[OH] Can I evict my abusive spouse before divorce?

OH Divorce

Hello, I have a friend in Ohio who is going through a separation. No divorce paperwork has been filed yet. His wife had previously moved out into an apartment that he is paying for, but has since moved back into the house and is engaging in regular conflict with him and the kids.

What is the best way to handle getting her out of the house so she doesn’t cause issues during the divorce? Would it be better to do that along with the divorce paperwork somehow? Or is seeking a no-contact order or restraining order more likely to be successful? Custody issues are also a concern. He doesn’t want to jeopardize custody in the process.

October 29, 2025

Legal Eagle

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I'm so sorry about this situation! I want to address your situation with a detailed response, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask, because this law stuff can get complicated.

The short answer: Your friend can’t just change the locks because she’s still a legal co-owner of the home. The best move is to request exclusive use of the home through the divorce case. But if things are getting volatile or unsafe, a restraining order could work too, though that’s harder to get without police reports or documented abuse. Either way, the safest route for custody is staying on the legal, documented path.

Here’s the long answer:

File for divorce + request exclusive use of the home. That’s the cleanest legal way to get her out without risking custody issues later. Courts in Ohio will look at the conflict and her having another place to stay when deciding on this.
Avoid self-help (like changing locks). Since her name’s on the deed, he can’t legally block her out without a court order because doing so could actually hurt him in court, especially with custody.
Start documenting everything now. Even if no reports have been filed before, he should begin keeping records of incidents (dates, what happened, witnesses, etc.). This helps support any future claim for custody or exclusive use.
Consider a civil protection order only if safety is truly at risk. If her behavior escalates (e.g., violence, threats), a protection order could be an option. But without solid proof or prior reports, it’s less likely to be granted and might backfire if the court sees it as a tactical move.

Does that help clarify things? I want to make sure I didn’t leave anything out.

Full Conversation

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand that your friend is in a difficult situation with his separation. Has he already discussed his concerns about the living situation and custody with a legal professional?

To an extent, yes. There was some general information given along the lines that he does have some legal recourse in this situation, but no specific steps to take.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there any history of domestic issues or threats that might support the need for a no-contact or restraining order?

Not officially. He has never filed a police report, though her behavior has definitely had a detrimental effect on him and the kids — such as being very drunk and passing out in the driveway, throwing a can of deodorant at one of the kids, etc. He has just handled these things on his own though. He has never called the police.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the family lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your friend’s custody concerns.

Yes

Legal Eagle

Hello! Legal Eagle here, and I am an attorney specializing in your area of law. I am more than happy to help you with your situation! What specifically are his primary goals regarding the separation and potential divorce proceedings?

Right now, we are looking for the best way to get her out of the house. From what I understand, since she has an alternative residence, he does have a legal avenue for this, but he is looking to do it in a way that doesn’t open himself up to legal problems, especially concerning future custody.

I need to understand how to make that happen. Does it require any sort of legal order? Or can he just change the locks and refuse her entry? (I believe she is on the ownership paperwork.)

Legal Eagle

Ok, thanks! Just a few more questions. Has your friend consulted with an attorney specifically about the process for legally removing his wife from the shared home, given that she is also on the ownership paperwork, and how that action might impact future custody arrangements in Ohio?

Yes. There was some general information saying that he does have some legal recourse in this situation, but no specific steps to take. That is what I’m looking for now. Is it better to do that via the divorce paperwork — like getting exclusive use of the residence — or is it better to do it via another route, like a restraining order or no-contact order? Or is any of that even necessary to keep her out?

Legal Eagle

Ok! Did you need to tell me anything else? If not, I can start with answering your question.

Also, I really appreciate you using AskaLawyer — it means a lot to be able to help. Let’s make this a smooth session for you, and you can add me as a favorite after we’re done.

Ok, thanks, sounds good! I don’t know if there is anything else you need to know… she has another residence, she is causing problems with the kids, etc. It would be good to get her out as soon as possible without risking possible custody issues in the future.

Legal Eagle

Ok! I just need a little time to draft up a high-quality answer. I'll be with you as soon as possible. It won't be terribly long, ok?

Thank you!

Legal Eagle

I'm so sorry about this situation! I want to address your situation with a detailed response, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask, because this law stuff can get complicated.

Here’s the long answer:

File for divorce + request exclusive use of the home. That’s the cleanest legal way to get her out without risking custody issues later. Courts in Ohio will look at the conflict and her having another place to stay when deciding on this.
Avoid self-help (like changing locks). Since her name’s on the deed, he can’t legally block her out without a court order because doing so could actually hurt him in court, especially with custody.
Start documenting everything now. Even if no reports have been filed before, he should begin keeping records of incidents (dates, what happened, witnesses, etc.). This helps support any future claim for custody or exclusive use.
Consider a civil protection order only if safety is truly at risk. If her behavior escalates (e.g., violence, threats), a protection order could be an option. But without solid proof or prior reports, it’s less likely to be granted and might backfire if the court sees it as a tactical move.

Does that help clarify things? I want to make sure I didn’t leave anything out.

Yeah, that makes sense, thanks! When he files for divorce, he should also file for exclusive use of the residence. Once he files for exclusive use, I’m assuming a judge will have to agree to grant it before he can kick her out, right? And if they say no, he’s pretty much out of luck?

Legal Eagle

I hear you! Yes, a judge has to grant the exclusive use before she can legally be made to leave. Until then, since she co-owns the home, she has the right to stay. If the judge denies it, then unfortunately, he can't force her out unless something new happens that would justify a restraining order.

Ok, great! Thank you so much!

Legal Eagle

For sure! Did I thoroughly address your question? Did I provide top-tier service to you? If the answer is no to either, please let me know so I can help!

You were awesome, thanks! I got my answer.

Legal Eagle

Thank you so much for contacting us! We're happy to help whenever you need it.

Legal Eagle

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