Ohio Divorce Costs: 2026 Breakdown & Fee Guide
Detailed breakdown of divorce costs in Ohio including filing fees, attorney costs, and ways to reduce expenses.
Ohio Divorce Cost Breakdown
Divorce costs in Ohio vary significantly based on whether your case is contested and whether you hire an attorney. Here's what you need to know:
Ohio Filing Fees by County
Filing fees in Ohio vary by county. Here are the fees for major counties:
| County | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) | $225 |
| Franklin County (Columbus) | $225 |
| Hamilton County (Cincinnati) | $225 |
Attorney Fees in Ohio
Hourly Rates
$175 - $400 per hour
Average: $275/hour
Flat Fee (Uncontested)
$1,200 - $3,000
For simple, agreed divorces
Average Retainer
$3,000
Upfront deposit required
Cost Scenarios for Ohio
DIY Dissolution (Uncontested)
Joint dissolution filing.
- Filing fee: $175-350
- No service fee (joint filing)
- Copying: $25-50
Attorney-Assisted Dissolution
Attorney prepares dissolution.
- Attorney fees: $1,200-3,000
- Filing fee: $175-350
- Court costs: $100-500
Contested Divorce
Disputed divorce.
- Attorney fees: $7,000-22,000
- Court costs: $1,000-2,500
- Experts: $500-2,000
10 Ways to Reduce Divorce Costs in Ohio
File dissolution instead of divorce (cheaper, simpler)
Use county self-help centers
DIY for agreed cases
Avoid contested proceedings
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Divorce Costs
How much does dissolution cost in Ohio?
Dissolution filing fees range from $175-350 in Ohio. Since both parties file together, there's no service fee. Total DIY dissolution costs are typically $175-400.
Ready to Start Your Divorce?
Whether you choose DIY or hire an attorney, understanding costs helps you budget effectively.