What are the Primary Differences Between a Divorce, Dissolution and Uncontested Divorce in Ohio?
Experienced Columbus, Ohio Divorce, Dissolution and Uncontested Divorce Lawyers
There are basically three options for ending a marriage in the State of Ohio: Divorce, Dissolution and Uncontested Divorce. Each legal vehicle provides advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to work with an experienced and proven Columbus and central Ohio family law attorney to help guide you in what could be one of the most important decisions of your life.
There are several factors which affect the options available to you as a couple including:
- Emotional Cost
- Financial Cost
- Time
- The Presence of Children
- The Physical Availability of Both Spouses
- Ability of the Couple to Work Together Constructively
-
Existing Issues of Abuse, Addiction or Neglect
Uncontested Divorce
This is usually the least expensive option, and the fastest in terms of time. Uncontested divorce requires the agreement of both parties on all issues related to the division of assets and debts, as well as parenting time (if applicable). Only one of the parties must be present at the final hearing (however, an additional witness must be present).
Dissolution
Dissolution provides a strong combination of control over the ultimate outcome in your marriage, while keeping emotional and financial costs at a minimum. In a dissolution, an attorney may only represent one of the parties, and both parties must agree upon every issue related to the division of assets and debts, as well as parenting time. Dissolution can be an excellent vehicle for high profile members of the community, and for those families with substantial assets, as it keeps financial and intimate details private (only the separation agreement must be publicly filed). There is some additional flexibility in where the case can be filed which helps to keep prying eyes from seeing into your personal life.
Divorce
Divorce can require a more substantial investment in terms of time and financial and emotional cost. Divorce is usually the right vehicle when there are areas of substantive and principled disagreement, or where one of the parties is uncooperative or suffers from a variety of personality disorders. Divorce provides the least control for the parties involved, as a judge will decide the ultimate outcome of the case including the division of parenting rights, assets and debts.
Choosing an Experienced and Proven Columbus Ohio Family Law Attorney can Make a Huge Difference
These decisions are difficult, and the ramifications will affect your life for years to come. You will be sharing some of the most private and intimate details of your financial and personal life, and you want to be comfortable that you have counsel from an attorney who has your best interests at heart. At the Kelly Law Offices, we work with our clients to help find the best vehicle to protect their interests, while keeping the emotional and financial burden at a minimum.
Reasonable Fees
Our fees are reasonable. In fact, many of our family law, criminal and other services are offered at flat rates, so you will know up front how much your case will cost. If your case is billed on an hourly basis you will be kept apprised of your expenditures with itemized statements on a monthly basis or any other periodic basis at your request.
Free Initial Telephone Consultations
Are you ready to discuss your case with an experienced Columbus family law attorney? Call us at 888-678-3075 or send us an e-mail.
