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Questions About Divorce


Can I file for divorce in Ohio if I live in another state?

Only Ohio residents may file for divorce in Ohio. 

What is a mutual restraining order?

A mutual restraining order is a court order issued automatically by the court when a divorce is filed. These orders prevent both spouses from doing certain acts until a divorce is granted. A sample Mutual Restraining Order is available on this website. For more information, see Local Rule 24. 

Where do I report for my uncontested divorce or my dissolution hearing?

Report to the courtroom indicated on your notice one-half hour before the scheduled time. Courtrooms are located on the third floor. 

What documents do I need to bring to my uncontested divorce hearing?

You will need the following:
  • Judgment Entry for Divorce
  • Signed Separation Agreement or In-Court Agreement (if you have one)
  • Legal Description of Real Property (if real property is being divided)
  • A Government Issued Identification 

If you have children you will also need:
  • Health Insurance Affidavit
  • Child Support Computation Worksheet
  • Parent Education Seminar certificate (if not already filed)
  • Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (if not already filed)
  • Shared Parenting Plan (if you have one)
  • Parenting Time Schedule (if not included in the Judgment Entry or Shared Parenting Plan)

You must also bring verification of your income. The Judge or Magistrate may ask you questions about aspects of your judgment entry or agreement for which you may need documentation.

Two weeks before the hearing you must have your documents approved by the Court's Help Center located in room 29 on the ground floor of the County Courthouse. Failure to have your documents approved could cause your hearing to be delayed or rescheduled. Refer to Rule 28 of this Court's Local Rules for more information. 

What documents do I need to bring to my dissolution hearing?
  • Judgment Entry of Dissolution
  • Signed Separation Agreement
  • Legal Description of Real Property (if real property is being divided)
  • A Government Issued Identification 

If you have children you will also need:
  • Health Insurance Affidavit
  • Child Support Computation Worksheet
  • Parent Education Seminar certificate (if not already filed)
  • Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (if not already filed)
  • Shared Parenting Plan (if you have one)
  • Parenting Time Schedule (if not included in the Judgment Entry, Separation Agreement, or Shared Parenting Plan)

You must also bring verification of your income. The Judge or Magistrate may ask you questions about aspects of your judgment entry or agreement for which you may need documentation.

Two weeks before the hearing you must have your documents approved by the Court's Help Center located in room 29 on the ground floor of the County Courthouse. Failure to have your documents approved could cause your hearing to be delayed or rescheduled. Refer to Rule 28 of this Court's Local Rules for more information. 

What are QDROs, DOPOs and COAPs?

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), Division of Property Order (DOPO) and Court Order Acceptable for Processing (COAP) are special orders that direct how pension plans are to be divided, pursuant to the terms of the Court Order dividing pension benefits. A QDRO divides a private pension plan; a DOPO divides a state of Ohio public pension plan; and a COAP divides a federal pension plan. All must be approved by the pension plan administrator. Because QDROs, DOPOs and COAPs are complicated you are encouraged to contact an attorney if you have a pension plan that must be divided. 

Will the Court send me a copy of my final papers?

No, the Court will not send you a copy of the final divorce/dissolution papers. The Clerk of Courts should serve you with your final papers. 

How can I get a certified copy of my divorce/dissolution/legal separation/annulment Judgment Entry?

Certified copies of your Judgment Entry may be obtained through the Clerk of Courts located in Room 35, on the ground floor of the Cuyahoga County Courthouse, 1 W. Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113. The current cost for certified copies is $1.00 per page.