Filing for Divorce with Children in Montgomery County

File for divorce with minor children in the Montgomery County Domestic Relations Court. Step-by-step guidance, 9 required forms, ~$475 filing fee, parenting class requirements, and Ohio attorney help.

Montgomery County uses a two-step filing process unusual among Ohio DR courts: you drop your documents at the Navigator's Office (Room 222) at 301 W. Third Street, the Compliance Office (Room 261) reviews them, and only after approval do you pay the $475 fee at the Clerk of Court across the walkway at 41 N. Perry Street. The MCDRC Form Assistant at mcdrc.ohiolegalhelp.org is the court's recommended way to build your packet.

Montgomery County Domestic Relations Court

301 West Third Street, 2nd Floor, Dayton, OH 45422
Phone: (937) 225-4000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Drop off at Navigator's Office (Room 222). Compliance Office: Room 261 • (937) 225-4782. Pay and file at Clerk of Court, 41 N. Perry Street, Room 104.

Filing Fees

$475 divorce with children (paid at the Clerk of Court after Compliance approval)

Montgomery County Procedure Quirks

  • Two-step filing: documents are first reviewed by the Compliance Office (Room 261) before you pay and file with the Clerk of Court.
  • Two buildings: DR Court is at 301 W. Third Street; the Clerk of Court is across an indoor walkway at 41 N. Perry Street, Room 104.
  • Drop-off for review is in the Navigator's Office, Room 222 — around the corner to the right from the elevator.
  • Poverty Affidavit can be added to your packet via the Form Assistant if you cannot pay up front; you may still owe the fee at the end of the case.

Parenting Class

Required parenting education — Court-approved providers — register through the Court
Mandatory for parents with minor children before the final hearing.

Montgomery County Juvenile Court (Juvenile Justice Center)

380 West Second Street, Dayton, OH 45422
Phone: (937) 225-4199
Hours: Court: Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. • Clerk's Office (filing): 8:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m. Closed on federal holidays.
Website: mcjcohio.org

Pro Se Packet pickup Mon–Fri 8:30–12:00 and 1:00–3:30. Citizen Services / notary by appointment Wed–Fri.

Domestic Relations vs. Juvenile

Montgomery splits across downtown Dayton: DR Court at 301 W. Third Street (with Compliance review before payment) for divorces and dissolutions; Juvenile Court at 380 W. Second Street for never-married-parent custody/support and juvenile matters.

Free Local Resources in Montgomery County

  • MCDRC Form Assistant (Ohio Legal Help). mcdrc.ohiolegalhelp.org/letters-forms/divorce-with-children — guided interview generates all required forms, free.
  • Free Legal Help for Self-Represented Parties. Income-qualified parties may receive free legal help. (937) 496-7766.
  • Printing. Any Dayton Public Library branch (10¢/page) or Montgomery County Law Library (20¢/page, cash or check only).

Related to your divorce

  • 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 +1-844-694-2885 or email support@gavvl.com.