Dissolution of marriage in Ohio — guided, not DIY.
A streamlined way to end your marriage, supported by highly experienced Ohio family-law attorneys who review every key step. Lower cost, faster, and done correctly.
- For couples who agree on the major issues.
- Move at your own pace, backed by our expertise.
- Attorney oversight built into the process.
- Built on decades of local and national experience.
Perfect for
Those who agree on the big issues, allowing us to guide you.
You fill out the forms and make decisions. We handle the law, the filings, and the court. You stay in control of cost and timeline; we make sure everything else is covered until it's complete.
Not for you if
You disagree on the big issues, making compromise difficult.
If you’re fighting over custody, support, or property division a dissolution may not work. We can introduce you to our expert attorneys for a full-service consultation instead.
Do you qualify?
- Agreement to the dissolution by both of you (you file jointly)
- Agreement on custody & parenting time
- Agreement on child support
- Agreement on property & debts
- Agreement on spousal support
- At least one spouse has lived in OH for 6+ months (and in the county for 90+ days)
- Agreement from spouse to provide information
- Understanding that we don’t negotiate for you
How it works.
Tell us about you
Share your background, sign retainer, and submit payment.
Complete the guided forms
Understandable questions, saved as you make progress.
Review by our experts
We evaluate the agreement and prepare the paperwork.
File & finalize
We file the joint petition and walk you through the final hearing.
How it compares.
| Comparison | Dissolution (guided) | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Flat fee ($) | Hourly ($$$$$) |
| Typical timeline | 30–90 days | 6–18 months |
| Your involvement | Moderate (self-serve forms) | Low (attorney-led) |
| Best for | Spouses who agree | Disputed matters |
Common questions.
How long does a dissolution normally take in Ohio?
The total process allows you to complete a dissolution within a few months (typically from 30 days to 90 days). Our process and turnaround, specifically, is done within a few days of your document and information submission. The processing within the courts is what takes most of the time. Also, in Ohio the court must schedule your final hearing no sooner than 30 days and no later than 90 days after the petition is filed.
When people hire attorneys without enough experience or try to navigate the process without adequate support, they can make critical errors that result in further delays, complications, and higher costs. We eliminate that risk with our guided product and expert review, before the filing even gets to the court.
What if we disagree on something?
If you disagree on any of the key matters, and you simply cannot come to a compromise or an agreement, then you might have to go the traditional divorce route and hire our attorneys in order to gain access to resources you need or protect your resources from an unfair division. Our dissolution product does not offer mediation or negotiation services, however, you can hire Brown Carrington to handle your case. If you disagree on topics initially but you are able to come to a resolution about them on your own, then our dissolution product may offer you the best path towards ending your marriage.
Do we have to go to court?
Yes, but briefly. Ohio requires both spouses to attend a short final hearing, scheduled 30 to 90 days after filing, to confirm that the agreement is voluntary. Many courts allow this hearing to be held online/virtually, and we attend it with you so the decree is entered that day.
What’s included in the flat fee?
We have taken decades of hard, complicated, and difficult work and created a product that empowers you to complete understandable questions so that we can accurately file your dissolution documentation with your county administrators. Our product includes a thorough review of what you have filled out so that we can submit documentation correctly to enable a successful dissolution. There are also court-related fees that we add to make up your total filing fee. The average court filing fee is about $200–$400, depending on your county. We are transparent so that your process is as efficient and effective as possible for you.
Can I switch to a contested divorce after?
Sometimes, even when spouses appear to agree on all terms when a dissolution process begins, they can also devolve into an argument over the terms of your separation. When the process becomes too complicated due to these disagreements, you can switch to a contested, more traditional divorce process so that you can protect your resources and your future.
Self service doesn’t mean you do it alone. Our Ohio family law attorneys review your separation agreement and filings before anything goes to the court.
Ready to start your dissolution?
Most people can finish the intake form within minutes.