Columbus, OH Dissolution Lawyers

Dissolution of Marriage Lawyer in Columbus

Q: What is the difference between dissolution and divorce in Ohio?

A dissolution is a joint filing where both spouses agree on all terms before filing. A divorce can move forward even when spouses do not agree, and the court may decide unresolved issues.

Q: How long does a dissolution take in Ohio?

After filing for dissolution in Ohio, at least 30 days must pass before the hearing. The hearing must generally take place within 90 days of filing.

Q: Can a dissolution be converted to a divorce?

If spouses no longer agree on all terms, a dissolution may not move forward as planned. The parties may need to pursue divorce to resolve disputed issues.

Q: Do both spouses need a lawyer for dissolution?

Ohio does not require both spouses to have a lawyer for dissolution, but legal review is often helpful. An attorney can explain the long-term effect of support, property, parenting, and debt terms before signing.

Q: What happens at the dissolution hearing?

At the dissolution hearing, the judge reviews the separation agreement, asks questions about assets, debts, support, and parenting terms, and confirms that both spouses still agree.

Ending a marriage doesn’t have to be a stress-filled journey. If you and your spouse agree on all terms, dissolution offers a faster, more affordable alternative to divorce in Ohio.

What Is a Dissolution of Marriage in Ohio?

Marriage dissolution in Ohio is a no-fault proceeding where both husband and wife mutually agree to end their marriage legally. Both parties file a joint petition to terminate the marriage after signing a separation agreement, as required under Ohio Revised Code Section 3105.63.

Unlike divorce, dissolution allows you to skip many costly steps. But you and your spouse must satisfy certain requirements, and you need to file all the required documents properly to avoid issues down the road.

The Separation Agreement Covers:

Spousal Support

Child Support

Division of Marital & Separate Property

Division of Marital Debt

Allocation of Parental Rights

Parenting Time

A Simpler Path Forward

When both spouses are on the same page, dissolution provides a streamlined legal process. Borshchak Law Group helps you navigate the paperwork, negotiate terms, and present your case to the court with confidence.

How to File for Dissolution in Ohio

The first step is to obtain the standardized forms from the Ohio Judicial System. The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Waiver of Summons are the key documents. Confirm with the court clerk that you have all required forms.

Both spouses are considered “plaintiffs” in Ohio dissolution law. You can file with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you or your spouse have been living for the past 90 days. Filing fees range from $150 to $400 depending on the county, and you and your spouse can split the charges.

Required Documents

Access Court Forms by County

The following county courts provide standardized dissolution forms online. Your attorney can help you identify which forms apply to your case and ensure they are completed correctly.

Franklin County

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations and Juvenile Division

373 South High Street, 4th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Access Franklin County Forms →

Delaware County

Delaware County Domestic Relations Court

117 N. Union St., 400 Level, Delaware, Ohio 43015

Access Delaware County Forms →

How Long Does Dissolution Take?

The timeline depends on how quickly you and your spouse reach a separation agreement. Once you’ve agreed and filed the petition, at least 30 days must pass before the court hearing commences. The judge must hear your case within 90 days of filing.

At the hearing, the judge reviews the agreement and inquires about parenting, liabilities, and assets. If both parties are satisfied and in agreement, the judge grants the decision, and the separation agreement becomes a court order per Ohio Rev. Code §§ 3105.64, 3105.65.

30 Days

Minimum wait after filing

90 Days

Maximum time to hearing

$150-$400

Filing fee (split between spouses)

"A smooth dissolution begins with the right guidance and mutual agreement."

Let our experienced attorneys simplify the process

Requirements for Dissolution in Ohio

For dissolution to proceed, both parties must meet all of the following requirements. Tap each to learn more about what’s involved.

Agree to All Terms Mutually

Both parties must agree in advance on property distribution, debt division, child support, and spousal support. They should also agree to child-related issues such as visitation and custody. An experienced dissolution attorney can help you and your spouse discuss and resolve these matters before filing.

Sign All Documents

Both parties must sign relevant documents including the separation agreement and dissolution petition. If you have children and plan to share parenting, the court will require a shared parenting plan dictating all parenting responsibilities and rights.

Attend the Court Hearing

You and your partner must be physically present during the dissolution hearing. If the court cannot hear your case within 90 days due to absence, it must dismiss or convert the case to a divorce, leading to more time and expense.

No Extramarital Offspring

Ohio presumes that children born during marriage are the husband’s. If there are questions about paternity or the wife is pregnant, dissolution may still be possible but may require additional procedures. An attorney can advise on how these circumstances affect your case.

Residency Requirement

The husband or wife must have been residing in Ohio for six or more months before filing. This is required under Ohio Rev. Code § 3105.62.

Dissolution vs. Divorce in Ohio

Agreement

Dissolution

Both parties must agree on all legal issues. Several states call this an 'uncontested divorce.'

Divorce

Involves prolonged proceedings and a trial before a final hearing. Often referred to as a 'contested divorce.'

Speed & Ease

Dissolution

Does not force you into the many steps that come with divorce. Hearing must occur within 30 to 90 days of filing.

Divorce

You must go through all the legal steps. Finalizing the procedure takes significantly more time.

Expenses

Dissolution

Does not require separate filings. The filing fee ($150 to $400 depending on county) may be split between both parties if they agree to do so - but this is not required.

Divorce

You bear the filing cost alone. The process is more complex, so you often require a lawyer.

Why You Need a Dissolution Attorney

You can file for dissolution in Ohio without an attorney’s help. But going the DIY path can put you at a disadvantage, even if you’ve agreed with your spouse.

An experienced lawyer ensures you have satisfied all the requirements and can pinpoint mistakes you might overlook during the filing process. They’ll help you gather and complete all the required forms in one sitting, saving you the back-and-forth that courts demand.

With our family law attorneys in Columbus, we walk with you from working out a separation agreement to ensuring you’ve met all the requirements and filed the petition. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation.

Perhaps most importantly, an attorney can strategically evaluate what the agreement actually means for your future. Beyond reviewing the terms, we assess the consequences of each provision – the financial exposure, the restrictions, and the long-term implications. When children are involved, this means projecting what the agreement looks like not just today, but over the next 3 to 10 years. Parenting time schedules, support obligations, and decision-making rights all evolve as children grow. An experienced dissolution attorney helps you see around corners before you sign.

A dissolution of marriage allows both spouses to move forward together, with less conflict and lower costs.

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What is required for a dissolution of marriage in Ohio?

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What happens if one spouse doesn't attend the dissolution hearing?

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For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice.

Common Questions About Dissolution

Answers to the questions we hear most often.

What is the difference between dissolution and divorce in Ohio?

A dissolution requires both spouses to agree on all terms, including property division, custody, support, and debt allocation, before filing. A divorce can be filed unilaterally and allows the court to resolve disputed issues. Dissolution is generally faster and less expensive.

How long does a dissolution take in Ohio?

Once both parties have signed the separation agreement and filed the petition, Ohio law requires the dissolution hearing to be held no sooner than 30 days and no later than 90 days after filing.

Can a dissolution be converted to a divorce?

Yes. If the parties cannot agree on all terms during the dissolution process, either spouse can withdraw and file for divorce instead. This allows the court to step in and make decisions on contested issues.

Do both spouses need a lawyer for dissolution?

While not legally required, it is strongly recommended that each spouse have independent legal counsel. One attorney cannot represent both parties due to conflicts of interest. Having your own lawyer ensures the agreement is fair and that you understand your rights.

What happens at the dissolution hearing?

At the final hearing, both spouses appear before the judge and confirm they agree to the terms of the separation agreement. The judge reviews the agreement, asks questions to ensure both parties understand it, and then grants the dissolution. The hearing typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

Ready to Move Forward Together?

If you and your spouse agree it’s time, dissolution can give you both a fresh start. Call us for a free consultation to see if dissolution is right for you.