Columbus Uncontested Divorce Lawyers
Filing for divorce is always a difficult choice. However, when you and your spouse are in agreement, filing for an uncontested divorce in Columbus, OH, can save significant time and money. An experienced Columbus uncontested divorce lawyer at Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC, can help you through the entire process. Contact our legal team today at (614) 485-8248 for a free consultation.
Collectively, we have years of experience protecting the interests of families like yours. We know that divorce can be an emotional process. We’re here to help you minimize your stress and resolve any issues you are experiencing.
Even with a relatively amicable divorce, complex issues can arise. It’s important to have an experienced attorney in your corner to navigate any thorny issues. To learn more about how we can put our legal skills to work in your divorce case, call our law offices in Columbus, Ohio, to schedule a free consultation today.
How Can Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC Help With an Uncontested Divorce in Columbus
Every divorce comes with challenges. You want what’s best for yourself and your family. Hiring an experienced Columbus family law attorney is the best way to protect your interests. While many couples want to avoid hiring an attorney to save money, that can also mean that your issues aren’t properly resolved–and lead to challenges in the future.
Our team at Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC, has years of experience helping families develop workable solutions to important issues.
When you hire us, our attorneys will:
- Help understand all of your legal rights and options
- Handle the paperwork and court filings
- Facilitate mediation and negotiations between you and your spouse
- Help you identify priorities and develop ideas for compromise
- Protect you from any tactics designed to manipulate you into taking less than you deserve
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Columbus family lawyers for a free consultation today. Your consultation is always 100% confidential. We’re always here to listen to your story and discuss the best options for moving forward.
Who Can Get an Uncontested Divorce in Ohio?
Technically, an uncontested divorce in Ohio is called a dissolution of the marriage. Both terms are often used interchangeably. An uncontested divorce, or dissolution of the marriage, may be right for you if you and your spouse can agree on all relevant issues. When two spouses are able to reach an agreement themselves, the court won’t have to interfere. In other words, you’re able to make these important decisions for yourself.
You can also get an uncontested divorce in Ohio if your spouse does not respond to the complaint within 42 days. The “complaint” is the initial paperwork that you file to initiate the divorce process. Agreeing to the divorce alone isn’t enough for the divorce to be considered “uncontested.”
You and your spouse must also reach an agreement about:
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support obligations
- Spousal support or alimony, if any
- Property division, or division of the marital assets and debts
You won’t have to go through a divorce trial if your divorce is uncontested. Unless your agreement is clearly not fair, the family law judge will approve your agreement and finalize the divorce.
It’s important to remember that not all spouses are able to reach an agreement immediately. An experienced attorney can help. By facilitating mediation between you and your spouse, we can help you reach an agreement so that the judge won’t have to decide for you.
How Do I Know Whether an Uncontested Divorce is Right for Me?
Every couple is different. It all depends on whether the two spouses are willing to compromise. That said, it’s important to remember that certain legal requirements must be satisfied before you can get divorced in Ohio. Importantly, you or your spouse must reside in Ohio for at least six months prior to filing for divorce.
An uncontested divorce is typically a no-fault divorce. You’re not citing any grounds for the divorce other than the fact that the marriage didn’t work. Technically, the reason given for the divorce is “incompatibility.”
While all couples are different, an uncontested divorce is typically the best option when:
- Each of the spouses can support themselves financially
- The couple does not have minor children
- The relationship is civil, or even amicable
- The couple has relatively few marital assets and debts
Now, even couples with complicated issues to resolve can benefit from an uncontested divorce. When the prospect of saving significant time and money is present, even a couple with complicated family law issues may be motivated to compromise.
Our attorneys in Columbus can help you through the entire process. If you believe an uncontested divorce might be right for you, call our law offices today for a free consultation.
What Are the Primary Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce in Columbus, OH?
The uncontested divorce process can be beneficial for the entire family. When a couple is able to reach an agreement themselves, they tend to be happier with the results. Their relationship may even be better for it. Uncontested divorces can also shield children from much of the emotional trauma that the divorce process can generate.
Some key benefits that an uncontested divorce can offer include:
Financial Benefits
An uncontested divorce is nearly always less expensive than a contested divorce. You may still need an attorney to facilitate mediation and ensure that all legal papers are handled correctly. You won’t have to go through a divorce trial. In other words, you won’t have to worry about court costs. Depending on your unique situation and how negotiations progress, your attorneys’ fees may also be lower.
Reduced Stress
Any divorce can be stressful. That’s true even when you’re in basic agreement with your spouse. Uncontested divorces tend to reduce stress. You’ll be working with an attorney who can facilitate civilized discussions. You’ll also know that you and your spouse will be able to control the outcome. While no compromise offers a perfect outcome, spouses in uncontested divorces often have a stronger sense that the outcome is fair.
Time Savings
Some couples agree to all relevant issues at the outset. Others may need to engage in negotiations before they are able to resolve more complicated matters. Even so, mediation and negotiations tend to take less time than a trial. With a contested divorce, you’re often at the mercy of the court’s schedule. You won’t have to worry about scheduling hearings and a trial with an uncontested divorce.
How Much Time Does It Take To Get an Uncontested Divorce in Columbus, Ohio?
Under Ohio law, a judge cannot finalize a petition for dissolution of the marriage until 30 days have passed. Both you and your spouse will appear in court and tell the judge that you’ve voluntarily entered into the agreement.
That doesn’t mean it’ll only take 30 days from the date you initiate the entire process. The length of time it takes will depend on how deeply you and your spouse disagree over any relevant issue. Cases involving more intense disagreement tend to take longer, even if you maintain an amicable relationship with your spouse.
Do I Need to Hire a Divorce Attorney for an Uncontested Divorce in Columbus?
Some couples handle their divorce without an attorney. However, that comes with certain risks. Experienced divorce lawyers know how to handle the paperwork and legal filings that are required to finalize your divorce. They also know how to protect your interests so that you can rest assured that your spouse isn’t taking advantage.
It’s also important to remember that even uncontested divorces are rarely completely friendly. You’re dealing with the most critical issues in your life. When your kids and your finances are on the line, disagreements tend to pop up. An experienced attorney can help you resolve your differences without resorting to court intervention.
Our experienced Columbus uncontested divorce attorneys will be by your side every step of the way. Whether you have questions about your options, have an agreement on the table, or simply want an experienced attorney’s perspective, call Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC, for a consultation today. Your consultation is always completely confidential.
How Much Does Obtaining an Uncontested Divorce in Columbus Cost?
While obtaining an uncontested divorce almost always costs less than a contested divorce, some costs do apply. Your overall costs will depend on the circumstances.
Generally, the cost will depend on:
- Filing fees
- Court costs, because a hearing will be necessary to obtain a final divorce order
- Attorneys’ fees
Your attorneys’ fees will generally depend on the length of time it takes to resolve any disagreements.
Contact an Experienced Columbus Uncontested Divorce Lawyer for a Case Evaluation Today
Are you considering an uncontested divorce in Columbus, Ohio? Going it alone isn’t always a wise move. An experienced Columbus uncontested divorce lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options at every stage of the process. Call Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC, to arrange your free consultation to learn more about the benefits of legal representation.
