Columbus Dissolution Lawyers
Some states use the terms dissolution and divorce interchangeably. In Ohio, the terms are not interchangeable. Dissolution and divorce both refer to ending a marriage. However, dissolution is a type of uncontested divorce where fault for the ending of the marriage is not a factor.
At Atkins and Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC, our family law attorneys have decades of combined experience handling divorce cases. Our legal team consists of highly skilled and compassionate professionals trained to assist our clients in all aspects of their family court cases.
Contact Atkins and Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC at (614) 485-8248 to schedule a confidential consultation with a Columbus dissolution lawyer to determine if a dissolution of marriage is right for you.
How Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC, Can Help You With a Dissolution of Marriage in Columbus, OH
Even though you and your spouse may agree on the terms of your divorce, it is wise to work with an experienced divorce lawyer. A dissolution is meant to be a quick and easy divorce process. However, it could become a lengthy and costly court action if mistakes or errors are made.
When you hire our top-rated Columbus family law attorneys, we handle all aspects of your divorce case.
You can expect our legal team to:
- Take the time to listen as you explain your situation so we can gain a thorough understanding of your goals and needs
- Explain Ohio divorce and dissolution laws and how these laws apply to your situation
- Assist you in developing a divorce plan that accomplishes your priorities
- Work to protect your parental rights and your children’s best interests
- Negotiate fair terms for a divorce settlement and parenting plan
- Prepare all documents for filing with the court
- Advocate for your best interests during all court proceedings
Our lawyers have received top ratings and awards from numerous legal organizations. Attorney Arianna Atkins has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers from 2018 through 2025. Elite Lawyer recognizes us as a top-rated family law firm, and TrustAnalytica recognizes us as one of the Top 10 Divorce Attorneys in Columbus.
Contact Atkins and Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC, to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Columbus dissolution lawyers. We are ready to assist you as you close one chapter of your life and open a new one.
What Is a Dissolution of Marriage in Ohio?
There are two ways to end a marriage in Ohio. You can file for divorce or dissolution. Filing for divorce requires you to allege one of the 11 grounds for divorce. Grounds for divorce include adultery, extreme cruelty, fraud, willful abandonment, and gross neglect of duty.
A dissolution does not require you to name any grounds for divorce. Instead, the spouses agree they want to end the marriage. Neither spouse is blamed for the breakup of the relationship.
If spouses agree on all terms and meet the other requirements, a dissolution can be much less expensive and time-consuming than a divorce. There is less animosity, and the process can take as little as 30 to 90 days to complete.
Do I Qualify for a Dissolution of Marriage in Columbus, OH?
There are five basic requirements to qualify for a dissolution of marriage in Ohio:
1. Residency Requirement
Under Ohio law, one of the spouses to a dissolution must have been a state resident for a minimum of six months before the petition for dissolution is filed with the court. Generally, the petition is filed in the county of residence.
2. No Extramarital Children
In Ohio, children born during a marriage are legally presumed to be the biological children of the husband. This presumption simplifies parental rights in most cases. However, in a dissolution of marriage, the law does not permit third parties—such as an alleged biological father—to be involved in the proceeding.
Therefore, a dissolution cannot proceed if the wife is pregnant or if any children born during the marriage are not the husband’s. Both spouses must attest that all minor children of the marriage are, in fact, the husband’s for the court to grant a dissolution.
3. Proposed Separation Agreement
The law requires the parties to attach a separation agreement to the petition for dissolution of marriage. The separation agreement must be signed by both spouses and provide for all issues related to the dissolution, including property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support.
4. Signature of All Documents
Both parties must sign all documents for a dissolution of marriage, including the petition for dissolution and the separation agreement. The petition of dissolution requests that the court terminate the marriage. The separation agreement sets forth the terms for property division, child support, and spousal support.
If you have minor children, the parenting plan is usually a separate document that must be signed and attached to the petition. The parenting plan sets forth the parental rights of each parent, and must also be signed by both parties.
5. Attending the Court Hearing
Both parties are required to attend the dissolution hearing. The judge will not grant the dissolution if one of the parties does not attend the hearing.
Typically, the court schedules a dissolution hearing within 90 days from the date the petition is filed with the court. If a hearing is not held within 90 days, the court may dismiss the case. If the dissolution cannot proceed, one or both parties may instead file for divorce.
What Happens If a Spouse Changes Their Mind About a Dissolution of Marriage?
In Ohio, if either spouse becomes dissatisfied with the separation agreement or no longer wishes to proceed with the dissolution, the court will dismiss the case. Dissolution requires mutual agreement through the final hearing.
If the dissolution is dismissed, either spouse may file a separate complaint for divorce. The divorce complaint must state legal grounds, and the filing party bears the burden of proving them if contested. As with any divorce case, the spouses may negotiate a settlement. If they cannot reach an agreement, the case will proceed to trial, and the judge will issue final orders based on the law and evidence presented.
Do We Need Separate Attorneys for a Dissolution of Marriage in Columbus, OH?
An attorney cannot represent both spouses in a dissolution of marriage. A spouse may choose to proceed without an attorney if they desire. However, you must remember that your spouse’s attorney is not protecting your best interests. They have a duty to protect their client’s interests.
Therefore, obtaining legal counsel for yourself in a dissolution of marriage is always wise. Unfortunately, things can change quickly in a dissolution. Your spouse may not agree to fair child custody or property division terms. In that case, you want to ensure you have an attorney who is protecting your best interests involved in the case.
If you are seeking a military dissolution or a same-sex dissolution, it is also wise to have separate attorneys represent the spouses. Military dissolutions involve issues that are unique from traditional dissolutions. The same is true for same-sex dissolutions. Hiring experienced counsel can help ensure that the dissolution of marriage goes smoothly.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Columbus Dissolution Lawyer?
The cost to hire a Columbus dissolution lawyer can vary based on factors such as the complexity of your case, whether children or significant assets are involved, and the attorney’s experience. In general, dissolution is less expensive than a contested divorce because both spouses agree on all terms. Many lawyers charge a flat fee for uncontested dissolutions, which may range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars. It’s important to ask for a detailed fee structure during your initial consultation.
Contact a Columbus Dissolution Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you’re considering a dissolution of marriage in Columbus, it’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected.
At Atkins and Atkins, Attorneys at Law, LLC, we understand that the dissolution process can be emotional and complex. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate this important decision. Reach out today for your free consultation with a Columbus dissolution attorney, and let us help you take the next step toward a fresh start.
