When you and your spouse first got married, you thought you were going to be together forever. Now, you’re talking about breaking up, but you haven’t quite decided what to do. By learning about divorce, dissolution, and separation in Ohio, you can decide which one works best for you and your spouse at this time.
Here’s some more information to get you started.
Divorce in Ohio
You can file for a contested or uncontested divorce in Ohio. If it’s uncontested, that means you and your spouse agree on things like the marital division of property and child support and custody. If it’s contested, it means you and your spouse could not come to an agreement on these issues. Uncontested divorces usually take a shorter amount of time; the average is between four and 12 months for divorce in general, but it could stretch out if you and your spouse can’t agree on key issues.
To potentially shorten the amount of time your divorce takes, you could hire a mediator to help you work out your problems. Note that you do not have to be legally separated to get a divorce in Ohio. You and your spouse must have lived in the state of Ohio for at least six months before filing for divorce there.
Dissolution in Ohio
When it comes to dissolution, you and your spouse are on the same page that you want to end the marriage, and there are no contested issues. You can figure out the key issues on your own or hire an experienced attorney to help you. Even if you and your spouse are on good terms, it’s a good idea to involve an attorney to make sure that you get what you need post-dissolution.
Separation in Ohio
You and your spouse might not be 100% sure that you want to get divorced or go through a dissolution. Another option is to get separated. At the end of the separation, you can decide whether or not you want to stay married. You can obtain a legal separation for a variety of reasons, including incompatibility, adultery, and habitual drunkenness. Together, you’ll come up with a separation agreement and negotiate issues surrounding your separation.
Why Hire an Attorney?
No matter what situation you’re in, hiring an attorney can ensure that you get what you need out of your situation. For example, perhaps you aren’t working, and post-divorce, you’ll need spousal support. Your spouse might not be willing to agree to it. By working with an attorney, you have a greater chance of receiving spousal support.
Additionally, an attorney can help you fill out the forms and navigate the legal complexities. They will support you when you go to court and guide you on best practices during the divorce, separation, or dissolution process. For example, maybe your spouse is willing to give you your marital home, but you can’t afford to pay the repairs and mortgage on it. An attorney can point that out and see to it that your transition from being married to single is as smooth as possible.
An attorney will be in your corner at a time when you might feel alone. It’s worth it to find an experienced attorney in Ohio at this time.
Get in Touch With Richard P. Arthur
Richard P. Arthur, Attorney at Law, will help you with divorce, dissolution, or separation in Ohio. You can call 937-254-3738 for a consultation. He has nearly three decades of experience helping clients in Dayton and Trotwood, as well as Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Clark, and Warren counties.