Filing for Divorce in Fairfield County

Fairfield County, Ohio · Lancaster

A Fairfield County divorce is filed at the dedicated DR Division on the 4th floor of the Hall of Justice at 224 East Main Street in Lancaster, in front of Hon. Laura B. Smith. Three local quirks shape every Fairfield filing: (1) the Clerk closes midday from 12:00–1:00 p.m. — plan around it; (2) single-sided documents only — the Clerk rejects anything printed on both sides; and (3) Fairfield's Standard Mutual Restraining Order goes into effect automatically the moment your case is filed. Fairfield's filing requirements blend Ohio SC standardized forms with several required local forms: the Document Checklist, Personal Identifier Form, Notice of Filing for Family File, and (for cases with children) the SETS form. Parents with minor children must complete Children In Between® ($25 online) before the final hearing.

How do I file for divorce in Fairfield County, Ohio?

File the Complaint for Divorce (Ohio SC Form 4 without children or Form 5 with children) at the Fairfield County Clerk of Courts, 4th Floor, Hall of Justice, 224 East Main Street, Lancaster. Include Fairfield's Personal Identifier Form, Notice of Filing for Family File, Affidavit 1 (Financial), and Affidavit 2 (Property). With children, add Affidavit 3 (UCCJEA/Parenting Proceeding), Affidavit 4 (Health Insurance), the Ohio Child Support Worksheet, the SETS form, and a parenting plan. Print everything single-sided. You or your spouse must have lived in Ohio for at least 6 months and in Fairfield County for at least 90 days. Ohio's mandatory 42-day waiting period after service applies before any final hearing; the defendant has 28 days to file an Answer. Filing fees are approximately $300 — call the Clerk at (740) 652-7440 for the current amount. Affidavit of Indigency available if you cannot afford the fee. Parents with minor children must complete Children In Between® ($25 online) before the final hearing.

Where to File: Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas — Domestic Relations Division

Hall of Justice, 224 East Main Street, 4th Floor, Lancaster, OH 43130, Lancaster, OH 43130
Phone: (740) 652-7440
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (closed midday)
Website: www.co.fairfield.oh.us/dr/

Juvenile Branch (Never-Married Parents)

Fairfield County Juvenile and Probate Court
Hall of Justice, 224 East Main Street, 3rd Floor, Lancaster, OH 43130, Lancaster, OH 43130
Phone: (740) 652-7463
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Divorce is the right path if…

You and your spouse don't agree on everything (custody, parenting time, money, property, debt, or support).
Your spouse won't sign paperwork or won't communicate.
You need temporary orders now — for support, parenting time, or exclusive use of the home.
You or your spouse have lived in Ohio for at least 6 months and in Fairfield County for at least 90 days.

If you and your spouse already agree on everything in writing, a Dissolution is faster — same court, joint petition. See Fairfield County dissolution.

Filing Fees

Filing fee approximately $300 — call (740) 652-7440 for current amount · 42-day waiting period after service · 28 days to answer · Standard Mutual Restraining Order auto-effective · Children In Between® $25 online · Single-sided only · Midday Clerk closure 12-1

Forms & Filing Packets

Core divorce filing packet (no minor children) — Approximately $300 — contact Clerk

Fairfield requires both the Ohio SC standardized forms and several local forms — file them together. Single-sided only.

Complaint for Divorce Without Children (Ohio SC Form 4) — Opens your Fairfield County divorce when there are no minor children.
Dissolution & Divorce Document Checklist (Fairfield local) — Fairfield's official checklist — work through it before filing to confirm every form is complete.
Personal Identifier Form (Fairfield local) — Lists SSNs, DOBs, and other personal identifiers separately from the public docket — required at filing.
Notice of Filing for Family File (Fairfield local) — Required intake notice creating the case's family file.
Financial Affidavit (Ohio SC Affidavit 1) — Income, expenses, and basic financial information. Each party files their own.
Affidavit of Property (Ohio SC Affidavit 2) — Lists every asset and debt. Required at filing.
Decree of Divorce Without Children (Ohio SC Form 14) — Proposed final order ending the marriage.

Core divorce filing packet (with minor children) — Approximately $300 — contact Clerk

Adds the UCCJEA/parenting affidavits, child support worksheet, SETS form, and parenting plan to the no-children packet.

Complaint for Divorce With Children (Ohio SC Form 7) — Opens your Fairfield County divorce when minor children are involved. Pleads custody, parenting time, and child support.
Dissolution & Divorce Document Checklist (Fairfield local) — Fairfield's official checklist — work through it before filing to confirm every form is complete.
Personal Identifier Form (Fairfield local) — Lists SSNs, DOBs, and other personal identifiers separately from the public docket — required at filing.
Notice of Filing for Family File (Fairfield local) — Required intake notice creating the case's family file.
Financial Affidavit (Ohio SC Affidavit 1) — Income, expenses, and basic financial information. Each party files their own.
Affidavit of Property (Ohio SC Affidavit 2) — Lists every asset and debt. Required at filing.
Parenting Proceeding Affidavit / UCCJEA (Ohio SC Affidavit 3) — Required in any DR case with minor children. Lists where each child has lived for the last 5 years.
Health Insurance Affidavit (Ohio SC Affidavit 4) — Discloses whether health insurance is available for the children through either parent's employer.
Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet (2024 Income Shares) — Run the official Ohio Child Support Calculator, print, and sign.
SETS Child Support Information Form (Fairfield local) — Required SETS intake form for any case involving a child-support order.
Parenting Plan (Ohio SC Form 21) — Used when one parent will be designated residential parent and legal custodian.
Decree of Divorce With Children (Ohio SC Form 15) — Proposed final order for a divorce with minor children.

Shared parenting add-on

Required when both parents are asking to be designated residential parents and legal custodians under R.C. 3109.04(G).

Shared Parenting Plan (Ohio SC Form 20) — Required when both parents are asking to be designated residential parents under R.C. 3109.04(G). Must be notarized.

Temporary orders add-on packet

File under Civ. R. 75(N) with a current Affidavit 1 and Affidavit 2 attached. Fairfield's Standard Mutual Restraining Order is already in effect automatically on filing.

Motion for Temporary Orders (Civ. R. 75(N)) — Asks the court for temporary custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, or exclusive use of the home while the case is pending. Tip: Attach a current Affidavit 1 (Financial) and Affidavit 2 (Property).
Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet (2024 Income Shares) — Run the official Ohio Child Support Calculator, print, and sign.

How to File Divorce in Fairfield County

Confirm Ohio + Fairfield County residency. You or your spouse must have lived in Ohio for at least 6 months and in Fairfield County for at least 90 days before filing.
Pick your grounds. Ohio recognizes no-fault grounds (living separate and apart for 1 year, or incompatibility unless denied) and fault grounds (adultery, extreme cruelty, gross neglect of duty, habitual drunkenness, fraudulent contract, imprisonment, or willful absence for 1 year).
Assemble the Fairfield filing packet. Complaint (Form 4 or 5), Personal Identifier Form, Notice of Filing for Family File, Affidavit 1, Affidavit 2 — plus with children, Affidavit 3, Affidavit 4, child support worksheet, SETS form, and a parenting plan. Work through Fairfield's Document Checklist.
Print everything single-sided. The Clerk will reject double-sided documents at the counter.
File at the Clerk on the 4th Floor, Hall of Justice. Pay the filing fee (~$300) or file an Affidavit of Indigency. Avoid the midday closure (12:00–1:00 p.m.).
Serve your spouse and wait 42 days. Service can be by certified mail, Sheriff, or process server. The defendant has 28 days to file an Answer or Counterclaim. A final hearing cannot be held until at least 42 days after service is completed.
Complete Children In Between® (if children). $25 online at divorce-education.com/OH/fairfield. File the certificate of completion with the Clerk in person or by fax to (740) 652-7399 before the final hearing.

Fairfield County Practice Notes

Single-sided documents only. Fairfield's Clerk rejects anything printed on both sides of the page. This is one of the most common reasons filings get bounced — reprint anything double-sided before you go in.
Standard Mutual Restraining Order is automatic. Fairfield's Standard Mutual Restraining Order goes into effect the moment your DR case is filed. You don't need to file it separately. It restrains both spouses from harassment and from disposing of assets — read it carefully because it binds you the same as it binds your spouse.
Personal Identifier Form is required. Fairfield uses a separate Personal Identifier Form to keep SSNs, DOBs, and similar identifiers off the public docket. Required at filing alongside the Complaint and Affidavits.
Plan around the midday closure. The Clerk is closed daily from 12:00–1:00 p.m. for lunch. File in the morning session (8:00–12:00) or the afternoon session (1:00–4:00).
Children In Between® before final hearing. Parents with minor children must complete the Children In Between® program ($25 online at divorce-education.com/OH/fairfield) and file the certificate of completion with the Clerk before the final hearing. Account valid 30 days; 24/7 access.
Local Rule 17 Standard Parenting Time applies. Unless the parties agree to a different schedule in writing, Fairfield's Local Rule 17 Standard Parenting Time Order (revised March 1, 2023) sets the default schedule. Read it before negotiating.
Magistrate Greenlee may hear you at JFS. Some hearings assigned to Magistrate Greenlee are held at the Fairfield County Job and Family Services building rather than the Hall of Justice. Read your hearing notice carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the residency requirements to file in Fairfield County?: For divorce, legal separation, or annulment, you or your spouse must have lived in Ohio for at least 6 months and in Fairfield County for at least 90 days before filing. Dissolution only requires the 6-month Ohio residency.
How much does it cost to file in Fairfield County?: Filing fees are approximately $300, though the exact amount may vary by case type (with or without children). Call the Clerk of Courts at (740) 652-7440 for the current fee. An Affidavit of Indigency is available to waive fees for qualifying low-income filers. Fax filings are accepted at (740) 652-7399.
Why won't the Clerk accept my paperwork?: Fairfield County Clerk will NOT accept forms printed on both sides of the paper. Every page must be single-sided. This is one of the most common reasons filings get rejected at the counter — reprint anything that's double-sided before you go in.
What are the DR Court hours in Fairfield County?: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. AND 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. — the Clerk closes for one hour in the middle of the day. Plan your visit for the morning (8:00–12:00) or afternoon (1:00–4:00) session.
Is there an automatic restraining order when I file in Fairfield County?: Yes. The Fairfield County Standard Mutual Restraining Order goes into effect automatically the moment a DR case is filed. It restrains both parties from harassment and from disposing of assets while the case is pending. Read it carefully — it binds you the same as it binds your spouse.
What parenting-time schedule applies in Fairfield County?: Fairfield's Local Rule 17 Standard Parenting Time Order — most recently revised March 1, 2023 — applies unless the parties agree to something different in writing. The current version covers cases decided on or after March 1, 2023. A previous version covers cases decided between March 1, 2007 and February 28, 2023.
What parent education does Fairfield County require?: Parents with minor children in divorce, legal separation, or dissolution cases must complete the Children In Between® program. It's available online for $25 at divorce-education.com/OH/fairfield. Accounts are valid for 30 days and the program is 24/7. File the certificate of completion with the Clerk in person or by fax to (740) 652-7399 — required before the final hearing.
How long does a Fairfield County divorce take?: Ohio's mandatory 42-day waiting period after service applies before any final hearing. Uncontested divorces typically run 4-6 months; contested cases routinely run 8-18 months depending on discovery and the court's calendar. The defendant has 28 days to file an Answer after service. Parents with minor children must complete Children In Between® before the final hearing.

Free Local Resources in Fairfield County

Fairfield County DR Division. Hall of Justice, 224 East Main Street, 4th Floor, Lancaster, OH 43130. Phone (740) 652-7440 · Fax (740) 652-7399. Hon. Laura B. Smith presides.
Fairfield County DR Forms Hub (HTML + PDF). co.fairfield.oh.us/dr/DR-Court-Forms-FC.html — accessible HTML and printable PDF versions of every local DR form.
Fairfield County DR Local Rules. co.fairfield.oh.us/dr/FC-Local-Rules-of-Court-DR.html — including Local Rule 17 Standard Parenting Time Order.
Local Rule 17 — Standard Parenting Time Order (rev. 2023). co.fairfield.oh.us/dr/pdf/Local-Rule-17-rev-2023.03.01.pdf — current standard order.
Children In Between® (online, $25). divorce-education.com/OH/fairfield — required parent-education for parents with minor children. 24/7 online; 30-day account.
Dissolution & Divorce Document Checklist. co.fairfield.oh.us/dr/documents/Dissolution-and-Divorce-Document-Checklist.pdf — work through it before filing.
Standard Mutual Restraining Order (auto-effective on filing). co.fairfield.oh.us/dr/documents/restraining_order.pdf
Fairfield County Visitation Center. 407 East Main Street, Lancaster — supervised visitation and exchange services.
Fairfield County Juvenile & Probate Court. Hall of Justice, 224 East Main Street, 3rd Floor, Lancaster. Juvenile (740) 652-7463 · Probate (740) 652-7485. Hon. Terre L. Vandervoort (also serves as Clerk). Magistrates Michelle L. Edgar and Troy M. Sitzmann.
Juvenile Resource Center (Connexion West). 625 Garfield Avenue, Lancaster · (740) 652-7374 — diversion services, behavioral health, and youth programming.
The Lighthouse, Inc. (CPO advocacy). 136 West Main Street, 2nd Floor, Lancaster · (740) 687-6778 ext. 3027 — free CPO advocacy (not legal advice).
SEOLS Virtual Legal Clinics. 4th Tuesday of every month, 5:00–7:00 p.m. Call 844-302-1800 Mon–Fri to register.
Court Appointed Counsel Application (Ohio OPD). opd.ohio.gov/appointed-counsel/reimbursement/05-financial-disclosure-form-opd-206r
Ohio Supreme Court Standardized Forms. supremecourt.ohio.gov — Fairfield DR uses Ohio SC standardized forms alongside Fairfield locals.
Ohio Child Support Calculator. ohiochildsupportcalculator.ohio.gov — run the worksheet and print it for filing.
Ohio Legal Help. ohiolegalhelp.org — plain-language guides and interactive court forms.

Related to your divorce case

Divorce & Dissolution — End your marriage through a contested divorce or an amicable 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.

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