What Are the Requirements for Dissolution of Marriage in Ohio?

Couples who want to end their marriage do not have to go through the challenging process of getting divorced. If you and your spouse are willing to try and work together to work out the various issues involved in ending your marriage, you might find a dissolution proceeding better suited to the needs of your family. Though dissolving a marriage can be less contentious than a traditional divorce, you will still need a qualified Cincinnati dissolution attorney who can provide you guidance throughout the process.

Like a divorce, Ohio law has instituted several requirements one or both of the parties must meet before a dissolution can be finalized. First, at least one of the parties must have been a resident of Ohio for at least six consecutive months.

Second, in addition to the residency requirement, both parties must be able to resolve all applicable issues arising from the end of the marriage, including alimony and the division of debts and property. These joint decisions will be included in a document called a separation agreement, which must be presented to the court alongside with the petition for dissolution.

If you and your spouse have children together, you will also have to resolve all issues related to your children in a manner that allocates rights and responsibilities for your children in their best interest. These issues include:

• Custody
• Visitation rights (called parenting time in Ohio)
• Child support
• Future health care and health insurance coverage for the children

These child-related issues may be included in the Separation Agreement, or, if the parties agree to shared parenting, they will be addressed in a separate document called a Shared Parenting Plan.

If you need help resolving these and other issues while ending your marriage, please contact the Law Office of John Heilbrun or call 513-321-3940 today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Cincinnati dissolution attorney.