If you are ending a marriage in Franklin County, Ohio gives you two paths — a no-fault dissolution if you both agree, or a contested divorce if you do not. Ohio requires six months of state residency and 90 days in Franklin County to file, and property is divided equitably (fairly, not always 50/50). Below: vetted Columbus divorce and family-law firms that handle custody, support, and property division through the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations.
Updated April 2, 2026
You do not always need a lawyer for an amicable, no-asset dissolution — but most Columbus divorces benefit from at least a consultation. Talk to a Columbus divorce lawyer before you sign anything if:
Columbus divorce lawyers usually bill hourly against a retainer. The total depends almost entirely on how much you and your spouse fight:
An uncontested dissolution where you agree on everything is the cheapest path — some Columbus firms handle these for a flat fee in the $1,500–$3,500 range plus the Franklin County filing fee. A contested divorce with custody or property disputes runs on an hourly retainer, often $3,000–$6,500 to start, and can climb well beyond that if it goes to trial. Ask any firm to put the hourly rate, retainer, and what happens to unused retainer funds in writing before you sign.
The biggest driver of both cost and time is conflict, so many Columbus firms push mediation first. For a national overview, see our divorce guide, or browse all Columbus lawyers.
A downtown Columbus family-law boutique focused on divorce, dissolution, custody, and support, including military divorce and prenuptial agreements. The firm is well regarded in Columbus family-law circles and offers consultations to walk you through Ohio's dissolution-versus-divorce choice. A good fit for clients who want a dedicated family-law team.
A Columbus boutique known for collaborative divorce and mediation, aimed at couples who want to resolve matters without a courtroom fight. The firm also handles custody, adoption, and dissolution. A strong option when both spouses want a lower-conflict, lower-cost process.
A Columbus family-law firm that handles high-conflict custody and financially complex divorces involving business interests and asset valuation. A fit for contested cases where significant property or a custody dispute is at stake. Recognized in Ohio family-law listings.
A long-established family-law practice serving Franklin, Delaware, and Fairfield counties, handling divorce, custody, and military divorce. With roots going back to 1995, the firm brings decades of local domestic-relations experience to the Columbus courts.
A Columbus divorce boutique led by Virginia Cornwell, a board-certified family-law specialist focused on divorce, custody, support, and equitable distribution. The certification is uncommon in Ohio and signals a deep family-law focus. A good fit for clients who want a specialist for a contested case.
See the full ranked write-up in our Top 10 divorce lawyers in Columbus guide. Firm details are gathered from public sources; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.
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