ProctorLaw matches you with vetted Columbus family law attorneys. Divorce, child custody, child support, and more — free, confidential, no obligation.
Franklin County — home to Columbus and 1.3 million residents — operates one of Ohio's busiest domestic relations courts. The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations, located at 373 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215, handles over 10,000 family law filings annually, including divorce, dissolution, custody, child support, and spousal support matters. Ohio's filing fee for a complaint for divorce is approximately $350; additional costs apply for service of process, parenting classes ($50–$75), and mediator fees. Columbus courts use the income-shares model for child support under ORC § 3119, combining both parents' incomes in the worksheet calculation. Mandatory mediation under Local R. 4.06 covers all contested parenting time and custody disputes, meaning early mediated agreements often resolve faster than litigation.
Our Columbus attorneys handle the full range of Franklin County family law cases.
Contested and uncontested divorce in Franklin County. Uncontested dissolution resolves in 90–120 days; contested cases average 12–18 months.
Legal custody, residential custody, and shared parenting plans under ORC § 3109.04. Courts prioritize the child's best interest in every decision.
Ohio income-shares calculation under ORC § 3119. Covers basic support, medical support, and childcare. CSEA manages orders in Franklin County.
Alimony ordered under ORC § 3105.18 — considers marriage length, incomes, earning capacity, and standard of living. Taxable per current federal law.
Equitable division of marital assets and debts under ORC § 3105.171. Marital property divided fairly — not necessarily equally — based on circumstances.
Agency, independent, and stepparent adoption through Franklin County Probate Court. Finalization timelines vary from 6 to 18 months depending on type.
Establishing legal fatherhood through voluntary acknowledgement or court action. Required before custody or support orders in non-marital situations.
Civil protection orders (CPO) under ORC § 2151.34. Immediate relief available — emergency ex parte orders can be granted same day if danger is present.
Family law attorneys in Columbus typically charge by the hour. Understanding the fee structure before you sign an engagement letter is critical.
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | Free – $350 |
| Uncontested divorce (simple) | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Contested divorce | $8,000 – $25,000+ |
| Custody / parenting dispute | $5,000 – $20,000+ |
ProctorLaw is always free for clients. Our matching service connects you with vetted Columbus family law attorneys at no charge to you. The attorney pays us a small referral fee — you pay the attorney directly for their legal work, under their own fee agreement.
Submit your case details — we'll match you with a qualified Columbus family law attorney and they'll reach out within 24 hours.
Many Columbus family law attorneys offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your situation before any engagement. Use that meeting to understand costs, timeline, and approach before committing.
Get a free case review →Franklin County's domestic relations court has its own local rules, procedural preferences, and hearing schedules that differ from surrounding counties. An attorney who appears regularly in Division 4 or 5 of the Franklin County Common Pleas Court understands which judges favor mediation, when hearings are typically scheduled, and how to navigate the court's case management system efficiently.
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