Access Union County Divorce Decree

Union County divorce decree records are filed and stored at the Court of Common Pleas in Marysville. The Clerk of Courts manages all divorce filings, dissolution petitions, and final judgments for this growing suburban county northwest of Columbus. You can search for a Union County divorce decree by visiting the courthouse in person, calling the clerk's office, or using online court record tools. Union County has seen steady population growth in recent years, and the Domestic Relations Division handles a growing number of cases. The courthouse staff are experienced in helping people find the records they need quickly.

Union County Court of Common Pleas

The Union County Court of Common Pleas handles all divorce decree cases filed in the county. The Domestic Relations Division takes care of divorce complaints, dissolution petitions, and legal separations. Judge Charlotte E. Eufinger presides over these cases, with a magistrate who assists. The court sits at 219 W 5th Street in Marysville.

Union County uses the CourtView case management system. Online case access is available for many records. The court requires a mandatory parenting class for divorcing parents with children. Mediation is part of the program as well and helps parties settle disputes before they go to trial. The Union County Clerk of Courts keeps all records for the court. You can search by name or case number. The records division maintains both current files and historical records. Staff can help with copies and certified documents during regular business hours. Union County's location near Columbus means some residents may be more familiar with Franklin County procedures, but all Union County residents must file here in Marysville.

Searching for Union County Divorce Records

There are a few ways to search for a Union County divorce decree. In person is the most direct route. Go to the Clerk of Courts office in Marysville during business hours. Bring ID and any details you have about the case. Staff can search by name or case number. Most requests get handled quickly.

Online searching is another option. Union County uses CourtView, which gives you access to case information from home. The Supreme Court of Ohio website links to statewide court search tools that also cover Union County. You may find party names, filing dates, and case status through these tools. For the full divorce decree document, you will most likely need to visit the courthouse or send a written request by mail with the required payment included.

Note: Union County's CourtView system may not include very old cases, so historical searches may require an in-person visit.

Union County Divorce Decree Filing

Filing for a divorce in Union County starts at the courthouse in Marysville. Under ORC § 3105.01, one spouse files a complaint in the county where they live. Union County residents go to the Domestic Relations Division at 219 W 5th Street. After the complaint is filed, the other spouse gets served.

Ohio provides both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault is the most common choice in Union County. Under ORC § 3105.03, the court can grant a divorce if the couple lived apart for one year or both agree on incompatibility. Fault grounds are available too, including adultery, extreme cruelty, and gross neglect of duty. Those cases require more proof and take more time. A dissolution of marriage is another option that works well when both parties agree on all terms. The court reviews the agreement and issues the final Union County divorce decree if everything is in order.

Property gets split under Ohio's equitable distribution rules found in ORC § 3105.171. The judge divides marital property in a fair manner. Spousal support may be awarded under ORC § 3105.18. The factors include income, marriage length, and each person's needs. Child custody and support are addressed in the same Union County divorce decree when children are involved. Every final order spells out all terms in detail.

Fees for Union County Divorce Decree

Filing fees in Union County range from $250 to $350 for a divorce. Dissolution filings cost less. The Clerk of Courts collects all fees at the time of filing. Cash, check, and money order are accepted. Some courts in this area also take credit cards.

Standard copies are $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per page. If you need a certified copy of a Union County divorce decree for a name change, benefits claim, or real estate matter, you will pay the certified rate. Mail requests need payment and a written note that identifies the case you need. The clerk's office can confirm the total cost by phone if you want to know before you visit or send a letter.

Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford filing costs. File an affidavit of indigency at the Union County courthouse. The judge reviews your financial situation and decides. Forms for the waiver are free.

What a Union County Divorce Decree Includes

A Union County divorce decree is the final court order that ends a marriage. It sets out all the terms the judge approved. Property division, spousal support, child custody, parenting time, and child support are all covered in this document. The judge signs it. The clerk files it.

Most Union County divorce decree records are public. You can ask to see them at the courthouse. You do not have to be a party to the case. Some information may be sealed or redacted, though. Financial documents like tax returns are usually not available. Records involving minor children may have restricted access. If something is sealed, you need a court order to view it. The clerk's staff can tell you what parts of a case file are open to the public. Because Union County is a growing area near Columbus, the volume of cases has increased, but the staff keeps up with record requests efficiently.

Note: Union County maintains historical divorce decree records at the courthouse going back many decades.

Legal Help for Union County Divorce

If you need legal help with a divorce in Union County, several resources exist. The Ohio State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. Because Union County borders Franklin County, attorneys from the Columbus area also serve Union County clients regularly. Legal aid organizations may help if you meet income guidelines.

The Marysville courthouse has self-help packets for people who want to file without an attorney. These include forms and basic instructions for divorce and dissolution. The clerk's staff can direct you to the right materials but cannot give legal advice. The Ohio Department of Health keeps vital statistics records that can verify marriages and divorces at the state level. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network serves people in unsafe home situations. The Ohio Court System website has self-help guides and standard domestic relations forms too.

• Ohio State Bar Association referral service
• Legal aid organizations near Columbus
• Self-help packets at Union County courthouse
• Ohio Domestic Violence Network
• Ohio Supreme Court self-help center

Nearby Counties

These counties border Union County. File your divorce decree in the county where you actually live.