An uncontested divorce in Ohio is a divorce where both spouses mutually agree to end the marriage and resolve all critical issues without dispute.
Gavvl Law, LLC makes a no-fault divorce even easier and more accessible than ever. Our experienced and local divorce attorneys offer personalized support tailored to your needs, budget, and location, ensuring transparency, convenience, and affordability.
Uncontested divorce and dissolution both end a marriage in Ohio. Uncontested divorce begins with one spouse filing a complaint, requires grounds for divorce, and has a waiting period.
Dissolution is jointly filed, doesn’t require grounds, and can be resolved faster. While both require mutual agreement, dissolution is more collaborative.
Ohio has several requirements that must be met to file an uncontested divorce:
Both spouses must fully agree on all terms, including child custody, child support, property division, and spousal support.
At least one spouse must have lived in Ohio for six months and in the county where the divorce is filed for at least 90 days.
While Ohio is a no-fault state, the reasoning for divorce must be cited in the petition.
A detailed, uncontested divorce agreement outlining all terms must be prepared and signed by both spouses.
Couples seeking an uncontested divorce in Ohio typically use one of the following:
Other grounds exist (e.g., adultery, cruelty), but these are rarely used in uncontested cases as they typically lead to conflict and require proof.
An uncontested divorce in Ohio generally follows these steps:
Both spouses must agree on all divorce terms, including child custody, child support, property division, and spousal support.
Write a legally valid separation agreement outlining the terms that should be created.
One spouse files a divorce petition with the county court where at least one spouse has resided for 90 days.
The spouse filing the petition must legally serve the other spouse with the divorce papers. The other party has 42 days to respond. If the other party fails to respond, the divorce is granted.
Both spouses must appear in court to confirm the terms of the agreement and that the divorce is voluntary.
If the judge approves the agreement, your divorce decree will be issued, finalizing your uncontested divorce.
Uncontested divorce involves mutual agreement on all issues, while traditional (contested) divorce may require court intervention to resolve disputes. Uncontested divorces are typically faster, less stressful, and less expensive than conventional divorces because there’s no court battle.
While you aren’t legally required to work with a lawyer for an uncontested divorce, hiring a local attorney is beneficial. They can ensure all paperwork is correctly filed under Ohio law, minimize the risk of errors, assist in negotiating terms, and represent you in court.
The cost of an uncontested divorce in Ohio varies but is generally less expensive than a contested divorce. Expenses include court filing fees and attorney fees.
Yes, Ohio requires at least one brief court appearance for uncontested divorces. This hearing is typically short and straightforward, where a judge will review and approve the agreed-upon terms.
An uncontested divorce in Ohio can be finalized in as little as a few months, depending on court schedules and how quickly you and your spouse complete the necessary paperwork.
If you can’t agree on all aspects of your divorce, it becomes contested. You may then need to consider mediation or traditional divorce proceedings to resolve the disputed issues.
You can have an uncontested divorce in Ohio, even with children involved. However, it requires both parents to agree on all child-related issues, including custody, visitation, and child support.
Yes, you can modify the terms of your uncontested divorce before it’s finalized. However, both parties must agree to the changes, and you may need to file amended paperwork with the court.
Gavvl streamlines uncontested divorce by starting with a phone call or online questionnaire. You’ll meet with one of our managing attorneys to discuss your needs in a free 30-minute consultation. Then, we assign a qualified local lawyer based on your requirements, location, and urgency, ensuring you receive the support you need within two business days.
You’ll have 24/7 access to your case, convenient communication with your lawyer, and only pay for the needed services, making for a stress-free, uncontested divorce.