Helping You Identify The Best Approach For Ending Your Marriage
A dissolution and a divorce are both ways to end a marriage in Ohio, but the processes of doing so differ. Whether your relationship with your estranged spouse is amicable or bitter, our attorneys at Baker & Wick LLC, can help you determine which approach better suits your circumstances.
When you hire us, we will use our decades of combined family law experience to protect your interests as we guide you through the legal process. You will not need to face this legal journey alone when you partner with our team.
What You Need To Know About Dissolution
A dissolution is often a more amicable way of terminating a marriage as opposed to a divorce. When couples agree on the terms of their dissolution, pursuing this course of action is an easier and typically faster process than filing for a divorce. If you and your estranged spouse are able to find common ground on issues related to property division, child custody and support, this approach can minimize cost and stress.
Spouses begin the process by filing the petition for dissolution and related agreements and pleadings. Once filed, a court date will be set between 30 and 90 days from the date of filing. At the final hearing, the spouses will relay to the court that they have already agreed upon the details of their marriage dissolution. The court will then sign off on the pleadings and issue a decree of dissolution, terminating the parties’ marriage that day.
Divorce Basics
A divorce also terminates a couple’s marriage, but this approach requires court intervention to sever the marriage bond. Because parties are not in agreement with all terms when a divorce is filed, a divorce typically takes longer to resolve than a dissolution. Involving the court can be a costly and time-consuming experience. In addition, involving the court in the final decision takes control out of the hands of those who will be affected by the court’s ruling.
If you and your estranged spouse do not see eye to eye on important matters, however, you may need to rely on the court to intervene. Our attorneys are well-versed in this process, which allows us to find the most efficient strategy for resolving divorce disputes. We are equipped to assist you with all aspects of your divorce proceedings, whether the tasks involve preparing for the formal discovery process to presenting your case in court or another critical component in the process.
As your advocate, we will seek out the most efficient strategy for this issue and other family law concerns. You can depend on us to keep your emotional well-being and financial welfare in mind when we advise you of your legal options.
Divorce Vs. Dissolution FAQs
Below, we provide clear, practical answers to help you better understand your options under Ohio law.
What is the primary difference between a divorce and a dissolution in Ohio?
A divorce is used when spouses do not agree on one or more key issues, while a dissolution is available when both parties reach a full agreement before filing. With a dissolution, the court’s role is more limited, which often reduces costs and delays. Dissolution is Ohio’s “uncontested” option for ending a marriage.
Why do many law firms avoid focusing on dissolution?
Some firms tend to overlook dissolution because it requires careful upfront agreement rather than step-by-step negotiation in divorce litigation.
As such, a few key differences help explain this approach, including:
- Less courtroom involvement: Dissolution avoids drawn-out hearings and contested proceedings.
- More preparation upfront: Both spouses must fully agree on property, support and parenting terms before filing.
These factors mean dissolution requires a different approach, one centered on clarity and cooperation from the start.
Is a dissolution faster than an uncontested divorce?
In many cases, yes, because the agreement is already complete before anything is filed with the court. However, timing can still depend on how quickly both parties finalize their terms and meet Ohio’s filing requirements.
Do I still need an attorney if my spouse and I already agree on everything?
Yes. This is because, even when there is agreement, the legal process still involves strict requirements that must be followed carefully, including:
- Proper documentation: Every agreement must be written clearly and filed correctly with the court.
- Long-term impact: Decisions about property or parenting can affect you for years to come.
Having clarity at this stage helps prevent avoidable issues later, especially when the agreement becomes legally binding. An attorney helps ensure that your rights are guarded and that all paperwork satisfies the strict standards of the court.
Can a divorce be converted into a dissolution?
Yes, in some situations, if both spouses later reach full agreement, the case can shift direction. This usually involves stopping the contested process and filing again under dissolution requirements.
In these cases, a few conditions must be met, including the following:
- Mutual agreement is required: Both parties must agree to all terms without dispute.
- New filings may be needed: The process often starts afresh under dissolution rules.
This shift can simplify the process, but only when both sides are fully aligned.
Begin Working Toward A Resolution Today
You can get through this tough time, and we can help. Do not hesitate to call our Columbus office at 614-697-2627 or contact us online. Let today be the day that you get started on resolving your family law conflict.