Real numbers for Ohio — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
Every Ohio divorce — contested or not — passes through the same basic checkpoints:
Think of this as a general outline rather than a substitute for legal advice — a Ohio family law attorney or your county's self-help resources can confirm the current forms and procedure for your situation.
Enter your specific situation — children, assets, contested issues — and get a real cost breakdown in 60 seconds. Free, private, no login.
Calculate My Ohio Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Ohio ranges from roughly $2,580 for a simple uncontested case to $28,800 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Ohio has a 30-day waiting period. It recognizes both dissolution (agreed) and divorce (contested) as separate legal processes.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $175 | $820 | $4,300 |
| Uncontested with children | $2,580 | $4,300 | $6,450 |
| Contested, no trial | $9,900 | $18,000 | $28,800 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $28,800 | $34,200 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $13,700 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Ohio is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $175 statewide average
| Franklin County (Columbus) | $200 |
| Cuyahoga (Cleveland) | $200 |
| Hamilton (Cincinnati) | $175 |
| Summit (Akron) | $175 |
| Montgomery (Dayton) | $175 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Ohio average $220 per hour.
A Columbus couple who agree on everything would choose Ohio's dissolution process: $200 in filing fees and $1,500–$3,500 in attorney costs — total around $1,800–$4,000, finalized within 60–90 days of filing.
How much does a divorce cost in Ohio?
An uncontested divorce in Ohio typically costs $4,300–$6,450 including the $175 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $18,000–$28,800 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
What is the difference between dissolution and divorce in Ohio?
A dissolution requires both spouses to file a separation agreement together — both must agree on everything. A divorce can be filed by one spouse alone and can be contested. Dissolution is faster and cheaper.
How long does a dissolution take in Ohio?
Ohio requires a 30-day waiting period after filing a dissolution petition before the hearing. Most dissolutions finalize within 60–90 days of filing.
Is Ohio a no-fault state?
Yes. Ohio allows no-fault dissolution and divorce on grounds of incompatibility. Fault grounds (adultery, abandonment) still exist but are rarely used.
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Open Ohio Calculator →Filing fees based on Ohio court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.