How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce in Ohio if Both Parties Agree?

When facing the end of a marriage, one of the most pressing questions on your mind is almost certainly: “How quickly can this be over?” The good news is that if both parties agree on all the terms, the process for ending your marriage in Ohio can be significantly faster and less stressful than a contested case. The key to a speedy resolution lies in understanding the distinction between a contested divorce and an amicable divorce in Ohio, also known as a dissolution.

At Kenneth R. Kline Family Law, we recognize that your goal is to achieve a resolution as efficiently as possible so you can focus on moving forward with your life. While we can’t give you an exact date without knowing the specifics of your case, we can provide a clear timeline for the quickest path: the dissolution of marriage.

Dissolution vs. Divorce in Ohio

The term amicable divorce in Ohio most often refers to the legal process known as Dissolution of Marriage. This is the pathway for couples who have successfully resolved all of their differences before filing any paperwork with the court. 

The Timeline for a Dissolution of Marriage

For an amicable divorce in Ohio completed through a Dissolution, the timeline is highly streamlined. The speed of the case primarily depends on two factors: how quickly you and your spouse can finalize your agreement, and the court’s calendar.

The entire court-involved portion of an Ohio dissolution is governed by specific statutory deadlines.

• Minimum Waiting Period: After the joint Petition for Dissolution is filed with the court, Ohio law requires a minimum 30-day waiting period before the final hearing can be held.
• Maximum Timeframe: The final hearing must be scheduled within 90 days of filing the Petition.

This means that the quickest possible time from the date you file your paperwork to the day you are legally divorced is approximately one to three months.

However, it is important to remember that significant work must be done before the filing date.

Steps to Finalize a Divorce in Ohio Amicably

Achieving the fastest timeline requires thorough preparation and cooperation. Here are the steps involved in an amicable divorce in Ohio:

1. Reaching a Full Agreement: Both parties must agree on every single issue related to the marriage, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and if there are children, child custody and support.
2. Drafting the Separation Agreement: A comprehensive Separation Agreement must be prepared and signed by both parties, outlining the terms of the settlement. This is the most crucial document and must cover all legal requirements.
3. Preparing the Required Documents: You must gather and file all necessary financial disclosures, affidavits of income and expenses, and a fully executed Separation Agreement and Parenting Plan (if applicable).
4. Filing the Joint Petition: Both parties sign and jointly file the Petition for Dissolution with the Domestic Relations Court in the appropriate county.
5. The Final Hearing: After the 30-day waiting period, a brief final hearing is scheduled. Both parties must attend and testify that they voluntarily entered into the Separation Agreement, that they are satisfied with its terms, and that they still desire the dissolution of the marriage. The judge then approves the terms and grants the dissolution.

What Can Cause Delays?

While a fully agreed-upon case is the fastest path, certain factors can still slow down the process:

• Incomplete Paperwork: Errors or omissions in the initial filing will cause the court to reject the documents or postpone the hearing.
• Court Backlogs: The court’s scheduling can occasionally push the final hearing closer to the 90-day maximum, especially in busier counties.
• Failure to Agree on the Separation Agreement: If one party changes their mind or a new issue arises after the drafting process begins, the case could transition from a dissolution into a longer, more costly contested divorce.
• Minor Children Requirements: Cases involving children often require parents to attend mandatory parenting seminars, which must be completed before the final decree is issued.

The Value of Experienced Legal Counsel

Even in the most amicable divorce in Ohio, having an experienced family law attorney is invaluable. We ensure that your Separation Agreement is legally sound, fully comprehensive, and protects your long-term interests. We guide you through the process, prepare all necessary documentation correctly, and work with the court to keep your case on the quickest possible track.

If you and your spouse agree and are ready to move forward, contact the Law Offices of Kenneth R. Kline, LLC today. We specialize in providing compassionate, high-quality, and cost-effective representation to finalize a divorce in Ohio. Let us help you resolve your case efficiently and with the confidence that your future is protected.