Filing for Dissolution in Morrow County, Ohio

Morrow County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division

48 East High Street, Mt. Gilead, OH 43338 • (419) 947-4515 • Monday–Friday, regular court hours — call (419) 947-4515 to confirm.

Filing fee: $275. Fee waiver available.

Important things to know about Morrow County

• One flat $275 filing fee whether you have children or not — most Ohio counties charge more for cases with children.
• One of only five Ohio counties where the Common Pleas judges handle ALL divisions: criminal, civil, domestic relations, juvenile, and probate. Judges Elkin and Hickson split the entire caseload equally.
• Two magistrates hear contested matters and most dissolutions with children, then issue a Magistrate's Decision the Judge reviews for errors of law.
• Dissolutions with children get thorough front-end review — the court emphasizes catching parenting and support problems at the outset to avoid post-decree disputes.
• After a Magistrate's Decision, there is a 14-day objection period. If objections are filed, the opposing party has 10 additional days to respond and the Judge does a full review.
• Court is held in the historic Morrow County Courthouse in downtown Mt. Gilead.
• Hearing must occur between 30 and 90 days after filing under Ohio law — both spouses MUST attend or the dissolution will not be granted.

Required forms (all cases)

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Waiver of Service of Summons (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, and spousal support. Both spouses sign. Must also address child support and parenting if minor children are involved.
• Affidavit of Basic Information, Income & Expenses (Affidavit 1) — Each spouse files their own — employment, income, and 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 the marriage. Prepare it in advance for the Judge to sign at the hearing.

Additional forms with minor children

• Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (Affidavit 3) — Required in every case with minor 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) — 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 for the other parent. Pair with the Parenting Judgment Entry.
• Parenting Judgment Entry (Form 22) — Option B, sole custody — Sole-custody court order naming the residential parent.
• 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 Morrow County Job & Family Services directly for the application — no online form is published.

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.