Ohio family law resources
Free guides for parents in Ohio domestic relations and juvenile court, with links to the official uniform forms
What do you need help with?
I want to change custody
Uniform Form 27, the change in circumstances test, and the R.C. 3109.04 factors
I want to change parenting time
Uniform Form 26 and the parenting time factors in R.C. 3109.051
I need to change child support
The 10 percent test, uniform Form 28, and agency reviews by the CSEA
I was served papers and need to respond
28 days to answer a complaint; no statewide form to respond to a custody motion
I disagree with a magistrate's decision
Written objections within 14 days, and the transcript rule
I am moving with my child
The notice of intent to relocate in R.C. 3109.051(G)
The other parent is not following the order
Contempt motions, compensatory parenting time, and fees
We were never married
The default rule in R.C. 3109.042 and the Form 23 complaint
The Family Court Playbook: Ohio Edition
11 guides from start to finish
Step 1
How Family Court Works in Ohio
Domestic relations and juvenile court, magistrates, uniform forms, and local rules
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Step 2
Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities in Ohio
Residential parent and legal custodian, the best interest factors, and parenting time
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Step 3
Shared Parenting in Ohio
Filing a plan, the 30-day deadline, the extra factors, and later changes
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Step 4
How to Change a Custody or Parenting Time Order in Ohio
The change in circumstances test, parenting time changes, and responding
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Step 5
Affidavits in Ohio Family Court
Sworn statements, the uniform affidavits, and the Parenting Proceeding Affidavit
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Step 6
How to Prepare Evidence for Ohio Family Court
The Ohio Rules of Evidence, guardian ad litem reports, and investigations
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Step 7
How Child Support Is Calculated in Ohio
The basic schedule, income, the parenting time adjustment, and deviations
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Step 8
Financial Disclosure in Ohio Family Cases
Affidavit 1, property and health insurance affidavits, and income documents
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Step 9
How to Serve Court Papers in Ohio
Clerk service, refused and unclaimed mail, publication, and later papers
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Step 10
Mediation and Parenting Coordination in Ohio
Court-ordered mediation, domestic violence screening, and parenting coordination
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Step 11
What to Expect at an Ohio Family Court Hearing
Magistrates, 14-day objections, transcripts, and a preparation checklist
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More guides
Specific topics and situations
Unmarried parents
Establishing parentage and asking for custody or parenting time
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MovingRelocation
The notice of intent to relocate and how a move affects custody
Read guide →
EnforcementEnforcing an order
Contempt for denied parenting time or unpaid support
Read guide →
EmergencyTemporary and emergency orders
Temporary orders on affidavit, restraining orders, and protection orders
Read guide →
Official Ohio sources
Uniform domestic relations forms
Statewide forms approved by the Supreme Court of Ohio
Ohio child support
The ODJFS Office of Child Support and county agencies
Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure
Including Civ.R. 53 on magistrates and Civ.R. 75 on family cases
Ohio Legal Help
Legal information, forms, and help finding a lawyer
Custody schedule builder
Lay out a parenting time schedule on a real calendar and count each parent’s overnights
Build a schedule →
Onbello is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. These guides are general legal information about Ohio law and court rules, with sources listed on each page. Ohio courts also have local rules that vary by county.