Filing for Dissolution in Trumbull County, Ohio
Reviewed by Stephanie Green, Esq. · Managing Partner, Gavvl Law · Last updated June 8, 2026
Trumbull County hears dissolutions in the Domestic Relations Division of the combined Trumbull County Family Court at 220 Main Avenue SW in Warren, with Judges Samuel F. Bluedorn and David L. Engler. A dissolution is the agreement-first, no-fault path: both spouses sign a complete Separation Agreement (Form 19) before jointly filing the Petition for Dissolution (Form 17), and under R.C. 3105.64 the hearing is held 30–90 days after filing, where both spouses appear and confirm the terms. Two Trumbull realities to plan around: there is no DR e-filing — the petition is filed in person or by mail with the DR Clerk at (330) 675-2627 — and the deposit is $301 whether or not you have children (effective May 1, 2025), with a Poverty Affidavit available to request a waiver. Unlike some Ohio counties, Trumbull does not require a mandatory parenting seminar; the court instead applies its Parenting and Companionship Guidelines (eff. 1/1/2022) and offers mediation at $100 per party for the first four hours.
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) |
Trumbull County Family Court, Domestic Relations Division
220 Main Avenue SW, Warren, OH 44482 • (330) 675-2627 • Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Filing fee: $301. Fee waiver available.
Important things to know about Trumbull County
- Trumbull hears dissolutions in the Domestic Relations Division of the combined Trumbull County Family Court at 220 Main Avenue SW, Warren — the same building and judges as the Juvenile Division.
- Domestic Relations filings are made in person or by mail — there is NO DR e-filing, fax, or email filing.
- Under R.C. 3105.64 the dissolution hearing is held no sooner than 30 and no later than 90 days after the petition is filed, and both spouses must appear to confirm they still want the dissolution.
- There is no mandatory parenting-education seminar; when parents don't specify a schedule, the court applies the Trumbull County Parenting and Companionship Guidelines (eff. 1/1/2022) under Local Rule 36.04.
- Court mediation is available for parenting disputes at $100 per party for the first four hours and $50 per party per additional hour (mediator Christy Turner, (330) 675-7862).
- Child support is set under Ohio's statewide 2024 Income Shares Model and collected through the Trumbull County CSEA, 159 E. Market St., Suite 200, Warren, (330) 675-2732.
Required forms (all cases)
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Waiver of Service (Form 17) — The joint petition both spouses sign together to start the dissolution and waive formal service of process.
- Separation Agreement (Form 19) — Spells out exactly how you've agreed to divide property and debts and handle spousal support and all other terms. Both spouses sign.
- Affidavit of Basic Information, Income & Expenses (Affidavit 1) — Each spouse files their own — personal information, employment, income, and monthly expenses.
- Affidavit of Property and Debt (Affidavit 2) — Each spouse files their own — a full list of assets and debts to support the property division.
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (Form 18) — The final court order ending the marriage — prepared in advance and signed by the judge at the hearing.
Additional forms with minor children
- Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (Affidavit 3) — Required in every case with children — lists each child's 5-year address history and any other court cases involving the children (UCCJEA, R.C. 3127.23).
- Health Insurance Affidavit (Affidavit 4) — Discloses each parent's access to health insurance for the children.
- Shared Parenting Plan (Form 20) — Use when both parents will share legal custody and significant parenting time. Must address every R.C. 3109.04(G) factor; both parents sign.
- Parenting Plan (Form 21) — sole custody — Use when one parent will be the residential parent — outlines parenting time for the other parent.
- Ohio Child Support Worksheet — Run the numbers in the official Ohio Child Support Calculator, print the signed worksheet, and file it with your paperwork.
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.
Call (844) 694-2885 or email support@gavvl.com.
