In Ohio, couples who want to end their marriage amicably may choose dissolution instead of a traditional divorce. Dissolution is often faster, less adversarial, and more cost-effective—but it still involves specific legal steps, and the overall timeline can vary depending on the circumstances.
At Garretson & Holcomb, LLC, we help clients in West Chester Township and throughout Ohio move through the dissolution process as efficiently as possible while protecting their rights every step of the way.
Let’s look at what influences the Ohio dissolution timeline and how long it typically takes to finalize everything.
What Is a Dissolution of Marriage in Ohio?
Dissolution is Ohio’s version of a no-fault, uncontested legal separation. Unlike divorce, where one spouse files against the other and may claim fault, dissolution happens when both parties agree to end the marriage.
They must come to full agreement on all major issues—property division, spousal support, debt, child custody, and parenting time—before filing. Then, they file a joint petition with the court to approve and finalize that agreement.
How Long Does a Dissolution Take in Ohio?
Once everything is in place, a typical dissolution in Ohio takes 30 to 90 days from the date the petition is filed to the final court hearing. But getting to that point—especially drafting the agreement—can take longer depending on the couple’s situation.
Here’s what the marriage dissolution process in Ohio generally looks like:
Preparing the Separation Agreement
Before filing, both spouses must work together to create a detailed separation agreement. This outlines how everything will be handled:
- Who gets which assets
- What happens to the family home
- How debts will be divided
- Whether spousal support will be paid
- How parenting time, custody, and support will be structured (if children are involved)
This phase can be fast if both parties are aligned and willing to compromise—but if there are disagreements or complex assets involved, negotiations can drag out for weeks or months.
Working with attorneys like us at Garretson & Holcomb helps ensure your agreement is clear, enforceable, and protects your future.
Filing the Petition and Scheduling a Hearing
Once the separation agreement is complete, both spouses sign and file a joint petition for dissolution in the domestic relations court of their county.
Under Ohio law, a court hearing must be scheduled no sooner than 30 days and no later than 90 days from the date of filing.
That’s the core of the dissolution vs. divorce time frame—divorce often takes many more months due to conflict, discovery, or trial. Dissolution is streamlined.
Still, your exact timing depends on court wait times for dissolution in Ohio, which vary by county and court backlog.
Court Approval and Finalization
At the scheduled hearing, both parties appear before the judge. The court will ask a few brief questions to confirm that both spouses willingly signed the agreement and understand its terms.
As long as everything is in order, the judge will approve the dissolution that day—and the marriage is legally over.
What Can Speed Up (or Delay) a Dissolution in Ohio?
While many dissolutions are straightforward, several factors can make the timeline shorter or longer:
1. Mutual Cooperation
The more both parties are willing to work together, the faster the process goes. If you already agree on the big issues, you can often draft the agreement and file in just a few weeks.
2. Court Scheduling
Each Ohio county has its own pace. Some courts book dissolution hearings quickly; others have longer wait times due to a busy docket.
3. Paperwork Errors
Mistakes in your separation agreement or court forms can cause delays. The court may require corrections before approving the petition.
Having an experienced legal team on your side ensures your paperwork is accurate and filed correctly the first time.
4. Unexpected Disagreements
If a dispute arises during the agreement phase—about money, parenting, or property—it can turn a simple dissolution into a long negotiation. In some cases, the couple may have to switch to a traditional divorce if they can’t agree.
FAQ: Quick Answers About Ohio Dissolution Timelines
What is the fastest way to finalize a dissolution in Ohio?
Agree on all terms ahead of time, hire a skilled attorney to draft your agreement, and file the joint petition promptly. This allows you to take advantage of the 30-day minimum timeline.
Can I file for dissolution and finalize it in the same month?
No, Ohio law requires a minimum 30-day waiting period between filing and your court hearing. But with no delays, you could potentially finalize in just over a month.
What happens if our court hearing is delayed?
You’ll have to wait until the court reschedules. This may happen if there’s a backlog or scheduling conflict. If you need your case moved faster, your attorney can sometimes help you petition for an earlier date.
Why Legal Support Matters
Although dissolution is meant to be simpler than divorce, it still involves important decisions that affect your future. Without proper legal guidance, you may end up with an agreement that doesn’t protect your rights—or face frustrating delays.
At Garretson & Holcomb, LLC, we help Ohio couples navigate every step of the process. From negotiating fair terms to filing your petition and preparing for the hearing, we’re by your side the whole way.
We’ll make sure everything is done right, filed on time, and structured to reflect your priorities. That way, you can move forward quickly—with confidence that your future is protected.
Talk to an Attorney Today
Whether you’re just starting to think about ending your marriage or already working out the terms with your spouse, our team is here to help.
Call Garretson & Holcomb, LLC at (513) 863-6600 to speak with an attorney about your dissolution. We’ll guide you through the timeline, answer your questions, and help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Let’s help you move forward—efficiently, fairly, and with the support you deserve.
