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:
- Adultery
- Absence for over a year
- One spouse is already married
- Cruelty
- Fraud
- Frequent drunkenness or drug addiction
- Imprisonment
- Incompatibility
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:
Do You Have to Be Separated Before Divorce in Ohio?
Ohio does not require couples to be separated before getting a divorce. You do not have to have lived apart from your spouse for any time or at all. However, local rules may require couples to be living apart in a Dissolution of Marriage case.
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, 3rd 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.
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Put 33 Years of Experience on Your SideAttorney Morris has served individuals and families throughout Franklin County, OH since 1995
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Your Rights Are Always Our PriorityFrom divorce to child custody, we handle cases both big and small with the utmost diligence.
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We Can Thoroughly Review Your CaseWe understand how overwhelming a divorce can be. Call or email today to schedule a consultation.
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“Thanks for helping to make this process less stressful for me.”
Richard Morris was very professional in helping me with my divorce. He took the time to address all my concerns and followed up with me promptly. I appreciated how direct he was and I liked his no-nonsense attitude. I wouldn't hesitate to use him again, if I ever needed legal representation. Thanks for helping to make this process less stressful for me.- Tish B. -
“His no-nonsense approach helped protect me and family!”
“His no-nonsense approach helped protect me and family!”- Ben W. -
“Straight to the point and gets things done!” - Asia T.
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“He was extremely professional and I absolutely would use him again! Thank you so much again, Rich!!”
“He was extremely professional and I absolutely would use him again! Thank you so much again, Rich!!”- Kelly T. -
“Extremely great lawyer!!! He will take care of your issues!!!”
I used him 12 years ago when I was going through a nasty custody case with my narcissistic child’s father. Richard knows his stuff and protects his clients!!!! Thank you so much!!!!- In B. -
“Rich is the person you want in your corner!”
Very knowledgeable, and helped make a tough time a little bit easier!- Courtney L. -
“Excellent Dissolution work”
“Richard was very attentive to my needs and while I don't have experience with using attorneys, he didn't appear to waste any of my time, or his - he got right down to the point in every meeting and handled everything extremely professionally.”- Mike -
“Richard Morris is by far the best.”
- Jen B.
He goes above and beyond to keep up communication, keep you informed is incredibly professional as well as extraordinarily friendly. I would recommend Richard Morris above anybody at all times!
