Can I File for Divorce in Franklin County, Ohio, If I Only Work There?

If you work in Columbus but live outside Franklin County, you may wonder whether you can file your divorce in Franklin County Domestic Relations Court. Working in Franklin County alone is generally not enough. Ohio law has separate requirements for state residency and county venue.

How long must I live in Ohio before filing for divorce?

The person filing the divorce complaint must have lived in Ohio for at least six months immediately before filing. Both spouses agreeing to an Ohio divorce does not waive this requirement. Ohio Revised Code § 3105.03.

Do I have to live in Franklin County for 90 days?

Living in Franklin County for at least 90 days immediately before filing is one way for the plaintiff to establish venue here. It is not the only way.

For example, Franklin County may also be a proper venue if the defendant lives here or if another ground under Ohio Civil Rule 3(C) applies. In Lester v. Lester, a 2026 Franklin County divorce case, the Tenth District Court of Appeals held that courts must consider those other grounds rather than treat the plaintiff’s 90-day residency as the exclusive rule. The court sent the case back to determine whether another ground actually established Franklin County venue. Lester v. Lester, 2026-Ohio-2724.

Does working in Columbus establish divorce venue?

Generally, no. A plaintiff who lives in another county does not establish Franklin County venue simply by working in Columbus. The defendant’s principal place of business may provide a separate basis for venue in some cases, but that requires more than assuming any workplace qualifies. Where the spouses live and the other facts connecting the case to Franklin County matter.

Can both spouses agree to file for divorce in Franklin County?

Yes. County venue can be waived if the parties consent. Thus, a divorce may proceed in Franklin County even if the plaintiff has not lived here for 90 days and no other county venue ground applies, provided the venue objection is waived. The plaintiff must still meet Ohio’s separate six-month state residency requirement.

Where should I file my Ohio divorce?

Before filing, identify where each spouse lives, how long the filing spouse has lived in Ohio, and whether another venue ground applies. If both spouses prefer Franklin County, an attorney can help ensure their agreement on venue is clearly documented. If venue is disputed, addressing it early can avoid delays or a transfer to another county.