Dissolution with Children Form Assistant

This interview will help you fill out the forms to file for dissolution with children in the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court. 

Learn more about filing for dissolution with children in Cuyahoga County.

You will need to:

  • Register for an account. Registering will allow you to save and complete this form on your own schedule.  
  • Start with Step 1 do not skip ahead. The Steps must be completed in order. 
  • Enter your information completely and correctly. 
  • Pace yourself and take breaks. All the information you fill out will be saved. You can click "Save & Exit" and return to complete your form.   
Start This Form (registration required)

Other Actions

Preview form

Was this information helpful?
Send this page to:
  • Text
  • Email
  • Print
  • Link
We're not sure if this resource is right for you. Please answer some questions to see all available resources and information.

After You Finish

Learn what to do when you have finished filling out this form.
See More +

Once you have completed the forms and are ready to file, complete the following steps. 

File the forms

  • Print your completed forms. You can print your forms at any Cleveland Public Library for .10 per page. On Wednesdays, you can also print your forms at the Law Library, which is located on the fourth floor of the Cuyahoga County Court House at 1 W. Lakeside Ave.  You can print up to 25 pages for free at the Law Library. There is a fee of .20 per additional page. You should make at least one extra copy of your forms for your records.
  • After you print your forms, you will need to sign your documents in front of a notary. The Law Library has staff who can notarize your forms for you. You also can find a notary by searching on your browser for “a notary near me.” The Help Center at the Domestic Relations Court also has staff who can notarize your forms for you.
  • Bring your completed, signed and notarized forms to the Clerk of Court. The Domestic Relations Clerk of Court is located on the ground floor of the Cuyahoga County Court House at 1 W. Lakeside Ave.
  • Give the clerk your forms to file. You also will need to pay the filing fee.

As of March 1st, 2024, the cost to file for a dissolution in Cuyahoga County is $200 for a dissolution with children.

You also have the option to efile your forms. Learn more about efiling from the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts.

If you have a low income and can’t afford the filing fee, you can choose to add a Civil Fee Waiver Affidavit, or Poverty Affidavit, to create an additional form to file with your packet of documents. This form asks that you be allowed to file without paying a fee upfront. You may still be responsible for paying the fee at the end of the case.

If you have questions about the process of filing for a dissolution, you can contact the Help Center at (216) 443-8880.

Complete the parenting seminar

If you and your spouse have children together, you will need to successfully complete the Court-approved seminar for parents within 30 days before or after you file your petition for dissolution.

You can find more information about this requirement in Local Rule 34.

Prepare for the hearing

After you file your paperwork, the Court will schedule a final hearing 30 to 90 days from the date you filed. You and your spouse must attend this hearing. 

Before your final hearing, you must submit a proposed “Judgment Entry of Dissolution” that says what you want the judge to include in the final dissolution order. This form will be reviewed by the Court's Help Center for completeness and then sent to the Judge or Magistrate holding your final hearing for their review and approval. 

You must complete your proposed judgment entry at least two weeks before your final hearing. 

More Information