Getting a divorce in Cleveland

Cuyahoga County has a Domestic Relations unit in Court of Common Pleas

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For a quick, state-level snapshot of divorce, please see “Divorce in Ohio“; for more details, including links to a variety of domestic violence resources, please see the series “Updated: Divorce in Ohio, Part 1“; Part 2; and Part 3.

Addressing domestic violence

Experts and authorities recommend dealing with domestic violence as soon as possible. Each situation may have its own, unique aspects, but all domestic violence situations share one trait: danger. A trained, experienced attorney can help with emergency plans, shelter referrals and legal orders. Cuyahoga County also has local resources, including:

• Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court FAQ (including emergency and shelter contact information);
• Domestic Violence Center of Greater Cleveland;
• Law Library: Cleveland and Cuyahoga County FAQ;
• General information packet.

Initiating the divorce complaint

According to the Cuyahoga County Web site, “Most people find that the best way to get a divorce is to hire an attorney to do it for them. Technically, a divorce is started when a legal pleading called ‘complaint for divorce’ is filed with the Clerk of Courts, along with instructions for service and payment of the filing fee. A divorce is not granted until the plaintiff (the person who files the complaint) has attended all of the hearings required by the court, and prepared all the necessary papers. At a minimum the person asking for the divorce will have to appear at a hearing and give testimony under oath or affirmation, bring a witness who will also testify, and prepare and bring all the necessary paperwork to complete the case. Please refer to the following topics in Domestic Relations’ ‘General Information’: divorce, dissolution, service, filing fee, parenting affidavit, parent education seminar and the journal department.”

Directions & forms

Click on the link to see directions to the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court, which also provides forms and guidelines necessary for divorce or dissolution of marriage.

Also from the Web site:

What documents do I need to bring for my uncontested divorce hearing?

You will need the following:

• Judgment Entry for Divorce
• Signed Separation Agreement or In-Court Agreement (if you have one)

If you have children you will also need:

• Private Health Insurance Questionnaire
• Child Support Computation Worksheet
• Parent Education Seminar certificate (if not already filed)
• Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (if not already filed)
• Shared Parenting Plan (if you have one)

You must also bring verification of your income.  The Judge or magistrate may also ask you questions about aspects of your judgment entry or agreement for which you may need documentation.

What documents do I need to bring for my dissolution hearing?

• Judgment Entry of Dissolution
• Signed Separation Agreement

If you have children you will also need:

• Private Health Insurance Questionnaire
• Child Support Computation Worksheet
• Parent Education Seminar certificate (if not already filed)
• Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (if not already filed)
• Shared Parenting Plan (if you have one)

You must also bring verification of your income. The Judge or magistrate may also ask you questions about aspects of your judgment entry or agreement for which you may need documentation.

Free evaluation

We can help. If you’re ready to begin the search for a compatible, well trained, experienced divorce attorney, you can start with our free case evaluation. If you need more information, please browse our site, using the tabs at the top of the page.