When you think of divorce, it is the traditional way of ending a marriage. One party files a complaint to petition the court for divorce and the other party is served divorce papers. From here, the negotiation process begins for the division of assets and liabilities, custody and visitation of children. If the parties cannot agree on all terms and conditions of their divorce, hearings or a trial will be set so that the court can make a ruling. In a dissolution, the married couple still intends to end their marriage. However, they reach an agreement the division of their assets and liability, custody and visitation of their children prior to filing any documentation with the court. Thus, once the appropriate documentation is filed with the court and accepted, the court sets a final hearing date and the process is complete. A dissolution is generally quicker and cheaper than a divorce.
Do I Need An Attorney To Get A Divorce Or A Dissolution?
No, it is not required for either party involved to be represented by an attorney in order to obtain a divorce or a dissolution. However, even in simple matters, the legal process can be difficult to navigate. An attorney can guide you through the process, draft all the necessary documentation and also advise you of your legal rights during this process. There are many documents that the court requests and most individuals tend to get overwhelmed with the amount of information the court requires.
How Long Does It Take For A Divorce To Be Finalized?
The length of time can vary significantly from case to case. It can be anywhere from a few months to years depending on what issues are contested between the parties.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Divorce Or A Dissolution?
The cost will vary from client to client. However, we generally charge by the hour for divorce clients and offer a flat fee for our dissolution clients. We charge hourly for divorce clients because it is not predictable to determine how much time the attorney will spend on your case. We can offer a flat fee for dissolution clients because the time spent for a dissolution is much more predictable. In addition to the attorney’s fees, you will also be required to pay court costs which vary by the county.
Do I Need Grounds To Get a Divorce?
In Ohio, you do not need a specific reason to get a divorce. Ohio law lists specific grounds for divorce such as adultery, extreme cruelty, and imprisonment. However, it also lists irreconcilable differences as a reason to obtain a divorce and that reason is a catch-all if none of the other reasons apply in your situation.
If I Was Married In Another State, Can I Obtain A Divorce In Ohio?
In order to obtain a divorce or a dissolution in Ohio you must have resided in the state for at least 6 months immediately before filing with the court. To determine which local county has jurisdiction to hear your case, you must have resided in that county for at least 90 days preceding the filing of that action. If you do not meet these factors you can file where you were previously residing or you can wait to file in Ohio once you meet all of these factors.
For more information on Divorce vs. Dissolution In Ohio, a Free Case Evaluation is your best next step. Get the information and legal answers you’re seeking by calling (937) 888-2909 today.