When people enter into marriage, they typically anticipate staying in that relationship for the rest of their lives. However, a sizable minority of marriages end in divorce. Some couples grow apart over time. In other scenarios, the misconduct of one spouse makes the marital relationship unsustainable. Issues ranging from adultery to financial misconduct may inspire people to legally end their marital relationships.
Couples who have lived in Ohio for six months or longer actually have more options available to them than people in many other jurisdictions. Ohio offers numerous solutions for ending an unhealthy or unhappy marriage.
Dissolution
Dissolution is a unique option in Ohio available to certain couples. Typically, those pursuing dissolution have to meet certain standards, including creating a separation agreement that they both sign. They have to file for the process jointly. They also need to agree on all of the terms related to property division and parenting matters. Dissolution is the fastest and cost-effective option for most couples in Ohio. It may take as little as 60 to 90 days to complete the dissolution process.
Uncontested divorce
In some cases, couples who do not qualify for dissolution may be able to arrange for uncontested divorce proceedings. An uncontested divorce is similar to dissolution because the process involves the spouses settling all of their disputes outside of court. However, either spouse can file on their own without the support of the other. The spouses might attend mediation or have their lawyers negotiate matters so that they can proceed with an uncontested divorce filing. Uncontested divorces are relatively quick and cost-effective when compared with litigated divorces.
Contested divorce
There are a variety of scenarios in which spouses may strongly disagree on divorce issues. One spouse files for divorce, and they cannot resolve their disagreements about terms with the other spouse. Spouses have to provide formal disclosures about their finances to one another and the courts in a contested divorce. They attend hearings in which judges apply state statutes to resolve their disagreements about financial and parenting issues. Contested or litigated divorces tend to be more costly and to take longer than amicable divorces.
Factors including the conduct of the spouses can influence which option is best. Those hoping to end an unhappy or unsatisfying marriage may need help evaluating their options. Discussing family circumstances with a skilled legal team can help spouses determine the best way to navigate an upcoming Ohio divorce.