You and your spouse are considering ending your relationship. However, you aren’t sure if you’re ready for a divorce or if there’s another option. Instead of filing for a divorce, you can pursue a legal separation or a dissolution instead. Here’s some information about both so you can make a decision on what to do.
What Is a Legal Separation?
In Ohio, a legal separation is similar to a divorce, except that you are still married. You don’t need to be legally separated in order to obtain a divorce. The court is going to address issues like child custody and support, alimony (spousal support), and the division of your property when you get separated. Some of the grounds for filing for separation include adultery, a spouse who was willfully absent from the marriage for a year, and incompatibility.
What Is Dissolution?
Dissolution is also known as an uncontested way of ending your marriage. This means that you and your spouse will need to be in full agreement when it comes to issues like the division of your property, child custody and support, and spousal support. Usually, a dissolution is faster and less expensive than a divorce. You and your spouse will need to attend a hearing, and if you have disagreements at any point, you’ll need to either refile for your dissolution or get a divorce instead. Then, the court will assist in making decisions for you based on what’s fair and equitable.
Get in Touch With Richard P. Arthur
Richard P. Arthur, Attorney at Law, can help you with separation, dissolution, or divorce in Ohio. You can call 937-254-3738 for a consultation. He has more than three decades of experience helping clients in Dayton and Trotwood, as well as Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Clark, and Warren counties.