How to Start the Divorce Process in Columbus

Compassionate Family Law Services in Columbus

Divorce can be a traumatic experience for you, your spouse, children, and extended family. At Richard L. Morris Co., L.P.A., our legal team is aware of your difficult situation and offer our legal advice in your time of need. We offer direct, prompt, and personal service to answer your questions and address any legal concerns that you may have about your situation.

Guiding You Through Ohio's Divorce Requirements

To file for divorce in Ohio, you must have been a resident of the state for at least six months and have been a resident of the county where you are filing for divorce for at least 90 days. When you file for divorce, you must formally state the reason that you and your spouse are separating to the court.

Grounds for divorce in Ohio include:

Understanding the Divorce Process in Columbus

Each case is different, and every situation requires a unique legal approach. It is important to hire an experienced attorney that can advise you in your case. Whether you and your spouse can settle out of court with the help of a lawyer or mediator, or if you need to go before a judge, our attorney can help protect your legal rights and property to secure your financial future.

We can help you with any of the following matters pertaining to your divorce:

There are some benefits to being separated before you file for divorce. For example, if you are separated, you can file for a no-fault divorce, which is a type of divorce that does not require you to prove that your spouse did anything wrong.

You may also get a temporary order from the court that will allow you to separate your finances and property.

How Long Does Divorce Take in Ohio?

The length of the divorce process is variable depending on various factors that need to be settled and the parties ability to negotiate .

• Generally, a simple uncontested divorce can take as little as three months.
• More complicated divorces can take 1-2 years or more to be final.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Divorce?

More and more couples are starting to take their divorce into their own hands and complete all the paperwork on their own. The fall of the housing market resulted in a surge of these divorces. The housing market crash was a catalyst for what history has named the Great Recession of the late 2000s. During this time, many people were laid off from their careers and unable to find work, which led to a further economic crisis. Couples seeking a divorce in many areas of Ohio were unable to afford legal costs associated with hiring a lawyer and began representing themselves in court.

While do-it-yourself divorce is a possibility, it isn’t often a smart one. Divorce is often complex, especially if the couple has been together for many years. Splitting assets, child custody, and spousal support designations require an expansive understanding of family law. If there are any debates about property, children, and other issues from the marriage, you need someone there you can trust to help you make the best decisions for you and your child’s needs.

Due to the complexities of divorce mentioned above, do-it-yourself divorce cases often take longer than cases with couples who have retained attorneys. Often this is because divorce can be such an emotional, stressful subject that it can be difficult for someone to invest time and energy into understanding the law. Furthermore, some divorces can become intensely difficult, and you may have to make choices that hurt you or your spouse. In a fragile emotional state, you may fail to remember some of the legal details. A practiced attorney can help you make unbiased decisions regarding your divorce during this emotionally traumatic time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Columbus

What is mediation in divorce?

Mediation can be used in cases where a couple is willing to work together but also have different goals in the divorce. These include matters such as child custody, property division, etc. A neutral, 3^rd party mediator will be able to help the couple to come to agreeable terms on these matters.

What is collaborative divorce?

A relatively new way of handling divorce, collaborative law was established in the 1990s. This approach to divorce avoids the court system entirely. However, it is only successful if both spouses agree to this approach from the beginning. Instead of going to court, the divorce matters are settled with the spouses’ individual attorneys and other experts if needed. Once an aggrement is met, both parties still need to go to court to finalize the agreement.

What is a dissolution of marriage?

Many states use “divorce” and “dissolution of marriage” synonymously. However, in Ohio, a “dissolution of marriage” refers to a no-fault divorce.

What is an annulment?

With a divorce, the final result is the end of a marriage. With an annulment, a couple is legally recognized as never being married.

Ready to Discuss Your Divorce? Contact Us Today!

Attorney Morris at Richard L. Morris Co., L.P.A. offers his legal experience and prompt service to support you through your divorce case. Let us work for you and help you protect your interests when your family is changing!

We offer personal consultations for all new clients. Call us today to discuss your case with our Columbus divorce attorney! Give us a call at (614) 656-4252 today.