Divorce records in Franklin County, Ohio, are public documents. Whether you need a certified copy of your own divorce decree for a name change, remarriage, or visa application or you are searching for records tied to someone else the process is entirely accessible through official county channels.
Explains exactly where divorce records are kept, how to search them online, how to request certified copies in person or by mail, what fees apply, and what information those records contain.
Who Maintains Franklin County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Franklin County are maintained by the Franklin County Clerk of Courts Domestic Relations Division. This office is a division of the Court of Common Pleas, which handles all divorce, dissolution, legal separation, and annulment cases filed within the county.
Franklin County Clerk of Courts Domestic Relations Division 373 South High Street, 4th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 525-4410 Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
General Clerk of Courts Phone: (614) 525-3600
This is the only official custodian of Franklin County divorce records. Third-party websites may reference these records, but they are not verified sources and should not be used for legal purposes.
Are Franklin County Divorce Records Public?
Yes. Under the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43), most divorce records in Franklin County are open to the public. Anyone not just the parties involved can request access to divorce case files and decrees.
However, not every detail in a divorce file is public. Certain information may be sealed or redacted, including:
- Financial account numbers and routing information
- Social Security numbers
- Minor children’s identifying details
- Records sealed by a specific court order
- Cases involving domestic violence where disclosure could endanger a party
If you are one of the parties on the case, or a legal representative, you have access to the full file including any confidential portions.
What Information Is in a Franklin County Divorce Record?
A typical divorce record from the Franklin County Clerk of Courts can include:
- Full names and addresses of both parties at the time of divorce
- Case number and filing date
- Grounds for divorce
- Petition for dissolution or divorce complaint
- Property division orders
- Spousal support or alimony terms
- Child custody arrangements and parenting time schedules
- Child support orders
- Final divorce decree signed by the judge
- Docket entries showing every court filing and hearing date
The extent of what is available depends on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, and whether any portions of the file were sealed by the court.
How to Search Franklin County Divorce Records Online
Option 1: Case Information Online (CIO) Portal
The Franklin County Clerk of Courts’ Case Information Online (CIO) system is the official public search tool for court records, including domestic relations cases.
You can search by:
- Party name (plaintiff or defendant)
- Case number
- Date range
- Court name
Important note:
While the CIO system includes domestic relations case docket entries meaning you can see what was filed and when the actual documents are not viewable online for Domestic Relations cases. You can confirm a case exists and find the case number, but to obtain copies of the actual divorce decree or other documents, you must contact the Domestic Relations Division directly or submit a records request.
Option 2: Ohio Supreme Court Public Records Search
The Ohio Supreme Court offers a statewide case search tool that pulls from all county courts, including Franklin County. This can be useful if you are unsure which county the divorce was filed in.
Ohio Supreme Court Case Search: supremecourt.ohio.gov
How to Get a Certified Copy of a Franklin County Divorce Decree
A certified copy of a divorce decree is the document most people need for legal purposes remarriage, name changes, passport applications, mortgage refinancing, immigration filings, and more. Here is how to get one.
Method 1: By Mail (Most Common)
This is the standard method and works well if you already know the basic case details.
Step 1: Write a request letter You do not need a special form. Write a simple letter addressed to the Domestic Relations Division that includes:
- Full names of both parties as they appeared during the marriage
- The year the case was filed
- The case number (if available)
- Any other documents you need beyond the decree itself (specify clearly)
- Your full return name and mailing address
Step 2: Calculate and include payment
- Copies cost $0.10 per page
- Certification fee is $1.00 per document
- Include a check or money order payable to Franklin County Clerk of Courts
If you are unsure of the total, call (614) 525-4410 before mailing to confirm the exact amount.
Step 3: Mail your request to:
Franklin County Clerk of Courts Domestic Relations Division 373 South High Street, 4th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215
Processing time varies. Call ahead to ask about current turnaround time if you are working against a deadline.
Method 2: In Person
Walk-in requests are handled at the same location 373 South High Street, 4th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bring the following:
- A valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- The names of the parties and approximate year the divorce was filed
- The case number if you have it (speeds up the process significantly)
- Payment: cash, check, or money order
Staff can look up the file and provide copies on the same visit for most requests. Certified copies are issued at $0.10 per page plus $1.00 certification per document.
Method 3: Public Records Request Form
The Franklin County Clerk of Courts also offers a Public Records Request Form online for formal records requests. This is the appropriate route for larger or more complex document requests.
Online form: clerk.franklincountyohio.gov/Public-Records/Public-Records-Request-Form
Note: Juvenile records cannot be requested through the online form. For juvenile-related matters, you must appear in person at the 4th Floor office with a valid photo ID.
Franklin County Divorce Records Fee Schedule
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy (per page) | $0.10 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 |
| Exemplified copy (per document) | $4.00 |
| Filing fee — Divorce action | $275.00 |
| Filing fee — Legal Separation | $200.00 |
| Filing fee — Annulment | $200.00 |
| Post-judgment motions | $150.00 |
| Counterclaim for Divorce/Annulment/Separation | $43.00 |
The fees above cover records requests and case-related filings. For a certified copy of your divorce decree, the typical cost is $1.00 for certification plus $0.10 per page. A standard decree is usually a few pages, so the total is minimal.
How to Search If You Do Not Know the Case Number
If you do not have the case number, you can still locate the record. Here is how:
Step 1: Go to the CIO portal at fcdcfcjs.co.franklin.oh.us/CaseInformationOnline
Step 2: Search by the full name of either party. Use both first and last name. If there are too many results, narrow the search by adding a date range or the case year.
Step 3: Once you locate the case in the system, note the case number shown in the results. You will need this when submitting your records request to the Domestic Relations Division.
Step 4: Contact the Domestic Relations Division at (614) 525-4410 or submit your request by mail or in person using the case number you found.
Who Can Access Franklin County Divorce Records?
| Person | Access Level |
|---|---|
| General public | Public portions of the file |
| Case parties (both spouses) | Full file including confidential sections |
| Attorneys of record | Full file |
| Immediate family members | Public portions (confidential requires court order) |
| Third-party researchers | Public portions only |
If you believe a record has been improperly sealed or you need access to a sealed file, that requires a separate court motion and is handled through the Domestic Relations Court directly, not through the Clerk’s records division.
Common Reasons People Request Divorce Records
People need certified divorce records more often than you might expect. The most common situations include:
Remarriage:
Before issuing a new marriage license, the Franklin County Probate Court requires a certified copy of your most recent divorce decree if you were previously married. This is non-negotiable — you cannot get a new marriage license without it.
Name Change:
If you resumed a former name as part of the divorce, the decree itself serves as your legal proof for updating your driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, and bank accounts.
Mortgage Refinancing:
Lenders often require proof that a prior marriage has ended, especially when property was shared or titled jointly.
Immigration and Visa Applications:
USCIS and foreign consulates typically require certified copies of divorce decrees as part of immigration paperwork.
Genealogy Research:
Divorce records provide valuable family history documentation going back decades.
Child Custody Disputes:
If parenting terms need to be modified or enforced, the original decree is the starting point for any new court proceedings.
Step-by-Step Summary: Getting Franklin County Divorce Records in 2026
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Search the CIO portal to find the case number |
| 2 | Note both parties’ names and case year |
| 3 | Decide: mail request, in-person visit, or online form |
| 4 | Prepare your request with names, year, and case number |
| 5 | Include payment ($0.10/page + $1.00 certification) |
| 6 | Send to Domestic Relations Division, 373 S. High St., 4th Floor |
| 7 | Receive certified copy by mail or pick up in person |
Conclusion
Franklin County makes divorce records reasonably accessible online search to find the case, then a straightforward mail or in-person request to get certified copies. For most people, the entire process costs just a few dollars and takes no more than a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Franklin County divorce records public?
Yes. Under the Ohio Public Records Act, most divorce records are public. Some details such as financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and information about minor children may be redacted. Sealed cases are not accessible to the general public.
How do I get a certified copy of my divorce decree in Franklin County?
Write a letter to the Domestic Relations Division at 373 South High Street, 4th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Include both parties’ names, the year filed, and the case number if available. Include payment of $0.10 per page plus $1.00 certification. You can also appear in person or use the online public records request form.
How much does a certified copy of a divorce decree cost in Franklin County?
Copies cost $0.10 per page, and certification is $1.00 per document. A typical decree of a few pages will cost roughly $1.20 to $1.50 for a certified copy.
Can I search Franklin County divorce records online?
You can search case docket information through the CIO portal However, the actual documents are not viewable online for domestic relations cases. To get copies, you must contact the Domestic Relations Division.
What if I do not know the case number?
Search the CIO portal by the full name of either party. Once you find the case listing, note the case number and use it in your records request.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a divorce decree?
Processing times vary. Call the Domestic Relations Division at (614) 525-4410 before submitting your request to ask about the current turnaround time. In-person requests are often fulfilled the same day.
Can someone other than the divorced parties access these records?
Yes. Divorce records in Franklin County are generally public. Any member of the public can request public portions of a divorce file. Only sealed or confidential sections are restricted.
What if the divorce happened in a different county?
If the divorce was filed outside Franklin County, you need to contact the Clerk of Courts in the county where the case was filed. Each Ohio county maintains its own court records independently.
I need divorce records for immigration purposes. Is a certified copy enough?
In most cases, yes. Immigration filings typically require a certified copy of the final divorce decree. If an apostille is also required (for use in a foreign country), you will need to contact the Ohio Secretary of State’s office after obtaining the certified copy.
