Dissolution of Marriage 

A dissolution of marriage is similar to a divorce in that it serves to terminate a marriage. However, in order for your marriage to be terminated via dissolution, you and your spouse must reach an agreement on all issues, including property division, division of marital assets and debts, spousal support (if any), custody, and child support. The dissolution process is typically quicker and less expensive than a divorce, assuming both parties are on the same page. Generally, you can avoid prolonging the marriage dissolution process by discussing the issues with your spouse prior to meeting with your dissolution of marriage attorney. And even though both parties are agreeing to the terms in a dissolution of marriage, it is important to remember that it is not the same as an uncontested divorce.

How Can an Attorney Help in Dissolution of Marriage?

A common misconceptions is that one attorney is able to represent both parties in a dissolution. It is advisable that each party retain their own attorney in the dissolution, although it is not required. Oftentimes one party chooses to proceed unrepresented. However, if you can establish a good attorney-client relationship with a family law attorney, it would be in your best interest to seek representation before you agree to the terms.

The parties to the dissolution must be residents of the state of Ohio for 6 months prior to the filing of the dissolution of marriage. Without the 6 month residency requirement being met, Ohio courts lack jurisdiction to terminate your marriage.

Once the parties have reached an agreement to all relevant issues, the agreement will be reduced to writing. This is what is referred to as the Separation Agreement. If there are children involved and you agree to share custody, a Shared Parenting Plan will also be prepared. Once signed by both parties, the Separation Agreement, and Shared Parenting Plan if applicable, can be filed with the Court along with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and the applicable filing fees. Each county also requires specific forms to be completed and exchanged in a dissolution proceeding; these include disclosure of income, assets, and liabilities and background information about the marriage.

Once the necessary documents are filed, the matter will be set for hearing. Both parties are required to attend the hearing. Failure of one of the parties to attend will prevent the Court from being able to grant the parties their requested dissolution of marriage. Additionally, if children are involved, the parties will need to complete the court’s approved parenting seminar before the final hearing. Failure to do so may result in the matter being continued to a later date.

Expertise You Can Trust

If you want to achieve a marriage dissolution that offers you the protection and peace of mind you deserve as you begin this new phase of your life, choose Kirkland & Sommers Co. LPA. Our firm only practices in the areas of divorce and family law and our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience. You can rest assured that the attorney handling your case is well educated and focused on your legal needs. Of the five attorneys at Kirkland & Sommers Co. LPA, two are members of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the highest achievement that a divorce and family law attorney can achieve in their career. Our firm also has four attorneys that are Certified Specialists in the practice of Family Law. Through the ever changing landscape of divorce and family law, our expert divorce and family law attorneys in Mason, Ohio are on hand to guide you through this difficult time. Visit us at our local office in West Chester, or click below to schedule a free consultation.