Can You Keep a Dissolution Filing Private in Franklin County, Ohio?

If you’re considering a dissolution of marriage in Franklin County, one of the first questions many people ask is “Can we keep this private?”

The short answer: Not entirely. But there are ways to limit what becomes publicly accessible.

Here’s what you need to know.

Are Dissolution Cases Public in Franklin County?

In Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations, dissolution cases are public court records by default.

That means:

• The case caption (names of the parties) appears on the public docket.

• The case number and filing date are publicly searchable.

• Most documents filed in the case are accessible unless sealed or restricted by rule.

This applies whether you file a contested divorce or an uncontested dissolution. Ohio courts operate under a strong presumption of public access to court records. Simply choosing a dissolution instead of a divorce does not make the case confidential.

What Information Is Automatically Protected?

Certain sensitive information is not made public. In Franklin County dissolutions, the following are filed on separate confidential forms and are not available to the public:

• Social Security numbers

• Financial account numbers

• Dates of birth

• Other personal identifiers

These are submitted on a Confidential Disclosure of Personal Identifiers Form, which is sealed from public view. So while your case exists publicly, your most sensitive identifying information is protected.

Can the Entire Case Be Sealed?

Possibly — but it is difficult.

Ohio courts allow a party to file a Motion to Seal or Motion to Restrict Public Access, but:

• Sealing is not automatic

• The court requires a compelling legal reason

• The judge must balance privacy interests against the public’s right to access court records

Valid reasons might include:

• Safety concerns (domestic violence, stalking)

• Protection of a minor child

• Highly sensitive business information

• Risk of identity theft or harassment

However, courts do not seal cases simply because the parties prefer privacy or want to avoid embarrassment.

Practical Ways to Maximize Privacy

Even though the case itself cannot usually be hidden, you can structure your dissolution to limit exposure.

Negotiate Everything Privately Before Filing

In a dissolution, you and your spouse reach a full agreement before anything is filed. This allows you to:

• Avoid litigating disputes in open court

• Minimize unnecessary filings

• Keep financial details from being repeatedly discussed in hearings

File Only What Is Required

Strategic drafting matters. An experienced attorney can:

• Avoid including unnecessary personal details in pleadings

• Ensure sensitive information is properly redacted

• Structure settlement language efficiently

Consider a Motion to Restrict Specific Exhibits

In certain circumstances, it may be appropriate to request that specific documents (for example, business valuations or mental health records) be filed under seal.

Does Dissolution Offer More Privacy Than Divorce?

In practice, yes — but only because:

• There is no contested litigation

• There are no public hearings about disputed issues

• There are typically fewer filings

However, the existence of the case is still public.

The Bottom Line

In Franklin County:

• A dissolution filing is public by default

• Personal identifiers are automatically protected

• Full sealing requires a formal motion and strong legal justification

• Careful drafting and strategic filing can significantly reduce exposure

If privacy is a major concern — whether for professional reasons, family reputation, or safety — planning the filing strategy from the beginning is critical.

Need Guidance on Filing Discreetly?

At Hoffman Law, we routinely assist clients in Franklin County with dissolution and divorce matters while being mindful of privacy concerns. Strategic preparation, careful drafting, and proactive planning make a difference.