DISSOLUTION
In Ohio, a dissolution of marriage provides a less adversarial alternative to traditional divorce proceedings when spouses are able to reach an agreement about all issues pertaining to the termination of their marriage.
WHAT IS DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE?
The process of a dissolution begins with the parties entering into comprehensive agreements regarding all issues pertaining to the termination of their marriage. Unlike divorce proceedings that involve the court at the outset, prior to filing a petition for dissolution, parties must enter into a complete separation agreement addressing all matters pertaining to property division and spousal support, and, if applicable, a parenting plan addressing all child-related matters. A dissolution is typically faster and less expensive than contested divorce proceedings.
DISSOLUTION REQUIREMENTS IN OHIO
To commence dissolution proceedings, both spouses must sign the petition and attach a mutually-signed separation agreement that addresses property division (including retirement assets) and spousal support arrangements, if any. Couples with minor children must also include a parenting plan addressing the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities, parenting time, and child support. One party must have been an Ohio resident for six months before filing the petition. The court will then set a final hearing 30-90 days after the filing of the petition, where both parties must appear to acknowledge, under oath, that they voluntarily entered into the agreements, are satisfied with the terms of those agreements, and ask the court to dissolve the marriage.
EFFECTS OF DISSOLUTION
Like a divorce, a judgment entry granting a dissolution formally terminates a marriage. The court incorporates the separation agreement, and any parenting plan, into its final judgment entry. The terms regarding payments of property division, spousal support and child support become court orders. The agreed-upon child custody and parenting time schedules incorporated into a parenting plan also become legally binding.
CALL ZUKERMAN ABOUT DISSOLUTION
If you and your spouse are considering dissolution, it is important to obtain individual legal counsel before signing any final agreements. What may seem fair in the moment could have unanticipated long-term consequences. Our attorneys can guide you through the process to help protect your rights and interests while facilitating an amicable end to your marriage.
Call Zukerman, Lear, Murray & Brown Co., L.P.A. today to discuss whether dissolution is the right option for your situation.
