Ohio Divorce Filing Fee
Court costs to file for divorce in Ohio: base filing fee, service of process, and any county clerk surcharge.
Ohio divorces typically cost 46% less than the national average of $12,900.
Ohio fee schedule
| Base filing fee range | $200 - $350 |
| Service of process fee | $55 |
| County clerk surcharge | $25 |
| Total minimum | $280 |
| Total maximum | $430 |
Last verified: January 2025. For self-help and exact local fees, see the Ohio court self-help center.
Filing fee details
Locked to Ohio on this page.
Pick your county for an exact filing fee, or leave blank to see the state-wide range.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Ohio county filing fees
Filing fees for the largest counties in Ohio. Confirm with the local clerk before filing, as fees can change.
| County | Filing Fee | Surcharge | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butler | $150 | $122 | $272 | Hamilton area. |
| Cuyahoga | $200 | $150 | $350 | Cleveland area. $350 with children; lower without. Highest in state. |
| Franklin | $150 | $175 | $325 | Columbus area. $325 total with children. |
| Hamilton | $150 | $165 | $315 | Cincinnati area. $315 total with children. |
| Lorain | $150 | $118 | $268 | Elyria area. |
| Lucas | $150 | $135 | $285 | Toledo area. |
| Mahoning | $150 | $115 | $265 | Youngstown area. |
| Montgomery | $150 | $140 | $290 | Dayton area. |
| Stark | $150 | $125 | $275 | Canton area. Medium confidence. |
| Summit | $150 | $145 | $295 | Akron area. $295 total with children. |
Filing fee is the base petition cost. Surcharge covers any county-level add-on (CCRC, court technology, domestic relations surcharge, etc.). Total is what you pay the clerk before service of process.
Filing Fees in Ohio - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Ohio?
Filing for divorce in Ohio typically costs $280 to $430 in court fees. This includes the base filing fee ($200 to $350), service of process ($55), and any county clerk surcharge (about $25).
Are there fee waivers for divorce filings in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio courts allow filers who cannot afford the fees to apply for a waiver, sometimes called an in forma pauperis (IFP) or fee waiver application. Approval is typically based on receipt of public assistance, income below a court-set threshold, or documented hardship. Applications are submitted to the court clerk along with the divorce petition.
Does it cost more to file a contested divorce in Ohio?
The initial filing fee in Ohio is the same regardless of whether the case is uncontested or contested. The difference shows up in motion fees, hearing fees, and attorney costs as the case progresses. Each contested motion typically adds $30 to $100 in court fees, plus the attorney time to draft and argue it.
Are filing fees the same in every county in Ohio?
Filing fees in Ohio are set by state statute, but counties can add their own surcharges and processing fees. The fees shown here use Ohio's statewide range. Confirm the exact fee with your county clerk before filing, particularly in larger metropolitan counties.
When are divorce filing fees due in Ohio?
Divorce filing fees in Ohio are due at the time you submit your petition. Most courts accept cash, check, money order, and credit cards (with a small processing fee). If you are pursuing a fee waiver, submit the waiver application together with the petition. The clerk will not accept the filing without payment or an approved waiver.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.