Divorce records in Franklin County, Ohio, can be accessed through several channels. FranklinCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Franklin County. You can also obtain records directly from the court that issued the decree, the Franklin County Clerk of Courts, or the Ohio Department of Health's vital records office. Whether you need a copy of a divorce decree, a certified divorce certificate, or case filing details, the right source depends on the type of document you need.
Franklin County Divorce Records Search
Franklin County divorce and dissolution records are maintained by the Domestic Relations Division of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. The Clerk of Courts serves as the custodian of case files for this division, including divorce decrees, dissolution decrees, settlement agreements, custody orders, and related filings. The Ohio Department of Health also maintains an index of divorce and dissolution records filed statewide since 1954 and can issue certified abstracts.
To search Franklin County domestic relations case records online, use the Case Information Online (CIO) portal, which provides public access to civil and domestic case data. For in-person requests, visit the Clerk of Courts office.
Franklin County Clerk of Courts — Domestic Relations
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Franklin County
In Ohio, divorce and dissolution cases are handled by the Court of Common Pleas. In Franklin County, the Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch of the Court of Common Pleas hears divorce, dissolution, legal separation, and related family law matters. Once a judge signs a divorce or dissolution decree, the entry is filed with the Franklin County Clerk of Courts.
The type of document you need determines which office to contact:
- Court records — divorce decrees, settlement agreements, custody orders, and full case files are available through the Franklin County Clerk of Courts. You can search docket information through the CIO online portal or request copies in person or by mail.
- Vital records (divorce certificates/abstracts) — the Ohio Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, maintains a statewide index of divorces and dissolutions from 1954 to the present. This office issues certified abstracts that confirm a divorce occurred, but these do not contain the full terms of the decree.
Franklin County Clerk of Courts
Ohio Department of Health — Bureau of Vital Statistics
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Franklin County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce/dissolution decree (Clerk of Courts) | $1.00 per page plus $2.00 certification fee | Same day to several business days (in person or by mail) |
| Online case information search (CIO portal) | Free | Immediate |
| Certified divorce abstract (Ohio Department of Health) | $21.50 | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| Additional copies of divorce abstract (same order, ODH) | $5.00 each | Included with original order |
| Expedited processing (Ohio Department of Health) | Additional fee applies | 5–7 business days |