If you’re thinking about ending your marriage in Ohio, you may be wondering how to go about it and what the process will be like. By learning what the dissolution of marriage entails, you can decide what next steps to take to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
Coming to an Agreement With Your Spouse
Keep in mind that you can only get a dissolution of marriage, instead of a divorce, if you and your spouse are in complete agreement on the terms of your dissolution. You’ll need to discuss dividing the assets and debts, your custody agreement, if one of you will pay child support, and if one of you will pay spousal support.
The Steps for the Dissolution of Marriage
Once you agree on all the issues, you’ll file for a dissolution together by filling out the required forms and going to court. You will take the forms to the Clerk of Court’s office at your local Domestic Relations Court, and you’ll receive a hearing date that’s 30 to 90 days from then.
You and your spouse will need to attend the hearing together. The judge will ask you questions. If there are any disagreements, then the judge may advise you to start a new dissolution or get a divorce instead.
As long as the judge sees that nobody is being forced into the dissolution, and the agreement is fair to both parties, then they will submit their judgment to the Clerk of Court. Your marriage will be legally over after that.
Contacting Richard P. Arthur
Richard P. Arthur, Attorney at Law, is here to assist you if you’re getting a dissolution of marriage or a divorce. You can call 937-254-3738 for a consultation. He has nearly three decades of experience advocating for families in Dayton and Trotwood, as well as Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Clark, and Warren counties.