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1. Can I represent myself?

The majority of court patrons are more satisfied with their court experience and results if they hire an attorney. However, you can represent yourself. If you choose to act as your own attorney you will be held to the same rules of law and standards of conduct as an attorney.

Visit the Self-Represented Parties page for more information.

2. Can Court Staff give me legal advice?

No, only an attorney you have hired to represent you may give you legal advice. Legal advice given by any other person is unauthorized practice of law. There are severe and significant consequences for those who engage in the unauthorized practice of law. Therefore, the Court employees and staff will not give you legal advice.

3. Can I file my own court papers? If so, how?

Yes, you may file your own documents. You may use pre-prepared forms or draft your own documents. Before your paperwork can be filed, it must be approved by the Compliance Department. Once your paperwork is approved, the Compliance Department will forward your paperwork to the Clerk of Courts for filing. A fee may be required.

Visit the Forms page for pre-prepared forms. Visit the Self-Represented Parties page for detailed information on the filing and compliance processes.

4. Does the Court accept commercially prepared forms that can be found on the Internet or at an office supply store?

These forms are used at your own risk. The Compliance Department evaluates the use of these forms on a case by case basis. If the forms do not substantially comply with the requirements of the Ohio Revised Code and the Court's Local Rules, the forms will not be approved for filing.

Visit the Forms page for the Court's pre-prepared forms.

5. What is the difference between a Divorce and a Dissolution?

The key difference between a divorce and dissolution is that a divorce may be granted even if one party refuses to cooperate or participate in the proceedings.

Divorce is appropriate for parties who cannot reach an agreement regarding issues of custody, support, property, etc., or have not been in contact for a long period of time. This means that only the filing party (and a witness for the filing party) must be present at the final divorce hearing. As long as the other party was served according to the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, the other party does not need to appear at the final hearing in order for the divorce to be granted.

A dissolution is appropriate for parties who are working together to end their marriage and are in agreement on all issues. Both parties are required to sign the dissolution documents, which means each party must actively participate in the process. Both parties must appear at the final hearing or the Court may dismiss the case.

6. What is compliance?

The Compliance Department reviews all pro se paperwork submitted for filing to ensure it complies with the rules of law in Ohio, as well as the Court's Local Rules.

Approved paperwork is forwarded to the Clerk of Courts for filing. Paperwork that is not approved is returned to the pro se litigant who submitted it with a list of corrections that must be made. The cycle of review and revision can be lengthy, but will continue until all documents comply with the applicable laws and rules.

For more information on the Compliance process, visit the Self-Represented Parties page.

7. How long will it take for my Divorce/Dissolution to be finalized?

Part of the timeline depends on you. Your effort and speed during the compliance process will impact how quickly your paperwork is approved and filed. For some parties, paperwork is approved within a matter of days. For others, it can take several months.

A dissolution must be scheduled for a final hearing within 30 to 90 days of filing.

A timeline for divorce is harder to estimate because it is heavily dependent on the circumstances of the parties. Divorces can be finalized relatively quickly or can be extended for long periods of time. Factors such as how long service takes, whether the defendant participates in the proceedings, how many issues the Court must address, whether children are involved, etc., will impact the length of the process.

Under Ohio Supreme Court guidelines, a divorce with children must be finalized within 18 months of filing; a divorce without children must be finalized within 12 months of filing.

8. How much does it cost to file?

View the Clerk of Courts Fee Schedule for a list of filing fees. Fee Schedule

9. What is the mandatory parenting seminar and how do I sign up?

All parents of minor children who file for divorce, dissolution, or legal separation must complete the online 2-hour Co-Parenting/Divorce Class offered through the Online Parenting Programs website. This class covers topics surrounding the impact ending your marriage can have on your children. All participants who successfully complete the seminar must print a certificate of completion. Pro se paperwork will not be filed until a certificate of completion is received. In a divorce, the filing party’s certificate is needed before filing; in a dissolution, both parties’ certificates are required before filing. Register online for the 2-hour Co-Parenting/Divorce Class.  The class costs $29.99 and payment must be made through the website.

Seminar Registration

10. What if I can't afford the filing fee?

If you are unable to pay the filing fee due to financial hardship, you may be eligible to have the fee waived. If you would like the Judge to consider waiving your filing fee, please submit a Poverty Affidavit. The Poverty Affidavit should be completed in its entirety and submitted with your other paperwork for review by the Compliance Department.

Once your paperwork is approved by the Compliance Department, your Poverty Affidavit will be sent to the Judge for review. If your Affidavit is approved, you will not be required to pay the filing fee at the time of filing. You may be required to pay court costs at the conclusion of your case.

If your Affidavit is denied, the filing fee must be paid in full before your paperwork can be filed.