Franklin County Divorce Attorneys

Reviewed by Stephanie Green · Managing Partner & Co-Founder · Last updated May 26, 2026

Franklin County, Ohio · Columbus

Divorces in Franklin County are handled by the Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations at 373 South High Street, Columbus. Below is everything you need — court info, the right stack of forms for your situation, filing fees, and what to expect — plus attorney help if you decide you want it.

Hire Gavvl for your Franklin County divorce case

Flat-fee and full-representation options: we handle the filings, the Franklin County local forms, the court strategy, and the hearings — and you know the price before we start.

Start with a $25 consultation and talk through your options with an Ohio family-law attorney before you commit to anything. Get started online or see payment plans & financing.

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

File a Complaint for Divorce (Supreme Court Form 6 without children, Form 7 with children) with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations, at 373 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215, or e-file at drj.fccourts.org. The deposit is approximately $275 (the same with or without children). You or your spouse must have been an Ohio resident for at least 6 months and a Franklin County resident for at least 90 days before filing.

Hire Gavvl Law for your Franklin County divorce

You do not have to face the Division of Domestic Relations at 373 South High Street alone, and you do not have to guess what it will cost. Gavvl Law handles Franklin County divorces two ways: a flat-fee filing package where we build and file the right complaint packet for your situation, or full representation where an Ohio attorney carries the case from the first filing through the final decree — including the conference-and-supplemental-affidavit process Franklin uses for temporary orders.

We handle Franklin's temporary-orders detour. Most Ohio counties rule on a temporary-orders motion straight from the affidavits. Franklin sets a conference first, then orders supplemental affidavits and a hearing only if you can't agree. We prepare you for that exact sequence and file the counter affidavit inside the 14-day Civ.R. 75(N) window so you never negotiate from behind.
Flat fees quoted before you commit. For a paperwork-driven or uncontested divorce you see the price up front — no hourly surprises. If your case needs courtroom advocacy, full representation runs on a retainer, and we tell you that before you pay a dollar.
Built for two Columbus courthouses. Divorce is decided at 373 South High Street, but anything touching never-married custody or paternity runs through the Juvenile Branch at 399 South Front Street. We file in the right building the first time so your case isn't bounced or delayed.

Every Franklin County divorce with minor children requires the 'TAPP – Putting the Children First' parenting class, and Local Rule 43 puts a Standard Mutual Temporary Restraining Order in place at filing. We build both into your plan from day one so nothing stalls your final hearing in Columbus.

Flat-fee options

Flat-fee limited scope: we draft and file the correct complaint packet for your situation; you appear at any hearings yourself.

Complaint for Divorce: $1,250
With temporary orders: $1,750
With minor children: $1,750
With children + temporary orders: $2,000

Prefer full representation? An Ohio attorney can carry the entire case on a $3,500 retainer.

Split any flat fee with Gavvl Direct — our in-house plan at 19% APR, $500 minimum — on a 60%-down schedule of 18 weekly, 8 bi-weekly, or 4 monthly payments, or full financing where work begins once 60% is paid. Affirm, Klarna, and PayPal Pay Later are also available through LawPay.

Start your divorce case or see payment plans & financing.

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)

Where to File: Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations

373 South High Street, 4th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 525-4410
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Website: Court website
e-Filing: Online e-filing portal

Juvenile Branch (Never-Married Parents)

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas — Juvenile Branch
399 South Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 525-4411
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Divorce is the right path if…

You and your spouse don't agree on everything (custody, money, property, debt, or support).
Your spouse won't sign paperwork, won't communicate, or you can't safely reach an agreement.
You need temporary orders now (support, exclusive use of the home, parenting time).
You or your spouse have been an Ohio resident for at least 6 months and a Franklin County resident for at least 90 days.

If you and your spouse already agree on everything in writing, you may want a Dissolution instead — it's faster and cheaper. See dissolution options.

Filing Fees

~$300 without children · ~$350 with children · Cash, money order, certified check, or credit/debit card

Forms & Filing Packets

Core divorce filing packet (no children) — ~$300 deposit

Complaint for Divorce without Children (Supreme Court Form 6) — Opens your divorce case and tells Franklin DR what you're asking for. Use when you and your spouse have no minor children together.
Affidavit of Property — Lists every asset and debt. Required at filing and reused for temporary orders. Tip: Use "Est." for unknown values and "None" where something doesn't apply.
Affidavit of Income and Expenses — Snapshot of gross income, take-home pay, and monthly household expenses. Required at filing.
Request for Service / Instructions for Service — Tells the Clerk how you want the other party served (certified mail, Sheriff, or publication).
Copy of your driver's license or state ID — Front and back. If e-filing, upload as PDF with your packet.

Core divorce filing packet (with minor children) — ~$350 deposit

Complaint for Divorce with Children (Supreme Court Form 7) — The divorce Complaint used when you and your spouse have minor children together. Pleads custody, parenting time, and child-support allegations.
Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (UCCJEA · R.C. 3127.23) — Lists where each child has lived for the last 5 years and with whom. Confirms Ohio's jurisdiction over custody.
Health Insurance Affidavit — Discloses whether health insurance is available for the children through either parent's employer.
Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet — Run the official Ohio 2024 Income Shares calculator, print, and sign. Required any time you're asking the court to set support.
IV-D Application for Child Support Services — Opens your case with Franklin County CSEA so support can be collected, tracked, and enforced through wage withholding.
Affidavit of Property — Lists every asset and debt. Required at filing and reused for temporary orders. Tip: Use "Est." for unknown values and "None" where something doesn't apply.
Affidavit of Income and Expenses — Snapshot of gross income, take-home pay, and monthly household expenses. Required at filing.
Request for Service / Instructions for Service — Tells the Clerk how you want the other party served (certified mail, Sheriff, or publication).
Copy of your driver's license or state ID — Front and back. If e-filing, upload as PDF with your packet.

Temporary orders add-on packet

In Franklin County the court doesn't rule on the temporary-orders motion outright — it sets a conference where both sides try to agree, then orders supplemental affidavits by a set date and schedules a hearing only if needed. Expect it to take longer than the typical 14 days, and file your counter affidavit within 14 days of service.

Motion and Affidavit for Temporary Orders — Asks the court for temporary spousal/child support, parenting time, exclusive use of the home, and bill responsibility while your case is pending. Franklin doesn't just rule on the affidavits — the court first sets a conference where both sides try to agree; if there's no agreement, the Magistrate orders supplemental affidavits by a set date and, if needed, schedules a hearing. Expect this to take longer than the typical 14 days. Tip: Attach current Affidavits of Property and Income/Expenses — Franklin DR routinely denies bare-bones motions.
Counter Affidavit for Temporary Orders — File your counter affidavit within 14 days of being served (Civ.R. 75(N)) — it's the position you'll negotiate from at the conference. If you still disagree after the court issues temporary orders, Civ.R. 75(N)(2) lets you request an oral hearing, but in Franklin the conference-and-supplemental-affidavit process usually comes first.
Standard Mutual Temporary Restraining Order (Local Rule 43) — Under Local Rule 43, this standard order issues in every Franklin County divorce, legal separation, or annulment. The filer signs the proposed order and presents it at filing, then serves a copy on the other spouse. It binds both spouses against draining accounts, canceling insurance, or hiding marital assets, and stays in effect until the court modifies it or the final decree is filed. It is not a no-contact order.
Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet — Run the official Ohio 2024 Income Shares calculator, print, and sign. Required any time you're asking the court to set support.

How to File Divorce in Franklin County

Confirm Ohio residency and Franklin County venue. You or your spouse must have been an Ohio resident for at least 6 months and a Franklin County resident for at least 90 days.
Decide whether you are filing the Complaint or answering one. Filing Form 6 (no kids) or Form 7 (with kids) opens the case. If you were served, file an Answer within 28 days or risk default.
Decide whether to request temporary orders. Strongly recommended in cases with minor children or financial dependency. Franklin sets a conference to try for agreement, then orders supplemental affidavits and a hearing only if needed — so file your counter affidavit within 14 days of service and expect it to take longer than usual.
Assemble the correct forms packet. Core complaint + Affidavits of Property and Income/Expenses, plus the children packet (UCCJEA, child-support worksheet, IV-D, health insurance) when applicable, plus a temporary-orders motion if needed.
File at 373 South High Street or e-file at drj.fccourts.org. Deposit is ~$275 (the same with or without children), paid to the Franklin County DR Clerk. Card payments include a processing fee.
Complete "TAPP – Putting the Children First" (if children) and file the Certificate. Required for both parents in any case with minor children. Confirm the current fee and format with the court; the Certificate must be filed before the final hearing.

Franklin County Practice Notes

Standard restraining order issues at filing. Under Local Rule 43, a Standard Mutual Temporary Restraining Order is part of every Franklin divorce. The filer signs and presents it at filing and serves the other spouse; it binds both against draining accounts, dropping insurance, or hiding assets.
Temporary orders take an extra step. Franklin doesn't rule on the motion — it sets a conference to try for agreement, then orders supplemental affidavits and a hearing only if needed. Attach current financial affidavits or your motion will be denied.
Two physical intakes. DR is on the upper floors at 373 South High Street; the Juvenile Branch is a separate building at 399 South Front Street.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the residency requirements to file in Franklin County?: For divorce, legal separation, or annulment, you or your spouse must have been an Ohio resident for at least 6 months immediately before filing, and a Franklin County resident for at least 90 days. For dissolution, only the 6-month Ohio residency applies — there is no separate Franklin County residency requirement. For juvenile-branch cases (paternity, never-married custody, child support), Ohio must be the children's 'home state' under the UCCJEA, which generally means the children have lived in Ohio for the last 6 months.
How much does it cost to file in Franklin County DR?: Approximate deposits: divorce or legal separation $300 without children / $350 with children; dissolution $250 without children / $300 with children; annulment $300/$350. Juvenile Branch filings for custody or support under ORC 2151.233 (paternity, never-married custody, child support, and modifications) are $175. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk at 373 South High Street (DR) or 399 South Front Street (Juvenile) before filing.
How long does the case usually take?: Dissolution: 30-90 days from filing to the final hearing. Uncontested divorce or legal separation: 4-6 months. Contested divorce: 6-18 months depending on temporary-orders activity and the Magistrate's calendar. Paternity: 60-120 days if uncontested, longer if genetic testing or contested allocation is involved. Civil Protection Orders: ex parte order the same day; full hearing within 7-10 days; final order can last up to 5 years.
Can I e-file in Franklin County?: Yes. Domestic Relations filings go through drj.fccourts.org/efiling — attorneys must e-file unless excepted, and self-represented parties may e-file or file in person at 373 South High Street. The Juvenile Branch at 399 South Front Street accepts in-person filings; some Juvenile filings can be submitted electronically — call (614) 525-4411 to confirm before filing.
How do temporary orders work in Franklin County?: Differently from most Ohio counties — and they take longer. If your spouse requests temporary orders, you typically have 14 days from service to file a counter affidavit (Civ.R. 75(N)); that affidavit is what you'll negotiate from. But Franklin DR does not just rule on the paperwork: the court sets a conference where both sides try to agree on temporary orders. If you can't agree, the Magistrate orders supplemental affidavits by a set date, and only if you're still stuck does the court hold a hearing and decide. Always attach current Affidavits of Property and Income/Expenses — bare-bones motions are routinely denied — and plan for this to take longer than the usual 14 days, so file early.
Does Franklin County issue an automatic restraining order at filing?: Yes. Under Local Rule 43, a Standard Mutual Temporary Restraining Order is part of every Franklin County divorce, legal separation, or annulment. The person filing signs the proposed order and presents it at filing, then serves a copy on the other spouse, who is bound as soon as they are served. It stops both spouses from draining accounts, canceling insurance, hiding marital assets, or running up new debt, and it stays in force until the court changes it or the final decree is filed. It is not a no-contact order — if you need protection from violence or threats, that is a separate Civil Protection Order.
Is the parenting class really required?: Yes — under R.C. 3109.053 and Franklin DR local rule, both parents in any divorce, dissolution, legal separation, or annulment involving minor children must complete "TAPP – Putting the Children First" and file the Certificate of Completion before the final hearing. Confirm the current fee and format with the court. The Juvenile Branch has a comparable requirement for never-married custody cases.
Will my case be heard by a Judge or a Magistrate?: Most pretrial conferences, temporary-orders motions, and even contested final hearings in Franklin DR are heard by a Magistrate. The Magistrate issues a Magistrate's Decision; either party then has 14 days to file Objections, which are decided by the assigned Judge. Civil Protection Order full hearings are heard directly by the assigned Judge.
Are remote / Zoom hearings available?: Yes — Franklin DR and the Juvenile Branch both offer Zoom and telephonic hearings on motion. Most pretrial conferences, status conferences, and uncontested final hearings can be held remotely if both parties agree and the assigned Magistrate or Judge approves. Civil Protection Order full hearings are usually in person.

Free Local Resources in Franklin County

Franklin County DR Self-Help Resource Center. 373 South High Street. Forms, computer terminals, limited procedural help. Cannot give legal advice. Mon–Fri during court hours.
Legal Aid Society of Columbus. (614) 241-2001. Income-qualified family law representation and advice clinics across central Ohio.
Columbus Bar Lawyer Referral Service. (614) 221-0754. Paid 30-minute consultation referrals to vetted Franklin County family-law attorneys.
Franklin County CSEA (Child Support Enforcement Agency). (614) 525-3275. Opens IV-D cases and collects/distributes child support through wage withholding.
Franklin County Juvenile Branch Help Center. 399 South Front Street. Procedural help for self-represented filers on never-married custody, paternity, and support cases.

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.

Related guides

In-depth, attorney-written guides on divorce and related Ohio family law topics.

How to File for Divorce in Ohio: A Step-by-Step Guide — Filing for divorce in Ohio follows a defined path: confirm residency, choose your grounds, file the complaint, serve your spouse, and work toward temporary orders and a final decree. Here is how each step works.
Divorce vs. Dissolution in Ohio: Which Path Is Right for You? — Divorce and dissolution both end an Ohio marriage, but they work very differently. Dissolution is a no-fault, agreed process; divorce is a lawsuit for couples who can't agree. Here's how to choose.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Ohio? — The cost of an Ohio divorce ranges widely depending on conflict and complexity. Here's what drives the price — court fees, attorney fees, experts — and how to keep it manageable.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Ohio? — There is no single answer to how long an Ohio divorce takes — an agreed dissolution can finish in a couple of months, while a contested divorce may run a year or more. Here's what drives the timeline.

Understand the cost

Cost of Divorce in Franklin County — Real filing fees, court costs, timeline, and flat-fee options for a divorce in Franklin County.
Columbus Divorce Lawyers — Flat-fee divorce representation for Columbus and Franklin County — pricing, process, and local courts.
Divorce vs. Dissolution in Ohio — How the two paths compare on agreement, timeline, and cost.
Ohio Divorce Cost & Timeline by Path — Compare cost and timeline across every path to ending a marriage.
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce in Ohio — What each path means for your timeline and total cost.

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