In Michael A. Newland Law Office’s home state of Ohio, marriages may be legally ended in one of two ways: divorce or dissolution. Though they have the same outcome, the processes themselves differ. Luckily, with the help of this guide from the experienced, Hamilton-based divorce lawyer, understanding this distinction is now simple.

Dissolutions  

Dissolutions occur when both spouses agree on all major issues, including the split itself. To file for a dissolution, the couple must allege at least one of Ohio’s no-fault grounds, which are incompatibility and separation of one year or more. Often called an uncontested divorce, this process eliminates much of the usual expenses and procedures associated with ending a marriage. However, it will take time for both parties to reach an agreement on parental rights, child support, spousal support, the division of property, and other related topics.

Once an agreement is reached and filed with the court, a hearing will occur within 30 to 90 days. Both spouses must attend and testify that they are satisfied with the agreement. If the court approves, the marriage is legally terminated.   

Divorce

A divorce, on the other hand, begins with one spouse filing a complaint against the other. The spouse must base this grievance on fault grounds pre-approved by the state such as adultery, cruelty, gross neglect, or abandonment. Next, divorce papers are served to the other party, and the couple is given at least six months to reconsider the termination of their marriage. During this time, the couple will work with a qualified divorce lawyer to discuss parental rights, payment of debts, and other topics mentioned above before taking their case to court. Hence, it is the contested relationship between the spouses and the necessary litigation by an attorney that sets a divorce apart from a dissolution.

If you’re unsure of whether a divorce or dissolution is best for your relationship, consult the Michael A. Newland Law Office in Hamilton, OH. With years of experience and a compassionate approach, Attorney Newland and his staff are there to make the process as stress-free as possible. Call (513) 887-9595 to schedule a consultation or visit the  lawyer online to learn more.