Family Law

Legal Advisers And Trial Lawyers Serving Ohio Since 1978

Dissolution Is an Alternative to Divorce

If there are no issues in dispute between spouses who agree that their marriage is over, dissolution is an alternative to divorce for giving legal recognition to the end of the marriage in Ohio. If you think that dissolution of marriage can work in your situation, contact a family law attorney at Stebelton Snider in Lancaster, Ohio.

For Dissolution to Work, You Need to Agree About Everything

In theory, dissolution is a remarkably simple approach to ending a marriage. You and your spouse file a petition for dissolution together with a separation agreement. As long as all of the provisions of your agreement satisfy the basic legal requirements, your petition will be approved and your marriage will be dissolved, just as if you had filed for divorce.

One of our primary roles in advising clients about dissolution is to make sure that your separation agreement covers all the points required by law. We also want to make sure that you understand just what you are gaining and what you are giving up. We will let you know if you are agreeing to divide an asset that Ohio law would recognize as your own property, or if you are assuming shared responsibility for your spouse’s separate debt.

Depending on your specific circumstances, your separation agreement will need to cover each of the following issues:

  • Spousal support (alimony)
  • Property division
  • Debt division
  • Child custody
  • Child support
  • Parenting Time

If you cannot agree about all of the issues that apply to your situation, you will not be able to end your marriage through dissolution. You will have to file for divorce and resolve the matters that are in dispute through negotiation, mediation, or court hearing.

Call Stebelton Snider for Advice About Dissolution of Marriage in Ohio

If dissolution will work for you, we can prepare the papers and present them for court approval. If it turns out that there are issues that need to be resolved, we can represent you in a conventional or collaborative divorce. For further information, contact Stebelton Snider in Lancaster at 740-654-4141.