Dayton Family Law Attorneys

Montgomery County Domestic Relations Court

Filing Fees in Montgomery County

• Divorce (estimated deposit): ~$250
• Dissolution of marriage: ~$200
• Legal separation: ~$175
• Post-decree motion: ~$125

Montgomery County filing fees are paid as a deposit to the Clerk of Courts and are subject to court cost adjustments and statewide surcharges, including the mandatory $32 Ohio domestic violence shelter fee. Service costs are billed separately. Fee waivers (poverty affidavits) are available for qualifying filers.

How Montgomery County Handles Family Law Cases

• Montgomery County requires both parents in cases involving minor children to complete a court-approved parenting class before final decree.
• The court's Self-Help / Forms Center is publicly available, but represented parties move significantly faster through the docket.
• Dayton-area dissolutions are typically finalized in 30–90 days after filing if all paperwork is properly prepared.
• Contested Montgomery County divorces typically run 9–15 months from filing to trial.
• Wright-Patterson AFB military divorces require additional considerations under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which we routinely handle.

Parenting Class Requirement

Montgomery County's approved parenting class can be completed online or in person. We help every Dayton client get registered the same week of filing so it never holds up the final decree.

Montgomery County Juvenile Court (Juvenile Justice Center) (Never-Married Parents)

380 West Second Street, Dayton, OH 45422
Phone: (937) 225-4199
Hours: Court: Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. • Clerk's Office (filing): 8:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m. Closed on federal holidays.

Pro Se Packet pickup Mon–Fri 8:30–12:00 and 1:00–3:30. Citizen Services / notary by appointment Wed–Fri. Email filing: MCJCEFile@mcjcohio.org.

Dayton's two family courts sit a couple of blocks apart downtown: Domestic Relations at 301 W. Third Street (with Compliance review before payment) for divorces and dissolutions; Juvenile Court at 380 W. Second Street for never-married-parent custody, parenting time, and child support — plus juvenile delinquency, abuse, neglect, and dependency cases.

About Dayton

• Montgomery County: ~530,000 residents
• Dayton metro: ~810,000
• Median age: ~40

Serving Oakwood, Kettering, Centerville, Huber Heights, Beavercreek, Springboro, Miamisburg, Englewood, Vandalia, Tipp City, Washington Township, Bellbrook, Fairborn, Trotwood, West Carrollton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I file for divorce in Dayton?

Dayton divorce, dissolution, and custody cases are filed at the Montgomery County Domestic Relations Court, located at 301 West Third Street, 2nd Floor, in the Dayton-Montgomery County Courts Building. We e-file all documents on behalf of our clients.

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Montgomery County?

Montgomery County divorce filing fees typically run around $250 as a deposit, with dissolutions slightly less. Statewide surcharges, including the $32 Ohio domestic violence shelter fee, are added. Service costs are separate. Fee waivers are available for qualifying filers.

How long does a Dayton divorce take?

A Montgomery County dissolution typically finalizes in 30–90 days. A contested Montgomery County divorce usually takes 9 to 15 months, depending on complexity, custody issues, and asset division.

What about military divorces involving Wright-Patterson AFB?

Military divorces in the Dayton area require special handling under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, with additional considerations for military pensions, BAH, deployment, and Survivor Benefit Plans. We routinely handle Wright-Patterson AFB cases.

Is the parenting class required in Montgomery County?

Yes. The Montgomery County Domestic Relations Court requires both parents in any case involving minor children to complete a court-approved parenting class before the final decree. The class is offered in person and online.

Do you handle cases in Greene, Miami, and Warren counties?

Yes. We regularly file in Greene (Xenia), Miami (Troy), Clark (Springfield), Warren (Lebanon), and Preble (Eaton) counties — all part of the Miami Valley region surrounding Dayton.

Dayton Divorce Guide

Focused specifically on divorce in Montgomery County? See our in-depth guide: Dayton Divorce Lawyers — Montgomery County divorce guide.

Dayton Family Law Practice Areas

• Divorce & Dissolution — End your marriage through a contested divorce or an amicable dissolution.
• Paternity & Custody — Establish parentage and build a parenting plan that protects your children.
• Child Support — Calculate, establish, or modify support under Ohio's guidelines.
• Spousal Support — Pursue or respond to alimony requests during and after divorce.

Serving All of Greater Dayton

We represent clients across the Dayton metro area and surrounding counties.

• Montgomery County divorce & family law — Dayton, Kettering, Centerville, Huber Heights, Miamisburg, Oakwood, Trotwood, West Carrollton
• Greene County divorce & family law — Beavercreek, Xenia, Fairborn, Yellow Springs, Bellbrook
• Miami County divorce & family law — Troy, Piqua, Tipp City, Covington
• Warren County divorce & family law — Springboro, Franklin, Lebanon (shared with Cincinnati metro)
• Clark County divorce & family law — Springfield, New Carlisle, Enon

Transparent Pricing & Payment Options in Dayton

Dayton families shouldn't have to guess what legal help will cost. Gavvl Law uses transparent pricing — flat fees for many uncontested and limited-scope matters, so you know the full cost before you commit, and clearly-scoped retainers for complex or contested cases. We offer several ways to pay so you can get help now and choose what fits your budget: pay in full by card through Confido Legal, finance through third-party providers like Affirm, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later, or spread a flat fee over time with a Gavvl Direct in-house payment plan that requires no credit check. Not sure which service or payment path fits your situation? Take our Find My Divorce Service quiz for a personalized recommendation, or review all of our payment options and financing details.

Attorneys Serving Dayton

Meet the Gavvl Law attorneys who represent Dayton and Montgomery County families.

• Stephanie Green — Managing Partner & Co-Founder
• Samantha Berkhofer — Of Counsel Attorney
• Niva Elgin — Legal Consultant
• Eric Sommer — Of Counsel Attorney

Meet the full Gavvl Law team.

Legal Disclaimer

This page is for general information about Ohio family law and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is different; outcomes, timelines, and costs depend on your specific facts and the county where your case is filed. An attorney–client relationship with Gavvl Law begins only after a written representation agreement is signed by both you and the firm. Financing through Affirm, Klarna, and PayPal Pay Later is subject to separate third-party terms and approval, and Gavvl Direct payment plans carry 19% interest compounded monthly on the financed amount. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This page may be considered attorney advertising under Ohio law.