Delaware County Dissolution Of Marriage
Delaware County dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Clerk of Courts office in Delaware, Ohio. Just north of Columbus, this is one of the fastest-growing counties in Ohio with a population exceeding 215,000. The Court of Common Pleas handles all dissolution filings through its Domestic Relations division. You can search for dissolution of marriage records through the clerk's online records search tool, visit the office on the third floor of the courthouse, or send a request by mail. Delaware County provides online access to case information for civil and domestic relations matters.
Delaware County Dissolution Overview
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
The Delaware County Clerk of Courts is the official keeper of dissolution of marriage records. The office is at 117 North Union Street, 3rd Floor, Delaware, Ohio 43015. Phone (740) 833-2500, fax (740) 833-2499. The clerk maintains files for civil, domestic relations, and felony criminal cases. All dissolution petitions, separation agreements, and final decrees are on file here.
Copy fees are $0.10 per page for non-certified copies. Certified record copies cost $2.00 per document. Payment can be made by check, money order, or cash. In-person requests need valid photo ID. Mail requests should include the case number or party names, approximate date, and payment. The Delaware County Probate Court at 145 North Union Street, P.O. Box 8006, Delaware, Ohio 43015, phone (740) 833-2680, handles marriage records separately.
Searching Delaware County Dissolution Records
The Delaware County Clerk of Courts has a records search tool on their website. You can search by name, select "civil cases" under case types, and filter by party type and case status. Domestic Relations cases are included. The system shows basic case information including filing dates, parties, and case status. For the actual documents, you may need to visit the office or request copies.
The Delaware County Records Center at 2079 US 23 North, Delaware, OH 43015, phone (740) 833-2140, holds older records. Pre-1996 marriage records are at the Records Center. Divorce and court records date back to 1825. Birth and death records from 1867 to 1908 are at the Probate Court, while records from 1908 to present are at the Ohio Department of Health.
Note: Delaware County also has a Families in Transition (FIT) Program, a pilot program for parenting courses for families going through separation or dissolution.
Filing for Dissolution Of Marriage in Delaware County
Under ORC Sections 3105.63 and 3105.64, both spouses file a joint petition with a separation agreement. The agreement must resolve property division, debts, spousal support, and child-related issues if applicable. The Delaware County court schedules a hearing 30 to 90 days after filing. Both parties attend and swear the agreement was voluntary.
Six months of continuous Ohio residency is required. No extra county residency applies. Delaware County accepts standardized Supreme Court of Ohio forms. Property is divided under equitable distribution per ORC Section 3105.171. The court weighs factors like the marriage's duration, each spouse's financial position, and the desirability of keeping the family home for the custodial parent. Spousal support follows ORC Section 3105.18 with 14 factors. Child support uses Ohio's income shares model based on combined parental income.
Delaware County Dissolution Resources
The Ohio State Bar Association can refer Delaware County residents to family law attorneys. The Ohio Clerk of Courts Association provides a statewide directory of clerks. The Ohio Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps a statewide abstract index for dissolutions from 1954 forward. The Ohio History Connection has a guide to finding older dissolution records.
Legal aid organizations serving central Ohio may offer free or low-cost help for qualifying Delaware County residents. The Women's Law website has Ohio dissolution statutes in plain language. Because Delaware County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, the court system has been expanding services to keep up with demand. The county's growth means more dissolution filings each year, and the clerk's office has added digital tools and staff to handle the volume. The County Office website also offers a statewide overview of Ohio dissolution record access.
Delaware County Dissolution Record Access
Under the Ohio Public Records Act (ORC Section 149.43), dissolution of marriage records are public records. Anyone can request a copy. Some details are redacted from public versions, including Social Security numbers and financial account information. Records involving minor children may have extra restrictions. If a judge has sealed part of the case file, that portion stays private.
Delaware County processes a growing volume of domestic relations cases as its population rises. The Clerk of Courts has expanded digital access to keep pace with demand. If you plan to visit the office, the third floor of the courthouse at 117 North Union Street is where to go. Parking is available near the courthouse. Staff can typically process in-person requests the same day for recent records. Older records that need to come from the Records Center at 2079 US 23 North may take a few extra days.
Delaware County Dissolution File Contents
Dissolution of marriage files in Delaware County hold several documents. The joint petition is the first item. The separation agreement covers property division under ORC Section 3105.171, debts, spousal support, and custody if kids are involved. Both spouses file financial affidavits listing income, assets, and debts. These sworn statements help the court check the agreement. If children are part of the case, the file also has a parenting plan and support worksheets.
The decree signed by the judge is the final document. It ends the marriage. All of these records are public. Under ORC Section 149.43, anyone can request copies from the Delaware County Clerk of Courts at 117 North Union Street. Social Security numbers and account numbers get redacted. For certified copies with the court seal, plan on paying the $2.00 certification fee on top of the per-page copy charge.
Cities in Delaware County
Delaware County includes Dublin, which spans parts of Delaware and Franklin counties. All dissolution of marriage filings for Delaware County residents go through the Court of Common Pleas at the courthouse in the city of Delaware, regardless of which city the person lives in.
Nearby Counties
Check these nearby counties for dissolution of marriage records: