Filing for Dissolution in Medina County, Ohio
Reviewed by Stephanie Green, Esq. · Managing Partner, Gavvl Law · Last updated June 8, 2026
Medina County dissolutions are handled by the Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division at 225 East Washington Street in Medina, with the Hon. Julie A. Schafer as Administrative Judge. A dissolution is the agreed path — both spouses sign a complete Separation Agreement before filing the joint Petition — and the court hears it 30–90 days later, with both spouses appearing to confirm the agreement in open court. Filing deposits (effective 1/1/2024) are $325 without minor children and $350 with, and only the 6-month Ohio residency applies. Medina accepts email filing at mccc-drefiling@medinacounty.gov, and local forms are posted at medinadr.org/forms.html. When children are involved, the FOCUS parenting class through Family Court Resources is due within 45 days of filing and before the final hearing.
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) |
Medina County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division
225 East Washington Street, Medina, OH 44256 • (330) 725-9740 • Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Filing fee: $325–$350. Fee waiver available.
Important things to know about Medina County
- Under R.C. 2301.03(U), Medina decides all custody and parentage cases in the Domestic Relations Court — even for never-married parents — rather than Juvenile Court.
- Email filing is accepted at mccc-drefiling@medinacounty.gov; include the case number in the subject line.
- Filing deposits (effective 1/1/2024) are $350 with minor children and $325 without; the deposit for cases with children covers the FOCUS parenting program.
- When children are involved, the FOCUS parenting class through Family Court Resources (234-802-0944) is due within 45 days of filing and before the final hearing.
- Children ages 6–17 attend the separate "What About Me?" seminar ($15 per child) unless the court excuses them.
- Both spouses must appear at the final hearing, held 30–90 days after filing, to confirm the Separation Agreement in open court.
Required forms (all cases)
- Dissolution Without Children — Ohio Supreme Court Forms Hub — Complete index of every Ohio standardized form needed for a dissolution without children.
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Waiver of Service (Form 17) — The main joint petition — both spouses sign together and waive formal service.
- Separation Agreement (Form 19) — Spells out exactly how you've agreed to divide property, debts, spousal support, and all other terms. Both spouses sign.
- Affidavit of Basic Information, Income & Expenses (Affidavit 1) — Each spouse files their own — personal info, employment, income, monthly expenses.
- Affidavit of Property and Debt (Affidavit 2) — Each spouse files their own — all assets and debts.
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (Form 18) — Final court order ending your marriage — prepared in advance, signed by the Judge at your hearing.
Additional forms with minor children
- Dissolution With Children — Ohio Supreme Court Forms Hub — Complete index of every Ohio standardized form needed for a dissolution with children.
- Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (Affidavit 3) — Required in every case with children — 5-year address history and any other court cases involving the children.
- Health Insurance Affidavit (Affidavit 4) — Each parent's access to health insurance for the children.
- Shared Parenting Plan (Form 20) — Use if both parents will share legal custody and significant parenting time. Both parents must sign.
- Parenting Plan (Form 21) — sole custody — Use if one parent will be residential — outlines parenting time for the non-residential parent.
- Ohio Child Support Worksheet — Run the numbers in the Ohio Child Support Calculator, print the worksheet, and file it with your paperwork.
- Medina County CSEA — IV-D Application — Medina County Child Support Enforcement Agency — opens the support case so the order can be collected and enforced.
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.
Call (844) 694-2885 or email support@gavvl.com.
