Modifying a Union County Order
Reviewed by Stephanie Green · Managing Partner & Co-Founder · Last updated June 11, 2026
Union County, Ohio · Marysville
Life changes after a case ends. In Union County, post-decree motions stay in the same Domestic Relations case that issued your decree. To change custody, parenting time, or support, you file a post-decree motion with a $485 deposit; support changes can also start through the Child Support Enforcement Agency. Some post-decree motions may require the co-parenting class again.
How do I change a Union County order after the divorce is final?
File a post-decree motion to modify in the same Domestic Relations case that issued your decree — the deposit is $485. To change custody or parenting time you generally must show a change of circumstances and that the change serves the children's best interest; to change support you must show a substantial change or meet the guideline threshold (and CSEA can also review support at (937) 644-1010). A parent planning to move should follow Ohio's relocation notice rules before moving — ask the DR Bailiff at (937) 645-3015 which form your decree needs. Some post-decree motions may require the co-parenting class again.
Ohio Custody by the Numbers
- Best interest The single standard that governs every Ohio custody decision Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04
- No set age There is no age a child can choose a parent — the judge weighs a mature child's wishes Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04(B)
- Change in circumstances Required, plus a best-interest finding, before the residential parent can be changed Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04(E)(1)
- Shared parenting Either parent may ask the court for a joint parenting plan Source: Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04(G)
Compare Types of Custody in Ohio
| Custody type | Who makes major decisions | Where the child lives | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared parenting | Both parents jointly, under a written plan | Time is split per the plan (not always 50/50) | Parents can communicate and cooperate on decisions |
| Sole legal & residential | One parent | Primarily with that parent | One parent is unable or unwilling to co-parent |
| Split custody | Each parent for the child in their care | Siblings are divided between the two homes | Rare — only when it serves each child's best interest |
| Legal custody to a non-parent | The relative or caregiver granted custody | With the non-parent caregiver | Neither parent can safely care for the child |
Where to File: Union County Court of Common Pleas - Domestic Relations Division
215 W 5th St, Marysville, OH 43040, Marysville, OH 43040Phone: (937) 645-3015
Hours: Monday–Friday (call the Clerk to confirm current hours)
Website: www.unioncountyohio.gov/departments/CommonPleasCourt
Post-Decree Modifications is the right path if…
- You already have a final Union County order and need to change it.
- Circumstances have changed (income, the children's needs, a planned move, or parenting time).
- You and the other parent can't agree on the change informally.
- You need the court to enforce or update custody, parenting time, or support.
Filing Fees
Post-decree motion deposit $485 · counterclaim $100 · GAL deposit $500 · support changes can also start through CSEA at (937) 644-1010 · confirm amounts with the Clerk at (937) 645-3015
Forms & Filing Packets
Modify custody or parenting time — $485 post-decree motion
File a post-decree motion in your original DR case showing a change of circumstances and the children's best interest.
- Post-Decree Motion to Modify (custody, parenting time, or support) — Reopens your original Domestic Relations case to change custody, parenting time, or support after the decree. The deposit is $485. Draft the motion in the existing case, state what changed, and attach a supporting affidavit; confirm packet requirements with the Clerk at (937) 645-3015.
- 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.
Modify child support — $485 post-decree motion · or CSEA review
File a motion to modify support with an updated worksheet, or ask CSEA to review the order.
- Motion for Change of Child Support (Ohio SC Form 28) — The Ohio uniform motion to change child support, medical support, or the tax exemption after a change of circumstances. File in the division that issued the order.
- 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.
- Post-Decree Motion to Modify (custody, parenting time, or support) — Reopens your original Domestic Relations case to change custody, parenting time, or support after the decree. The deposit is $485. Draft the motion in the existing case, state what changed, and attach a supporting affidavit; confirm packet requirements with the Clerk at (937) 645-3015.
How to File Post-Decree Modifications in Union County
- Confirm you have a change of circumstances. Custody and parenting-time changes generally require a change of circumstances and the children's best interest; support changes require a substantial change or meeting the guideline threshold.
- Prepare the post-decree motion. Draft the motion in your original DR case, state exactly what you want changed, and attach a supporting affidavit (and an updated worksheet for support).
- File with the $485 deposit. File with the Clerk of Courts; attorneys e-file, pro se filers file in person. Support changes can also start through CSEA at (937) 644-1010.
- Handle relocation notice. If you're moving, follow Ohio's relocation notice rules first — ask the DR Bailiff which form your decree needs.
- Attend the hearing. The court may order mediation or appoint a GAL, then holds a hearing and rules on the modification.
Union County Practice Notes
- Post-decree motions stay in your original case. You don't start a new case to modify an order — you file a post-decree motion in the same Domestic Relations case that issued your decree, with the $485 deposit. Support changes can also start through the Child Support Enforcement Agency.
- Relocation requires advance notice. A parent who plans to move should follow Ohio's relocation notice rules before moving. Ask the DR Bailiff at (937) 645-3015 which form your decree needs and how far ahead to file it.
- The class may be required again. Some post-decree motions in Union County may require the co-parenting class again. Confirm with the Clerk whether your modification triggers the class before your hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to change a Union County order after the decree?
- A post-decree motion to modify custody, parenting time, or support has a $485 deposit and is filed in your original Domestic Relations case. A counterclaim in a divorce is $100, and a guardian ad litem deposit is $500. Support changes can also start through the Child Support Enforcement Agency at (937) 644-1010. Some post-decree motions may require the co-parenting class again.
- Does Union County offer mediation, and what does it cost?
- Yes. Union County has a Mediation Department, and cases with children often mediate early, before the temporary-orders hearing. The court fee covers an initial session, and added sessions cost $160 each. Mediation is never used for a protection order.
- What is a IV-D application and why do I need one?
- A IV-D Application opens a child-support case with your county's Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). Once opened, CSEA collects support through automatic wage withholding, distributes it to the receiving parent, and can enforce the order through license suspension, federal tax intercept, credit reporting, and contempt referrals. Filing a IV-D Application is standard whenever a child-support order is issued.
- What parenting class is required in Union County, and what does it cost?
- Both parents in a divorce, dissolution, legal separation, or annulment with minor children must complete Union County's online co-parenting class — about 4 hours, $49.99 per parent — and file the certificate before the final hearing. In a dissolution, the case is dismissed if the certificate is not filed within 90 days. The court suggests taking the class before mediation.
Free Local Resources in Union County
- Union County Clerk of Courts. Provides current filing fees, local forms, and filing instructions for custody, divorce, and dissolution cases. Call (937) 645-3015 or visit https://www.unioncountyohio.gov/departments/CommonPleasCourt before filing to confirm deposits and packet requirements.
- Union County Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). Union County's IV-D agency opens child-support cases, runs wage withholding, distributes payments, and enforces orders. File a IV-D Application when establishing or modifying support.
Other Family-Law Topics in Union County
- Statewide Custody Overview — How Ohio custody and parenting time work at a high level.
- Talk to a Family Law Attorney — Connect with a Union County custody attorney for help with your case.
Related to your modifications case
- 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 modifications and related Ohio family law topics.
- Post-Decree Modifications in Ohio: Changing Your Order After Divorce — Your divorce decree isn't carved in stone. When life changes, Ohio lets you modify custody, parenting time, and support — but each requires meeting a specific legal standard. Here's how.
- How to Modify Child Support in Ohio — Child support orders aren't permanent. When income or circumstances change substantially, Ohio lets you modify support — through a CSEA review or a court motion. Here's how.
- Contempt Motions in Ohio Family Court: Enforcing Your Order — When the other parent ignores a court order — withholding the children or refusing to pay support — a contempt motion is how Ohio courts enforce it. Here's how the process works.
Keep exploring
- Ohio Post-Decree Modifications guide — Statewide overview of post-decree modifications in Ohio.
- Columbus family law — Local attorneys and courts serving the Columbus metro.
- Meet Stephanie Green — Managing Partner & Family Law Attorney at Gavvl Law.
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