Tuscarawas County Divorce Attorneys

Reviewed by Stephanie Green · Managing Partner & Co-Founder · Last updated June 15, 2026

Tuscarawas County, Ohio · New Philadelphia

Tuscarawas County has no separate domestic relations court — divorce is filed in and heard by the General Division of the Court of Common Pleas at 125 E High Ave, New Philadelphia. You can file even if your spouse will not agree. Every new case starts with the Domestic Relations Case Designation Form and a Disclosure of Personal Identifier, and the Clerk's deposit is $365 with minor children or $270 without (effective 11/01/2025).

Hire Gavvl for your Tuscarawas County divorce case

Flat-fee and full-representation options: we handle the filings, the Tuscarawas County local forms, the court strategy, and the hearings — and you know the price before we start.

Start with a $25 consultation and talk through your options with an Ohio family-law attorney before you commit to anything. Get started online or see payment plans & financing.

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

File in the General Division of the Court of Common Pleas, 125 E High Ave, New Philadelphia (Clerk Wendy D. Jones, Suite 230, (330) 365-3243). Use the gender-neutral county packet — Divorce With Children or Divorce Without Children — together with the Domestic Relations Case Designation Form, the Disclosure of Personal Identifier, and, in a case with children, the UCCJEA Declaration, Health Care Determinations, a parenting order (or a Shared Parenting Plan), and an Ohio Child Support Computation Worksheet. The deposit is $365 with minor children or $270 without; a counterclaim is $100. If you cannot afford the deposit, file the Petition for Waiver of Filing Fee with the supporting affidavit. You can file in person, by mail, by email (clerkfiling@co.tuscarawas.oh.us, $0.25/page service copies), through the e-filing portal, or by fax (330-343-4682).

Hire Gavvl Law for your Tuscarawas County divorce

Tuscarawas County has no separate domestic relations court, so your divorce is filed in and decided by the General Division of the Court of Common Pleas at 125 E High Ave in New Philadelphia. Every new case opens with the Domestic Relations Case Designation Form and a Disclosure of Personal Identifier on top of the gender-neutral county packet, and the Clerk's deposit is $365 with minor children or $270 without. Gavvl Law assembles the exact packet the Clerk at Suite 230 will accept and offers one flat fee for a straightforward divorce or full representation when it is contested.

The county cover forms, filed correctly the first time. Tuscarawas rejects new domestic filings that arrive without the Case Designation Form and, where personal identifiers appear, the Disclosure of Personal Identifier. We pair those cover forms with the correct Divorce With Children or Divorce Without Children packet so your case number issues when you file rather than after a bounce-back.
"Uncontested" by default, handled the Ohio way. In Ohio an uncontested divorce means the spouse will not respond or cannot be found — not that you agree. When a spouse can't be located we ask the Clerk about service by publication or posting so the case proceeds by default, and we confirm each form is current after the county's website changeover.
Flat fee, real filing options, and a waiver if you need it. The General Division Clerk accepts filings in person, by mail, by email at $0.25 per page for service copies, through the e-filing portal, or by fax. If the $365 or $270 deposit is out of reach, we file the Petition for Waiver of Filing Fee with its affidavit, and offer payment plans for our own flat fee.

When a case involves real estate or a pension, the court itself advises against relying on the self-help packet — exactly the situation where representation pays off. We handle the property division, the UCCJEA Declaration, Health Care Determinations, and the child-support worksheet, and if you cannot advance the deposit we file the county's fee-waiver petition with the Clerk at (330) 365-3243.

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: Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas, General Division

125 E High Ave
Phone: (330) 364-8811
Hours: Monday–Friday (call the Clerk at (330) 365-3243 to confirm current hours)
Website: Court website
e-Filing: Online e-filing portal

Juvenile Branch (Never-Married Parents)

Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division
125 E High Ave
Phone: (330) 365-3244
Hours: Monday–Friday (call the court to confirm current hours)

Divorce is the right path if…

You or your spouse meets Ohio's residency requirement before filing in Tuscarawas County.
Your spouse will not agree to end the marriage, or you cannot reach a full written agreement.
You need the court to divide property and debt or decide spousal support.
You have minor children and need custody, parenting time, and child support decided.
You want a court order even if your spouse cannot be located.

If you and your spouse fully agree on everything, a dissolution is usually faster and cheaper. Compare dissolution in Tuscarawas County.

Filing Fees

$365 deposit with minor children · $270 without · Counterclaim $100 (eff. 11/01/2025) · Fee waiver via the Petition for Waiver of Filing Fee + Affidavit · File in person, by mail, by email ($0.25/page service copies), by e-file, or by fax · Confirm current amounts with the Clerk at (330) 365-3243.

Forms & Filing Packets

Divorce without minor children — $270 Clerk deposit (eff. 11/01/2025)

The core packet that opens a Tuscarawas divorce when there are no minor children of the marriage.

Divorce Without Children — Full Packet (Tuscarawas General Division) — The gender-neutral county packet that opens a divorce when there are no minor children of the marriage.
Domestic Relations Case Designation Form (Tuscarawas) — Required local cover form filed with every new or reopened Domestic Relations case in the General Division. The court no longer posts a direct PDF — get the current version from the General Division's Find a Form page or from the Clerk.
Disclosure of Personal Identifier (Tuscarawas) — Filed with any case that contains personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, account numbers, etc.).

Divorce with minor children — $365 Clerk deposit (eff. 11/01/2025)

Adds the parenting and support filings the court needs to decide custody and child support.

Divorce With Children — Full Packet (Tuscarawas General Division) — The gender-neutral county packet that opens a divorce when you and your spouse have minor children together. Contains the complaint and supporting forms. Tip: If you own real estate or a pension/retirement plan, the court advises consulting an attorney before using the self-help packet.
Domestic Relations Case Designation Form (Tuscarawas) — Required local cover form filed with every new or reopened Domestic Relations case in the General Division. The court no longer posts a direct PDF — get the current version from the General Division's Find a Form page or from the Clerk.
Disclosure of Personal Identifier (Tuscarawas) — Filed with any case that contains personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, account numbers, etc.).
UCCJEA Declaration (Tuscarawas General Division) — Lists where each child has lived so the court can confirm Ohio's jurisdiction over custody under the UCCJEA (R.C. 3127). Required in any case with minor children.
Standard Parenting Order & Rules Governing Companionship Time (parents ≤150 miles apart) — The General Division's default parenting-time schedule, applied when the parents live 150 miles or fewer apart unless they agree otherwise.
Health Care Determinations Form (Tuscarawas) — Required in cases with minor children to set how the children's health-care costs are handled.
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.

You were served and need to respond

Use the matching answer packet to respond after you have been served with a divorce complaint.

How to File an Answer to a Divorce Complaint (With Children) — Use this packet to respond after you have been served with a divorce complaint in a case with minor children. A counterclaim is not covered — consult an attorney.
How to File an Answer to a Divorce Complaint (No Children) — Use this packet to respond after you have been served with a divorce complaint in a case with no minor children.

Can't afford the deposit

File this if you cannot advance the Clerk's deposit.

Petition for Waiver of Filing Fee / Court Cost Deposit + Affidavit in Support — Low-income filers can file this notarized petition instead of advancing the deposit; the court rules on it after a non-oral review.

How to File Divorce in Tuscarawas County

Confirm residency and gather facts. Meet Ohio's residency requirement, then collect financial records, asset and debt information, and the children's information.
Build the packet. Use the Divorce With Children or Divorce Without Children packet and add the Case Designation Form and Disclosure of Personal Identifier. With children, add the UCCJEA Declaration, a parenting order, Health Care Determinations, and a support worksheet.
File and pay (or request a waiver). File with the General Division Clerk at 125 E High Ave, New Philadelphia, and pay the $365 (with children) or $270 (without) deposit, or file the Petition for Waiver of Filing Fee with its affidavit.
Serve your spouse. Arrange service through the Clerk (Sheriff or certified mail). If your spouse cannot be located, ask the Clerk about service by publication or posting.
Move the case to a decree. Attend the scheduling/pretrial dates the court sets; if real estate or a pension is involved, the court advises consulting an attorney before relying on the self-help packet.

Tuscarawas County Practice Notes

No separate domestic relations court. Tuscarawas County divorces are filed in the General Division of the Court of Common Pleas at 125 E High Ave, New Philadelphia — there is no separate Domestic Relations Division. The Juvenile Division (Judge Adam W. Wilgus) handles only never-married parentage and custody.
Every case needs the Case Designation + Disclosure forms. A Domestic Relations Case Designation Form must be filed with every new or reopened DR case, and a Disclosure of Personal Identifier accompanies any case containing personal identifiers. File them on top of your packet.
"Uncontested" in Ohio means by default. An uncontested divorce is one where the spouse will not respond or cannot be found — not one where you both agree. Service by publication/posting is available through the Clerk when a spouse can't be located. When spouses fully agree, the right path is a dissolution.
Confirm forms are current before filing. After a website changeover, the court warns that some posted forms may be outdated — confirm the current form with the Court before filing. The county also posts how-to videos at youtube.com/@TuscarawasCountyCourts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I file for divorce in Tuscarawas County?: In the General Division of the Court of Common Pleas, 125 E High Ave, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. Tuscarawas County has no separate domestic relations court. The Clerk of Courts (Wendy D. Jones, Suite 230) can be reached at (330) 365-3243; the online docket is at eservices.tuscarawasohcourts.com.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Tuscarawas County?: As of 11/01/2025, the deposit is $365 with minor children or $270 without. A counterclaim is $100. Low-income filers can file the Petition for Waiver of Filing Fee with the supporting affidavit. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk at (330) 365-3243.
What's the difference between divorce and dissolution in Tuscarawas County?: A dissolution is an agreed, no-fault end of marriage: both spouses sign a complete Separation Agreement first, then appear at one hearing 30–90 days later. A divorce is used when you don't fully agree or your spouse won't cooperate, and the court decides disputed issues. Both are filed in the General Division, and the deposit is $365 with children or $270 without.
What does an "uncontested" divorce mean in Ohio?: In Ohio, an uncontested divorce is one where the other spouse will not respond or cannot be found — not one where you both agree. If your spouse can't be located, the Clerk can arrange service by publication or posting so the case proceeds by default. When spouses fully agree, the right path is a dissolution.
How can I file court documents in Tuscarawas County?: The General Division Clerk accepts filings in person, by mail (Suite 230, PO Box 628, New Philadelphia, OH 44663), by email (clerkfiling@co.tuscarawas.oh.us, $0.25/page for service copies), through the e-filing portal (eservices.tuscarawasohcourts.com), or by fax (330-343-4682). Clerks cannot give legal advice.

Free Local Resources in Tuscarawas County

Tuscarawas County Clerk of Courts (General Division). Clerk Wendy D. Jones, Suite 230, PO Box 628, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. Accepts filings in person, by mail, by email (clerkfiling@co.tuscarawas.oh.us, $0.25/page service copies), by e-file (eservices.tuscarawasohcourts.com), or by fax (330-343-4682). Call (330) 365-3243 to confirm deposits and packet requirements before filing.
Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas, General Division. Hears divorce, dissolution, legal separation, annulment, and adult DVCPO/CSPO cases at 125 E High Ave, New Philadelphia; (330) 364-8811. DR forms are county-local packets provided via the County Bar Association and SEOLS. How-to videos at youtube.com/@TuscarawasCountyCourts.
Tuscarawas County Juvenile Division. Judge Adam W. Wilgus. Handles parentage, custody, parenting time, and support for never-married parents, plus grandparent visitation and non-parent custody. Local Rule 6.2 requires the Affidavit of Basic Information and a Confidential Information Page with initial filings.
Tuscarawas County Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). Administered by the Prosecutor's Office (Director Traci A. Berry). Opens IV-D support cases, runs wage withholding, distributes payments, and enforces orders. CSEA line: 800-685-2732.
Protection orders — SEOLS & Prosecutor's Office. Standardized DVCPO/CSPO petition forms and self-help guidance are available through Southeastern Ohio Legal Services / Ohio Legal Help. For local help, contact the Tuscarawas County Prosecutor's Office at (330) 365-3214. There is no filing fee; call 911 in an emergency.

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.

Continue your Tuscarawas County research

Ohio Divorce guide — Statewide overview of divorce in Ohio.
Akron family law — Local attorneys and courts serving the Akron metro.
Tuscarawas County family law guide — Court info, local filing notes, FAQs, and the downloadable Tuscarawas County guide.
Meet Stephanie Green — Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Gavvl Law.
Payment plans & financing — Flat fees with Gavvl Direct, Affirm, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later.

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.

Call (844) 694-2885 or email support@gavvl.com.