Divorce in Noble County, Ohio

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

Noble County, Ohio · Caldwell · General Division

A divorce legally ends a marriage when you and your spouse can't agree on every term — the judge decides what's disputed. In Noble County you file in the General Division of the Court of Common Pleas (Judge Kelly A. Riddle) through the Clerk of Courts at 350 Court House, Caldwell.

How do I file for divorce in Noble County, Ohio?

File the Ohio Supreme Court standardized Complaint for Divorce (with or without children) plus the county Information Sheet (DR-1, Local Rule 21.03) with the Clerk of Courts in the General Division at 350 Court House, Caldwell. Pay the $200 deposit (personal service) or $350 (publication), or file a poverty affidavit under Local Rule 7.03. The Clerk serves your spouse; either party can request temporary orders under Civ.R. 75; the Assignment Commissioner sets a pretrial, and the court issues a Decree resolving property, debts, support, and parenting. E-filing is available at efile.henschen.com.

Affordable, flat-fee divorce in Noble County

Worried about what divorce will cost in Noble County? We quote one flat fee up front instead of running an open-ended hourly meter, so there are no surprise invoices — and payment plans let you spread the cost if you need to. Everything local — the court in Caldwell, required forms, and Noble County fee details — is laid out on this page.

One flat fee, agreed up front. You approve the flat fee before any work starts — no hourly meter, and no surprise invoices later.
Payments that fit your budget. Flexible payment plans and financing are available, so cost doesn't have to delay getting help.
Why Noble County families choose us. Hourly billing rewards slow cases; a flat fee rewards finished ones. That's how our licensed Ohio attorneys approach every divorce matter in Noble County — and across all 88 counties.

Flat-fee options

Flat-fee limited scope: we draft and file the correct complaint packet for your situation; you appear at any hearings yourself.

Complaint for Divorce: $1,250
With temporary orders: $1,750
With minor children: $1,750
With children + temporary orders: $2,000

Prefer full representation? An Ohio attorney can carry the entire case on a $3,500 retainer.

Split any flat fee with Gavvl Direct — our in-house plan at 19% APR, $500 minimum — on a 60%-down schedule of 18 weekly, 8 bi-weekly, or 4 monthly payments, or full financing where work begins once 60% is paid. Affirm, Klarna, and PayPal Pay Later are also available through LawPay.

Start your divorce case or see payment plans & financing.

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)

Where to File: Noble County Court of Common Pleas — General Division (Clerk of Courts)

350 Court House, Caldwell, OH 43724
Phone: (740) 732-4408
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; Thu 8:00 AM–12:00 PM (no Thursday afternoon court session)
Website: Court website
e-Filing: Online e-filing portal

Juvenile Branch (Never-Married Parents)

Noble County Court of Common Pleas — Juvenile Division
280 Court House, Caldwell, OH 43724
Phone: (740) 732-5047
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; Thu 8:00 AM–12:00 PM

Divorce is the right path if…

Divorce is the right path in Noble County if…

You are married and want to end the marriage, but you and your spouse don't agree on every term (property, debts, support, or parenting).
You need the court to decide disputed issues rather than waiting for full agreement.
At least one spouse meets Ohio's residency rule (Ohio resident for 6 months and a Noble County resident before filing).
You may need temporary orders for support, custody, or use of the home while the case is pending.
You can't locate your spouse and may need service by publication (posting for six weeks).

Already agree on everything? A dissolution is usually faster and cheaper. Compare dissolution

Filing Fees

$200 deposit (personal service) · $350 by publication · +$200 if publication added later · poverty affidavit under Local Rule 7.03

Forms & Filing Packets

Divorce without minor children — $200 deposit (personal service) · $350 if service is by publication

Complaint for Divorce Without Children (Ohio SC Form 6) — Opens your divorce case and tells the court what you're asking for. Use when you and your spouse have no minor children together.
Affidavit of Income & Expenses (Ohio SC Affidavit 1) — Income, expenses, and basic financial information. Each party files their own. Must be notarized.
Affidavit of Property (Ohio SC Affidavit 2) — Lists every asset and debt. Required at filing.
Noble County Information Sheet (DR-1, Local Rule 21.03) — Local Rule 21.03 requires this background and financial Information Sheet at the filing of any dissolution petition; any divorce, legal-separation, or annulment complaint or counterclaim; or any motion to modify support. It is part of the court's local-rules packet — request the blank sheet from the Clerk of Courts if it is not bundled with your forms. Tip: If you cannot locate the blank sheet, call the Clerk at (740) 732-4408 before you file.
Decree of Divorce Without Children (Ohio SC Form 14) — Proposed final order ending the marriage. Prepare in advance; the Judge signs it at the final hearing.

Divorce with minor children — $200 deposit (personal service) · $350 if service is by publication

Complaint for Divorce With Children (Ohio SC Form 7) — The divorce Complaint used when you and your spouse have minor children together. Pleads custody, parenting time, and child-support allegations.
Affidavit of Income & Expenses (Ohio SC Affidavit 1) — Income, expenses, and basic financial information. Each party files their own. Must be notarized.
Affidavit of Property (Ohio SC Affidavit 2) — Lists every asset and debt. Required at filing.
Parenting Proceeding / UCCJEA Affidavit (Ohio SC Affidavit 3) — Required in any case with minor children. Lists where each child has lived for the last 5 years, confirming Ohio's UCCJEA jurisdiction.
Health Insurance Affidavit (Ohio SC Affidavit 4) — Discloses whether health insurance is available for the children through either parent's employer, so the court can order medical support.
Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet (2024 Income Shares) — Run the official Ohio Child Support Calculator, print, and sign. Required any time the court sets or changes support.
Noble County Information Sheet (DR-1, Local Rule 21.03) — Local Rule 21.03 requires this background and financial Information Sheet at the filing of any dissolution petition; any divorce, legal-separation, or annulment complaint or counterclaim; or any motion to modify support. It is part of the court's local-rules packet — request the blank sheet from the Clerk of Courts if it is not bundled with your forms. Tip: If you cannot locate the blank sheet, call the Clerk at (740) 732-4408 before you file.
Noble County Standard Order of Parenting Time — The court's default parenting-time schedule (alternate weekends, a midweek visit, eight alternating holidays, split winter break, and two two-week summer periods) plus a long-distance schedule for parents 150+ miles apart. It applies by default in BOTH Domestic Relations and Juvenile cases unless the parties agree otherwise or show good cause to deviate.
Decree of Divorce With Children (Ohio SC Form 15) — Proposed final order for a divorce with minor children.

Temporary orders while the case is pending

Motion for Temporary Orders (Civ. R. 75(N)) — Asks the court for temporary custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, or exclusive use of the home while the case is pending. Tip: Attach a current Financial Affidavit (Affidavit 1) and Affidavit 2 (Property).
Affidavit of Income & Expenses (Ohio SC Affidavit 1) — Income, expenses, and basic financial information. Each party files their own. Must be notarized.

How to File Divorce in Noble County

Complete your forms. Fill out the Ohio Supreme Court standardized divorce forms (with or without children) and the county Information Sheet (DR-1, Local Rule 21.03). Add the UCCJEA affidavit and Title IV-D application if there are children or support.
File and pay (or waive). File with the Clerk of Courts at 350 Court House, Caldwell, and pay the $200 deposit (personal service) or $350 (publication). File a poverty affidavit under Local Rule 7.03 if you can't afford it. You may e-file at efile.henschen.com.
Serve your spouse. The Clerk serves the defendant. If your spouse can't be located, service is by posting for six weeks at the Clerk's office, the Sheriff's Office, and the Caldwell Public Library (Local Rule 21.10).
Request temporary orders if needed. Either party may ask for temporary support, custody, parenting time, or use of the home by motion supported by an affidavit (Civ.R. 75; Local Rule 21.02).
Pretrial, hearing, and decree. The Assignment Commissioner sets a pretrial; contested cases go on the trial docket (trial briefs due 7 days out, Local Rule 17.04). The court then issues a Decree resolving property, debts, support, and parental rights.

Noble County Practice Notes

One judge, three divisions. Judge Kelly A. Riddle presides over the General (Domestic Relations), Juvenile, and Probate Divisions of the Noble County Court of Common Pleas. Per Local Rule 1.01 there is no separate Domestic Relations court — divorce and related matters are heard in the General Division and filed through the Clerk of Courts at 350 Court House, Caldwell.
Court is closed Thursday afternoons. The Clerk of Courts keeps reduced hours — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, and Thursday 8:00 AM–12:00 PM only (no Thursday afternoon court session). Plan in-person filings, calls, and deadlines around the Thursday half day.
The Assignment Commissioner sets hearings. Under Local Rule 21.01 the court's Assignment Commissioner schedules pretrials and hearings; trial briefs in a contested matter are due at least 7 days before trial (Local Rule 17.04). Contact the Clerk at (740) 732-4408 to obtain a hearing date.
Fee waiver: poverty affidavit (Local Rule 7.03). If you cannot afford the deposit in a General Division case, file a poverty affidavit under Local Rule 7.03 and the Clerk will accept the filing without the deposit, subject to verification.
Use Ohio's custody terms. Ohio uses sole custody (one residential parent and legal custodian) or shared parenting (both parents share residential and decision-making roles under R.C. 3109.04(G)). The court does not use the terms 'primary custody' or 'joint custody.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I file for divorce in Noble County?: With the Clerk of Courts in the General Division of the Court of Common Pleas at 350 Court House, Caldwell, OH 43724, (740) 732-4408. Per Local Rule 1.01 there is no separate Domestic Relations court — Judge Kelly A. Riddle hears divorce in the General Division. You can e-file at https://efile.henschen.com.
How much is the divorce filing fee in Noble County?: Under the General Division cost schedule (Local Rule 7) the deposit is $200 with personal service, or $350 if you serve by publication. If you paid the $200 personal-service deposit and later request publication, an additional $200 is required. Deposits can change — confirm the current figure with the Clerk at (740) 732-4408.
Is an uncontested divorce the same as a dissolution in Noble County?: No. A dissolution requires that you and your spouse agree on everything up front and file jointly as petitioners. An uncontested divorce is still a divorce — it simply isn't disputed. If even one issue is unresolved, file a divorce; you can still settle later.
Which divorce forms does Noble County use?: The Ohio Supreme Court standardized divorce forms (Complaint for Divorce with or without children, plus the income/expense, property, UCCJEA parenting-proceeding, and health-insurance affidavits) together with the county's Information Sheet (DR-1) required by Local Rule 21.03.
How long does a divorce take in Noble County?: An uncontested divorce can resolve at the first hearing. A contested divorce can take several months to over a year depending on the disputes and whether there are children. The Assignment Commissioner sets the pretrial and trial dates (Local Rule 21.01).
What if I can't find my spouse to serve them?: If the defendant cannot be located, the court allows service by publication, which in Noble County is by posting for six weeks at the Clerk's office, the Sheriff's Office, and the Caldwell Public Library (Local Rule 21.10). The publication deposit is $350.
Can I e-file my Noble County case?: General Division filings can be submitted electronically at https://efile.henschen.com. Confirm with the Juvenile and Probate Divisions whether they accept e-filing through the same portal or require paper filing at 280 / 320 Court House.

Free Local Resources in Noble County

Noble County Clerk of Courts (General Division / Domestic Relations). 350 Court House, Caldwell, OH 43724; (740) 732-4408; fax (740) 732-5604; email areiter@noblecountyohio.gov; website https://noblecommonpleas.org/. Accepts divorce, dissolution, legal-separation, annulment, civil-protection-order, and DR post-decree filings, and confirms current deposits. E-filing is available at https://efile.henschen.com. Court staff cannot give legal advice.
Noble County Juvenile Division. 280 Court House, Caldwell, OH 43724; (740) 732-5047 (Judge Kelly A. Riddle). Handles parentage, custody, parenting time, and support for never-married parents and non-parent (relative) custody. The same Standard Order of Parenting Time used in divorces applies here by default.
Noble County Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). 46049 Marietta Rd., P.O. Box 250, Caldwell, OH 43724. The CSEA establishes, modifies, collects, and enforces child support and can establish paternity administratively (sometimes with genetic testing). Confirm the agency's current direct line with the Clerk or the county before relying on it.
Parenting / coparenting education. Noble County does not publish a standing parenting-education requirement or an approved program. Because a judge may order a class case-by-case, confirm with the Clerk of Courts at (740) 732-4408 (divorce/dissolution/legal separation) or the Juvenile Court at (740) 732-5047 (unmarried parents) whether a class is required, which program the court accepts, and the deadline to file any certificate.
Ohio Legal Help & legal aid. Ohio Legal Help (https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org/) has plain-English guides and the Ohio Supreme Court standardized forms for divorce, custody, support, and protection orders. Southeastern Ohio Legal Services serves Noble County for income-eligible residents — confirm the current intake line.

Related to your divorce case

Divorce & Dissolution — End your marriage through a contested divorce or an amicable 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.

Related guides

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

How to File for Divorce in Ohio: A Step-by-Step Guide — Filing for divorce in Ohio follows a defined path: confirm residency, choose your grounds, file the complaint, serve your spouse, and work toward temporary orders and a final decree. Here is how each step works.
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.

Understand the cost

Divorce vs. Dissolution in Ohio — How the two paths compare on agreement, timeline, and cost.
Ohio Divorce Cost & Timeline by Path — Compare cost and timeline across every path to ending a marriage.
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce in Ohio — What each path means for your timeline and total cost.

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