Filing for Dissolution in Stark County

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

Both spouses sign a complete Separation Agreement, then use the Stark County Family Court's assembled Dissolution packet (with or without children) and file jointly with the Clerk of Courts' Domestic Relations Division at 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 690, Canton, OH 44702. The deposit is $371. Only the 6-month Ohio residency applies. Each party files a financial statement (or one signed by both), and a dissolution with unemancipated children also needs a UCCJEA affidavit and a completed Child Support Worksheet (Rule 12.02). The hearing must occur 30-90 days after filing, and both spouses must attend.

Where to File: Stark County Family Court (Domestic Relations & Juvenile Divisions)

Dissolution is the right path if…

• You and your spouse agree on every term — property, debts, support, and parenting — in writing before filing.
• Both of you are willing to sign the petition and Separation Agreement and attend the final hearing together.
• You want the fastest, lowest-conflict path to ending the marriage.
• At least one of you has been an Ohio resident for 6+ months.

If you don't agree on everything yet, or your spouse won't participate, a divorce is the right path instead. See Stark divorce options.

Filing Fees

$371 deposit · 30-90 days to the final hearing · Both spouses must attend

Forms & Filing Packets

How to File Dissolution in Stark County

1. Reach a complete written agreement first. Settle property, debts, support, and parenting in a signed Separation Agreement before filing — a dissolution requires full agreement up front.
2. Complete the assembled dissolution packet. Use the Stark Dissolution with/without Children packet to prepare the joint petition, Separation Agreement, and (with children) the parenting plan and worksheet.
3. File jointly and pay the deposit. File with the Clerk's DR Division at 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 690, Canton. The deposit is $371.
4. Complete the parent class and attend the hearing. With children, finish the court-approved parent-education program. Both spouses appear at the 30-90 day hearing.

Stark County Practice Notes

• Dissolution is the agreed path, not 'uncontested'. A dissolution means both spouses agree on every term before filing — it is inherently cooperative. That is different from an uncontested (default) divorce, where one spouse simply doesn't answer within 28 days. Stark dissolutions are heard 30-90 days after filing.
• Amending a divorce into a dissolution. If a divorce or legal-separation case is amended into a dissolution, the dissolution deposit must be paid (Rule 10.03). It can be a sensible move once the parties reach full agreement mid-case.
• Final hearing requires both spouses. Under Rule 13.02, the hearing is set about 6 weeks after filing and must occur 30-90 days after filing. Both spouses must appear, and each affirms the agreement; if either is absent, the court will not grant the decree.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the residency requirements to file in Stark County?

For divorce, legal separation, or annulment, you or your spouse must have been an Ohio resident for at least 6 months before filing and a Stark County resident for at least 90 days. For dissolution, only the 6-month Ohio residency applies. For Juvenile Division cases (paternity, never-married custody, child support), UCCJEA compliance is mandatory — Ohio must be the children's home state, generally meaning they've lived here for the last 6 months (Family Court Rule 16.01). The Stark County Family Court is at 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 670, Canton.

How much does it cost to file in Stark County?

Stark County Family Court deposits (effective March 17, 2025): Complaint for Divorce or Annulment $391 (add $50 for every 5 defendants beyond the first 4); Dissolution $371; Legal Separation $359; a counterclaim or cross-claim $251; reopening a closed case $273; a Custody Register Petition $313; a garnishment $50; and a new Juvenile complaint $307. A Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order takes no deposit. These are minimum deposits — total case costs vary. Pay the Stark County Clerk of Courts (checks payable to 'Stark County Clerk of Courts'); for a total-cost quote call (330) 451-7801.

How long does a Stark County case usually take?

Dissolution: the hearing is set about 6 weeks after filing and must occur 30-90 days after filing (Rule 13.02). Uncontested (default) divorce: if no answer, motion, or leave to plead is filed within 28 days after service, the case is uncontested, but no divorce, annulment, or legal separation is heard until 42 days after service (Rule 13.01). Contested divorce: trial roughly 4-12 months without children or 4-18 months with children. A temporary-orders hearing can be set within 1-21 days.

Is a parenting class required in Stark County?

Yes. Under Rule 12.04, parents filing a divorce, dissolution, legal separation, or custody action involving minor children must complete a court-approved parent-education program. Separately, under Rule 16.06, unmarried parents filing an initial parental-rights action must complete the online 'Working Together for Kids' seminar — and the moving party must finish it before the initial hearing or the matter is dismissed. The initial filing must include the order to complete the seminar, the registration/instruction sheet, and the mediation flyer.

How and where do I file my case in Stark County?

Family Court cases are filed with and maintained by the Stark County Clerk of Courts. The Clerk's Domestic Relations Division — which files divorces, dissolutions, legal separations, annulments, and civil protection orders — is in the Stark County Office Building at 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 690 (6th floor), Canton, (330) 451-7792. The main Clerk's office is at 115 Central Plaza North, Suite 101, (330) 451-7801. Attorneys must include their Ohio Supreme Court registration number on every filing (Rule 12).

Free Local Resources in Stark County

• Stark County Family Court Help Desk. Free help for self-represented parties completing and reviewing divorce and custody forms, plus questions on court procedure and notary services. Mondays 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., first come first served; check in with the reception bailiff in the lobby, (330) 451-7415. Help Desk attorneys do not represent you or give legal advice.
• Stark County Family Court — Court Filing Forms & Brochures. The court's assembled filing packets for divorce, dissolution, legal separation, annulment, custody, support, contempt, and protection orders, hosted in the county Document Center at starkcountyohio.gov. The court notes the forms are a resource only and not a substitute for legal advice.
• Stark County Law Library. Public legal-research help at 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 401, Canton, (330) 451-7380, Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (DVPI). Shelter, advocacy, and support for those experiencing domestic violence in Stark County. Learn more at dvpi.org.

Other Family-Law Topics in Stark County

• Stark County Divorce — Full filing guide for contested divorce in the Stark County Family Court.
• Stark County Dissolution — Both-parties-agree route — faster and lower-conflict than a divorce.
• Stark County Custody — Married parents file inside divorce; never-married parents file a Juvenile complaint.

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.

Keep exploring

• Ohio Dissolution guide — Statewide overview of dissolution in Ohio.
• Akron family law — Local attorneys and courts serving the Akron metro.
• Meet Stephanie Green — Managing Partner & Family Law Attorney at Gavvl Law.
• Payment plans & financing — Flat fees with Gavvl Direct, Affirm, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later.