Divorce in Ohio
State-specific overview · Family Law
Ohio recognizes both fault and no-fault divorce, with no mandatory waiting period for no-fault grounds.
How Ohio treats Divorce
You can file for no-fault divorce based on incompatibility or irreconcilable differences, or on fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, or abandonment. No waiting period applies if both spouses agree to a no-fault divorce; however, if one spouse contests it, a waiting period may apply. Ohio follows equitable distribution, dividing marital property and debts in a manner the court deems fair and reasonable.
The general definition of Divorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the spouses' rights and responsibilities to each other.
Divorce is the legal process by which a married couple ends their marriage. It involves a court officially terminating the marriage and typically requires decisions about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The process can be contested, where the spouses disagree on terms, or uncontested, where they agree on the major issues. Once a divorce is finalized, both parties are free to remarry and are no longer legally responsible for each other.
Read the full Divorce entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.