Thousands of couples in Ohio every year reach the difficult conclusion that their marriage is past repair. They realize that divorce is probably the best option for their own happiness and the well-being of their family members.
Most people have never experienced a divorce and, therefore, do not know what to expect from the process. They might approach the process using the wrong mentality, which can lead to more conflict and larger expenses. With a little bit of support and greater understanding of the options available to them, many couples that might otherwise move forward with litigated divorces may be eligible for a marital dissolution instead.
Divorce is a litigated process, dissolution is not
Divorce is what happens when people do not agree about how they should share their property or split time with their children when ending their marriage. They need a judge to hear the situation and make a determination about what would be appropriate for the family.
Litigated divorces are often the best option for those in high-conflict scenarios where there are disagreements about major aspects of the divorce process. Couples can count on a family law judge reviewing the situation and applying state statutes to matters like property division and child custody arrangements. However, many couples could potentially move forward with a dissolution instead of a divorce. They don’t need a judge to settle their disagreements, and they can therefore bypass the stress and conflict of a litigated divorce.
A dissolution is an uncontested process in which the spouses set all of their own terms. They file paperwork with the courts outlining how they will divide their resources and parental responsibilities. The courts review and approve their documents, officially ending the marriage. Anyone who can eventually compromise with their spouse about divorce terms could qualify for a dissolution in Ohio. Even those who initially file for divorce can sometimes convert a litigated divorce to a dissolution if they reach an agreement about how to share their property after they first begin the divorce process.
Dissolution is often faster and less expensive than divorce, and it can reduce how stressful the end of a marriage may become for the entire family. Understanding the different options for ending a marriage in Ohio can help people select the best option given their current circumstances. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to start.