MontgomeryCourt.org allows you to quickly start searching for publicly available information on divorce records in Montgomery County, Ohio. In addition to online tools, divorce records can be obtained directly from the court that issued the decision, at the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts office, as well as at the Ohio Department of Health, which maintains divorce certificates at the state level.
Montgomery Divorce Records Search
Divorce cases in Montgomery County are handled by the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, Division of Domestic Relations. This division of the general jurisdiction court handles all family cases, including divorces, dissolutions, and legal separations. The clerk of courts accepts, registers, and maintains the materials of each case.
The collection of divorce records includes:
- Divorce decrees
- Settlement agreements
- Custody orders
- Petitions, motions, and other procedural documents
The Ohio Department of Health maintains divorce certificates — abbreviated documents that confirm the fact of divorce but do not contain the full text of the court decision. Certificates are available for divorces registered since 1954.
Montgomery County Clerk of Courts — Records Section
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Montgomery
In Ohio, divorce goes through the Court of Common Pleas — this court has jurisdiction over family matters. In Montgomery County, the Domestic Relations division handles claims, approves agreements, and issues the final decree. Once the judge signs the decree, the clerk of courts enters it into the case register.
Depending on the specific document you need, contact one of the two offices:
- Full court decree or case materials — request from the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts. You can submit a request for copies of court documents online, via email, or in person.
- Divorce certificate — issued by the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. This is a brief document confirming the fact of divorce without details of the decree.
Montgomery County Common Pleas Court — Domestic Relations Division
Ohio Department of Health — Bureau of Vital Statistics
Court records are publicly available under Ohio's public records law, although certain documents — such as financial affidavits or children's data — may be sealed by the court. Certificates from the Department of Health have restrictions: they are issued only to the parties of the divorce or authorized persons. Through the Public Records Online (PRO) system, court information can be viewed electronically.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Montgomery
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (regular) | $0.05 per page | 1–3 business days |
| Certified copy of court document | $1.00 per document + $0.05 per page | 1–5 business days |
| Request for copies by mail or email | Same rates + postage costs | 5–10 business days |
| Divorce certificate (Ohio Department of Health) | $21.50 | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| Expedited certificate processing (ODH) | Additional ~$11.50 | 1–3 business days |