Filing for Dissolution in Marion County, Ohio

Marion County Family Court (Court of Common Pleas, Family Division)

222 West Center Street, Marion, OH 43302 • (740) 223-4060 • Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Filing fee: Contact the Clerk at (740) 223-4060 for current amount. Fee waiver available.

Important things to know about Marion County

• Marion County's Family Court (created 2003) handles domestic relations, juvenile, AND probate matters under one division — uncommon in Ohio.
• Proposed Decree of Dissolution must be submitted to the court at LEAST 3 days before the final hearing.
• 30-day journalization deadline — if the judgment isn't prepared and submitted within 30 days of the hearing, the court may dismiss your case on its own motion.
• If you're dividing a pension/retirement plan, the QDRO must be submitted AT the final hearing with the Decree — not later.
• Marion uses its own lettered local forms (Form A through Form K) alongside Ohio Supreme Court standardized forms.
• Formatting rule: all documents must be typewritten or printed, double-spaced, single-sided, on 8½ x 11 paper with a 2-inch top margin and 1-inch bottom margin.
• Online payments accepted through the court's BridgePayment portal; e-filing available through the eServices portal.
• The Parenting Addendum (Form K) contains extensive mandatory language about child support, medical support, notification, and enforcement — it becomes part of your court order, so read it carefully.

Required forms (all cases)

• Form A — Affidavit of Basic Information, Income & Expenses (one per party) — Marion County local version of the income/expenses affidavit. Each spouse files their own.
• Form B — Affidavit of Property and Debt (one per party) — Marion County local version of the property/debt affidavit. Each spouse files their own.
• Form F — Case Designation — Local intake form designating the type of case for the Clerk.
• Form G — Duty to Advise Court of Address Changes — Local form confirming each party's duty to keep the court informed of any address change.
• Form H — Request to Issue Wage Assessment — Local form requesting wage withholding for any support order.
• Petition for Dissolution and Waiver of Service (Form 17) — The main joint petition — both spouses sign together and waive formal service.
• Separation Agreement (Form 19) — Your full settlement on property, debt, and support. Both spouses must sign.
• Decree of Dissolution (Form 18) — Final court order ending the marriage. Must be submitted to the court at least 3 days BEFORE the final hearing.
• Civil Fee Waiver (if needed) — Marion County's fee waiver form for filers who can't afford the filing fee.
• Motion to Appear by Zoom (optional) — File this motion if you want to attend any hearing by Zoom; the Judge or Magistrate decides whether to grant it.

Additional forms with minor children

• Form C — Parenting Proceeding Affidavit — Marion's local version of the parenting affidavit — 5-year address history and any other court cases involving the children.
• Form D — Health Insurance Affidavit — Marion's local version of the health insurance affidavit. Documents each parent's ability to insure the children.
• Form I — Parenting Education — Marion's parenting education form — explains the required parenting course and registration.
• Form K — Parenting Addendum — Contains extensive mandatory language about child support, medical support, notifications, and enforcement. Becomes part of your court order — read it carefully.
• Shared Parenting Plan (Form 20) — Option A — Use if both parents will share legal custody and significant parenting time. Both parents must sign.
• Parenting Plan (Form 21) — Option B, sole custody — Use if one parent will be residential — outlines the parenting time schedule. Pair with the Parenting Judgment Entry.
• Parenting Judgment Entry (Form 22) — Option B, sole custody — Sole-custody court order naming the residential parent.
• Rule 32B — Marion County Parenting Time Schedule (reference) — Marion's standard parenting time schedule — review to understand the court's expectations before drafting your own.
• Ohio Child Support Worksheet — Run the numbers in the Ohio Child Support Calculator, print the worksheet, and file it with your packet.
• IV-D Application for Child Support Services — Required when child support orders are issued. Contact Marion County CSEA directly for the application.

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.