What is the Dissolution of Marriage in Ohio?

Legal separation, divorce, and dissolution of marriage are the options available to a husband and wife under Ohio law for ending or otherwise altering their marital relationship. We will discuss details of the dissolution of marriage in Ohio and each critical aspect of the process.

Dissolution of Marriage in Ohio: What Is the Legal Definition?

In Ohio, the process for obtaining a divorce is governed by the Ohio Revised Code. This code says that a voluntary decision by both parties to end their marriage constitutes the basis for initiating the legal process known as “dissolution of marriage.” So, when ending a marriage through dissolution, neither party must prove that there are grounds for doing so. On the other hand, this process has advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

There are a variety of factors that can influence a couple’s decision to separate. The following are some of the many benefits that come from ending a marriage:

• When it comes to the dissolution of your marriage, you and your partner must make the decisions jointly.
• Even after the marriage has been officially dissolved, it is common for the couple to continue to have a cordial relationship, domestic relations, and open lines of communication with one another.
• The time required for dissolution is significantly reduced because a significant portion of the divorce procedure is skipped.
• The cost of the process may be substantially reduced because it is completed in a shorter time and does not include protracted mediation or litigation.

Disadvantages

A dissolution of marriage is an alternative to divorce, with a few drawbacks that should be considered. Nevertheless, there are a few potential drawbacks, including the following:

Suppose you and your husband cannot agree on temporary parenting time and temporary spousal and child support during the proceeding. In that case, you will not be able to seek the court for an interim order.

It is far more challenging to unearth assets that your spouse may be trying to conceal during a dissolution of marriage because there is no “finding.”

Talk Things Over with Your Partner

Take some time to discuss with your partner what kind of life you both want for yourselves once the marriage ends. Create a list of the things that need to be decided, including the following:

• How will you divide the property you own, and who will be responsible for what portion of the joint debt?
• If you or your spouse will be making alimony payments to the other.
• Who will have child custody, and what visitation rights does the other parent have? Is there a parenting plan?
• If one of you will pay the additional child support.

Fill Out the Petition and Forms

After the husband and wife have the basis for the separation agreement and settle all property division, spousal support, and child-related difficulties, the husband and wife will jointly submit a petition for the dissolution of their marriage.

In other words, you will be responsible for determining the particulars, such as the exact sums of money and visitation schedules, among other things. When you have children together, you will have more paperwork to complete.

The Hearing

When the petition has been submitted, the parties involved must wait a minimum of 30 days. However, the hearing must occur within the first 90 days after filing the petition.

During the hearing, the judge will review the divorce agreement, inquire about the parties’ assets and liabilities and any concerns regarding child support and spousal support, and determine whether both parties understand and agree to the settlement.

The court will approve the dissolution of the marriage and make the separation agreement into a court order if it is satisfied that the parties want to end their marriage and are in agreement about doing so.

Dissolution of Marriage in Ohio: Finding a Divorce Lawyer

Suppose you are considering seeking a divorce process in Ohio. In that case, you must speak with an attorney familiar with the state’s laws, particularly family laws, and can help you understand your rights and options.

And, of course, during this challenging time, you require and deserve the assistance of a divorce attorney who is not only familiar with the procedure and able to lead you through it but who is also aware of the impact that a divorce can have on a family and the individuals who are involved.

At Gioffre Schroeder & Jansky, we help you through the dissolution of marriage paperwork process with full description and professionalism. Visit our website or call us at (216) 771-1144 today!