Legal Costs in Columbus, OH (2026)
Filing fees for LLCs, divorce, small claims, and notary services in Columbus — all sourced from official Ohio state records.
Columbus is a city in Franklin County, Ohio. Whether you're starting a business, filing a small claims case, or going through a divorce, the fees you pay are set at the Ohio state level — not the city or county level — with limited exceptions for county-specific court fees. Forming an LLC costs $99 in state filing fees. Small claims cases can be filed for disputes up to $6,000 in the Small Claims Division. Divorce filing fees in Ohio start at $250. All figures on this page are verified from official Ohio government sources and updated for 2026.
Form an LLC in Columbus, OH
To form an LLC with a Columbus address, you file with the Ohio Secretary of State — not the city or county. The state filing fee is $99. Standard processing takes 3 business days.
0| State filing fee | $99 |
| Annual report fee | None |
| Standard processing | 3 business days |
| Expedited processing | 1 |
| Publication cost | Not required |
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Small Claims Court in Columbus
Small claims cases in Columbus are heard at the Small Claims Division in Franklin County. The maximum you can sue for is $6,000. Filing fees range from $35–$80 depending on the claim amount.
| Court name | Small Claims Division |
| Filing location | Franklin County |
| Maximum claim limit | $6,000 |
| Filing fee | $35–$80 |
| Written contract SOL | 6 years |
| Oral contract SOL | 6 years |
Where to File in Columbus
Always call ahead to verify hours and accepted payment methods before visiting. Hours may vary on holidays.
Sue Someone in Columbus? Prepare Your Documents First
LegalZoom helps you draft a demand letter and small claims filing forms for Ohio — reviewed by attorneys. Most disputes settle after a proper written demand.
Filing for Divorce in Columbus
Divorce petitions in Columbus are filed at the Franklin County courthouse. The Franklin County court divorce filing fee is $338. Sheriff service costs $45. Ohio requires divorcing parents with minor children to complete a parenting class.
We have verified divorce filing fees specifically for Franklin County. See full Franklin County divorce fee details →
| Filing location | Franklin County Courthouse |
| Filing fee | $338 (Franklin County) |
| Sheriff service fee | $45 |
| Children surcharge | $25 |
| Parenting class | Required (if children) |
| Certified copy fee | $5 |
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Find a Notary in Columbus, OH
Ohio caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act ($25 for remote online notarization). Common places to find a notary in Columbus: your bank (often free for account holders), UPS Store, FedEx Office, public libraries, and law offices.
Ohio also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) — get documents notarized via video call from anywhere, capped at $25. Useful if you can't travel to a Columbus notary in person.
| Acknowledgment fee cap | $5 |
| Jurat fee cap | $5 |
| RON (remote online) | $25 |
| State fee law | Yes — fee cap enforced |
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