Case Designation Sheet — Required intake form — identifies the type of case you're filing.
• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage — The main joint petition — both spouses sign together.
• Separation Agreement — Spells out exactly how you've agreed to divide property, debts, spousal support, and all other terms. Both spouses sign.
• Financial Disclosure Statement — Each spouse files their own — complete financial picture for the court. A non-interactive version is also available.
• Ohio Uniform Affidavit of Income and Expenses (Affidavit 1) — Each spouse files their own — income, employment, monthly expenses.
• Ohio Uniform Affidavit of Property and Debt (Affidavit 2) — Each spouse files their own — all assets and debts.
• Rule 53 Waiver — Waives the standard objection period after a Magistrate's decision so you can finalize sooner.
• Waiver of Legal Counsel — Confirms you understand your right to hire an attorney and choose to proceed without one.
• Civil Fee Waiver Affidavit and Order (if needed) — Use this if you can't afford the filing fee.

Additional forms with minor children

• Dissolution With Children — Complete Packet — Pre-built PDF bundling every form needed when minor children are involved.
• Parenting Proceeding Statement — 5-year address history for each child and any other court cases involving the children.
• Health Insurance Statement — Each parent's access to health insurance for the children.
• Shared Parenting Plan — Use if both parents will share legal custody — see Local Rule 18 for requirements.
• Parenting Time Guidelines — Cuyahoga County's standard parenting time guidelines — use these or base your own schedule on them.
• Sample Parenting Access Plans — Court-approved example schedules for different family situations.
• Basic Child Support Schedule — Ohio child support schedule used to calculate support — also run the numbers in the Ohio Child Support Calculator.
• Cash Medical Support Schedule — Used when a parent cannot provide private health insurance for the children.
• Child Support Data Sheet — Sets up your support account with the Child Support Enforcement Agency.
• IV-D Application for Child Support Services — Required when child support orders are issued.

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.