Lorain County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Lorain County dissolution of marriage records are kept by the Clerk of Courts at the courthouse in Elyria. The Domestic Relations Division of the Court of Common Pleas manages all dissolution filings for the county. You can search for these records online through the Clerk's computerized system, which covers cases from 1988 forward. Lorain County also holds divorce records going back to 1858. Whether you need a certified copy of a decree or just want to look up basic case information, the Clerk's office at 225 Court Street is your starting point.
Lorain County Quick Facts
Lorain County Clerk of Courts
The Lorain County Clerk of Courts is located at 225 Court Street, Room 109, Elyria, OH 44035. The phone number is (440) 329-5511. The fax is (440) 329-5400. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This is the office that keeps all dissolution of marriage records for Lorain County.
The Clerk's office provides online access to computerized case records from 1988 onward. The system covers Civil, Criminal, Domestic Relations, and 9th District Court of Appeals cases. You can search by party name, attorney, or case number. The online tools include daily schedules for judges and magistrates, a quick index for alphabetical case searches, a general index with detailed case information, and docket sheets. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page, which includes the certificate and seal.
Lorain County is one of the larger counties in Ohio by population. The Clerk's office handles a high volume of domestic relations cases each year. Staff members are available to help with record requests and can guide you through the search process if you are not sure where to start.
Dissolution Of Marriage in Lorain County
Dissolution of marriage cases in Lorain County follow Ohio state law. Under ORC Section 3105.63, both spouses must file a joint petition with a separation agreement that addresses all issues: property, debt, spousal support, and child custody if applicable. At least one spouse needs to have lived in Ohio for six continuous months. The petition is filed with the Lorain County Clerk of Courts.
The court schedules a hearing between 30 and 90 days after filing. Both spouses must show up in person. They confirm under oath that the agreement is voluntary. If the judge is satisfied, the dissolution is granted and a decree is entered. This decree becomes part of the permanent court record. It is the document people most often need when requesting dissolution of marriage records later on.
Note: Lorain County has divorce records dating back to 1858, but computerized case records start from 1988 in the online system.
How to Get Lorain County Dissolution Records
For an in-person request, visit the Clerk of Courts at 225 Court Street, Room 109, in Elyria. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell the staff the names of both parties and any details you have about the case. Recent cases can usually be pulled quickly. Older cases may take a bit longer if they are stored on microfilm or in the archives.
Mail requests should be sent to Lorain County Clerk of Courts, 225 Court Street, Room 109, Elyria, OH 44035. Include the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of the dissolution, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Add a check or money order for the copy fees, payable to the Lorain County Clerk of Courts. Certified copies are $1.00 per page including the certificate and seal.
The online search system is free and available around the clock. It is good for looking up whether a case exists and seeing docket entries. But you cannot get certified copies online. You need to visit the office or mail a request for those. The Ohio Clerk of Courts Association can help you find contact information for the Lorain County office and all other Ohio county clerks.
The Lorain County Clerk of Courts manages dissolution of marriage records and other domestic relations filings through their official website.
The online portal provides access to case records from 1988 onward, covering Civil, Criminal, Domestic Relations, and 9th District Court of Appeals cases.
Lorain County Dissolution Fees and Costs
Certified copies of dissolution records cost $1.00 per page in Lorain County. That price includes the certificate and seal. Contact the Clerk's office at (440) 329-5511 for the most current fee schedule. Payment methods may include cash, check, and money order, but call ahead to confirm.
Filing fees for new dissolution cases in Ohio typically run between $300 and $400. The amount depends on whether the case involves children. Lorain County may have additional local court costs on top of the base filing fee. The Ohio State Bar Association provides general guidance on court costs for domestic relations cases.
State Resources for Dissolution Records
The Ohio Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains abstract indexes for divorces and dissolutions from 1954 to the present. An abstract shows basic facts but is not the full decree. For the actual court documents, you need the Lorain County Clerk of Courts. The Ohio History Connection may hold older records transferred from county offices.
Under Ohio law, dissolution of marriage records are public court records. Anyone can request basic case information under ORC Section 149.43. Some personal details like Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted for privacy. But the core documents of a dissolution case, including the petition and final decree, are open to public access.
Cities in Lorain County
Lorain County includes several cities and towns. All dissolution of marriage cases for county residents go through the Court of Common Pleas in Elyria.
Smaller communities like Avon, Amherst, and North Ridgeville also fall under Lorain County's jurisdiction for domestic relations matters.
Nearby County Dissolution Records
Counties that border Lorain County: