Regardless of how amicable the split may be, ending a marriage is still an emotional and complex process to go through. The state of Ohio makes it a little easier by offering dissolution of marriage as an alternative to traditional divorce proceedings. This allows couples who can agree on all of the terms of their divorce to save a lot of time, money, and stress.

Since all the paperwork to file for dissolution is available online, it leaves many wondering if it’s necessary to hire a lawyer for help. While there aren’t any laws requiring legal representation to terminate a marriage, there are several reasons it’s not recommended to forego the expert assistance. 

As a form of no-fault divorce, dissolutions don’t have to claim that either spouse is at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. However, both parties have to reach an agreement on child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, and the division of assets and debt.

Because these are significant issues that will have a large impact on the future, it’s best for each side to seek legal advice to ensure their best interests are being protected. An attorney will provide guidance through the negotiation process with the other spouse and help to present their client’s viewpoint reasonably if discussions get difficult.

Another advantage of working with a lawyer is making sure all of the appropriate documents are prepared and submitted correctly. Even if a couple doesn’t have any disagreements about the terms of their divorce settlement, there’s still the possibility that errors could be made when filing for dissolution. In turn, this can result in long delays and other problems before a petition is approved.

Although it’s possible to obtain a dissolution of marriage in Ohio without legal representation, most couples find it beneficial to have the professional support and counsel of an experienced divorce lawyer. At The Law Offices of Katzman, Logan, Halper, and Bennett, LPA, residents in the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area are provided valuable guidance through the process of negotiating, drafting agreements, and filing documents with the court. They help to minimize conflict and stress in a challenging situation while promoting a quick dissolution resolution. Contact them directly by calling (513) 793-4400 to schedule a consultation, or visit them online for additional information.