Filing for Dissolution in Muskingum County

Reviewed by Stephanie Green · Managing Partner & Co-Founder · Last updated June 11, 2026

Muskingum County, Ohio · Zanesville

A dissolution is a fully agreed, no-fault end to a marriage. Both spouses sign a separation agreement (and, with children, a parenting plan) settling every issue, then jointly petition the Muskingum County Domestic Relations Court. The final hearing is held 30 to 90 days after filing, and both spouses must appear to confirm the agreement.

How do I file for dissolution in Muskingum County, Ohio?

Both spouses sign the Separation Agreement (tab 55) and, with children, a Parenting Plan (tab 56) or Shared Parenting Plan (tab 57), then jointly file the Dissolution petition — tab 17 without children, tab 14 (parenting plan) or tab 15 (shared parenting) with children — with the DR1/DR2 affidavits (and DR3 + Health Insurance Affidavit and Title IV-D Application with children). Pay the $175 deposit ($200 with children) or file a fee waiver. With minor children, complete the 2-hour Co-Parenting Seminar before the final hearing, held 30–90 days after filing.

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

PathEnds the marriage?Agreement required?Best when
DissolutionYesYes — on every term before filingBoth spouses agree on everything and want the fastest, lowest-cost path
Divorce (contested)YesNoSpouses disagree on property, support, or parenting and need a judge to decide
Divorce (uncontested / default)YesNoOne spouse will not respond or cannot be located
Legal separationNo — you stay marriedOptionalYou need court orders but must stay married (religion, insurance, or benefits)
AnnulmentTreated as never validNoThe marriage was never legally valid (fraud, bigamy, underage, or incapacity)

Where to File: Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas — Domestic Relations Division

22 N. 5th Street, 2nd Floor
Phone: (740) 455-7190
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Clerk's DR Division files documents 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
Website: www.muskingumcountyoh.gov/Courts/Domestic-Relations/

Dissolution is the right path if…

  • You and your spouse agree on every issue — property, debt, support, and (if you have children) custody, parenting time, and support.
  • You both will sign a Separation Agreement and, with children, a parenting plan before filing.
  • You both can appear at a final hearing 30 to 90 days after filing to confirm the agreement.
  • You want a faster, lower-conflict path than a contested divorce.

Filing Fees

$175 deposit (no children) · $200 deposit (with children) · Co-Parenting Seminar $10 · fee waiver available. Final hearing 30–90 days after filing. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk at (740) 455-7898.

Forms & Filing Packets

Dissolution without children — $175 deposit

Joint petition with the signed Separation Agreement and the DR1/DR2 affidavits.

Dissolution with children — sole-residential Parenting Plan — $200 deposit (with children)

Joint petition (tab 14) with the Separation Agreement, a Parenting Plan, the DR1/DR2/DR3 and Health Insurance affidavits, a child-support worksheet, and the Title IV-D Application. Complete the Co-Parenting Seminar before the final hearing.

Dissolution with children — Shared Parenting Plan — $200 deposit (with children)

Joint petition (tab 15) with the Separation Agreement, a Shared Parenting Plan, the DR1/DR2/DR3 and Health Insurance affidavits, a child-support worksheet, and the Title IV-D Application.

How to File Dissolution in Muskingum County

  1. Reach full agreement and sign. Sign the Separation Agreement (tab 55) and, with children, a Parenting Plan (tab 56) or Shared Parenting Plan (tab 57) before a notary.
  2. Assemble and file jointly. File the Dissolution petition (tab 17, 14, or 15) with the DR1/DR2 affidavits — adding DR3, the Health Insurance Affidavit, a child-support worksheet, and the Title IV-D Application with children. Pay $175 ($200 with children) or file a fee waiver.
  3. Complete the Co-Parenting Seminar (with children). Register at (740) 455-7190 and finish the 2-hour seminar before the final hearing.
  4. Attend the final hearing. Both spouses appear 30–90 days after filing to confirm the agreement, and the Court issues the Decree of Dissolution.

Muskingum County Practice Notes

  • Final hearing is 30–90 days out — both spouses must attend. By R.C. 3105.64, the dissolution final hearing is held no sooner than 30 and no later than 90 days after filing. Both spouses must appear and affirm the agreement. With children, the case is continued (within the limit) or dismissed if the Co-Parenting Seminar isn't completed.
  • You can convert between divorce and dissolution. Under Local Rule 6.04, a divorce can be converted to a dissolution (and vice versa). If you reach full agreement after filing a divorce, you can switch to the faster dissolution track.
  • 2-hour Co-Parenting Seminar before the final hearing. Local Rule 7.07 requires both parents of minor children to complete the 2-hour Co-Parenting Seminar before the final hearing. Register at (740) 455-7190 (offered online; $10 fee). Children ages 6–17 may also be ordered to a children's seminar. A non-attending plaintiff's case may be administratively dismissed, and a non-attending parent may be denied parenting time until proof of completion is filed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a dissolution take in Muskingum County?
The final hearing is held no sooner than 30 and no later than 90 days after the joint petition is filed (R.C. 3105.64). Both spouses must appear and affirm the agreement. With children, the Co-Parenting Seminar must be completed first or the case is continued (within the time limit) or dismissed.
How much does it cost to file a family-law case in Muskingum County?
A divorce, legal separation, or annulment deposit is $225; a dissolution is $175 ($200 with children); a custody, parenting-time, or support complaint is $175; a post-judgment motion is $150. Add $50 per party for Sheriff service. There is no fee for a DVCPO petitioner. A Civil Fee Waiver Affidavit can waive the deposit. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk at (740) 455-7898.
Is a parenting class required for Muskingum County cases with children?
Yes. Under Local Rule 7.07, a 2-hour Co-Parenting Seminar must be completed before the final hearing in every divorce, dissolution, legal separation, or annulment with minor children, and in any complaint for allocation of parental rights or parenting time. Register at (740) 455-7190 (offered online; $10 seminar fee). A separate six-week Cooperative Parenting Class ($100/person, both parents together) is ordered only in higher-conflict cases.
Where do I file a divorce or dissolution in Muskingum County?
In the Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division (Judge Maria N. Kalis), through the Clerk of Courts, DR Division, at 22 N. 5th Street, 2nd Floor, Zanesville — (740) 455-7898. An advance cost deposit is required before filing (Local Rule 1.07).
Is mediation available in Muskingum County family-law cases?
Yes. The Domestic Relations Court has an in-house Mediation Department. It can order mediation in divorce, legal separation, annulment, and parental-rights cases, accepts voluntary post-decree requests without a motion, and offers mediation before a case is filed. A mediation referral stays the case except temporary-support hearings/orders (Local Rules 3.01–3.09).

Free Local Resources in Muskingum County

  • Muskingum County Clerk of Courts — Domestic Relations Division. Files all DR documents at 22 N. 5th Street, 2nd Floor, Zanesville — (740) 455-7898. An advance cost deposit is required before filing (Local Rule 1.07); a Civil Fee Waiver Affidavit can waive it. Forms are on the Court's Domestic Forms page (tabs 1–66).
  • Domestic Relations Help Desk (free legal clinic). Free help for income-eligible people with simple custody, divorce, and dissolution cases — 4th Monday monthly, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., at the DR Court, 22 N. 5th Street, 2nd Floor. Preregister with Legal Aid of Southeastern & Central Ohio (LASCO) at (614) 827-0504 (intake (866) 529-6446; seols.org).
  • Domestic Relations Court Mediation Department. The Court runs an in-house Mediation Department. It can order mediation, accepts voluntary post-decree requests without a motion, and offers mediation before a case is filed — call (740) 455-7190 (Local Rules 3.01–3.09).
  • Transitions (domestic-violence shelter & CPO advocacy). Provides shelter and free protection-order advocacy and can attend court with you — (740) 454-3213. There is no filing fee for a DVCPO petitioner (R.C. 3113.31(K)).
  • Co-Parenting Seminar registration. The required 2-hour Co-Parenting Seminar (Local Rule 7.07) is offered online; register by calling the Court at (740) 455-7190. The $10 seminar fee is among the Court's costs — confirm the current cost when registering.

Other Family-Law Topics in Muskingum County

Related to your dissolution case

  • Child Support — Calculate, establish, or modify support under Ohio's guidelines.
  • Spousal Support — Pursue or respond to alimony requests during and after divorce.
  • Paternity & Custody — Establish parentage and build a parenting plan that protects your children.

Related guides

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

  • 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.
  • Dividing Property in an Ohio Divorce — Ohio divides marital property equitably — meaning fairly, not always equally. The first step is classifying every asset and debt. Here's how the process works.

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