DOMESTIC RELATIONS

Over fifty percent of all marriages currently end in divorce or dissolution.  This is a truly staggering number.  The divorce process can potentially be very long and full of pit-falls for an inexperienced attorney or the individual attempting to represent themselves.  Adding children to the equation makes it even more difficult to separate emotions from the best interest of the child. 

The Columbus, Ohio domestic relations attorneys at Ross & Midian, LLC provide experienced, aggressive representation in the following areas in an effort to help protect your rights:

The Columbus, Ohio divorce and custody attorneys at Ross & Midian, LLC will listen to you and help you sort through this emotional, stressful, and often frustrating process.  Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN DIVORCE, DISSOLUTION AND CUSTODY CASES

What is the difference between a divorce and a dissolution?

The biggest difference between a divorce and a dissolution is the involvement of the court.  In a dissolution, the parties must agree to and resolve all issues including, but not limited to, parental rights and responsibilities, child/spousal support, and the division of assets and debts. When the parties cannot agree, it may be necessary for the court to make a determination on the issues through a divorce action.

The parties will generally incur far greater expenses with a divorce as opposed to a dissolution due to the increased involvement of both the attorneys and the court.  Additionally, where a dissolution will be concluded within 90 days from the time of filing, an action for divorce can potentially last for years. 

Finally, a divorce action requires proof of one of eleven statutorily listed grounds for divorce under Ohio Revised Code Section 3105.01.  The most common ground for divorce is incompatibility, however, the divorce will not be granted if one party denies it.  

What about a legal separation or an annulment?

An annulment is only available for limited purposes.  It essentially indicates that the marriage was not valid for one of the reasons listed in Ohio Revised Code Section 3105.31.  In a legal separation (the procedure for which is similar to a divorce) the court will make certain orders dividing assets and liabilities and resolving issues related to child and spousal support. At the end of the action the court will declare the parties separated, however, the parties will still be married.  Neither procedure is commonly used in Ohio.

I don’t think I need an attorney. Can’t I just do this myself? 

While it is not legally required for parties to have an attorney, it is highly recommended due to the complexity of domestic relations laws.  An attorney’s familiarity with the laws, as well as the local court system can prove to be an invaluable resource.  At the very least, the parties should consult with an attorney to determine your rights and legal options.

The Columbus, Ohio divorce and custody lawyers at Ross & Midian, LLC are dedicated to providing prompt, professional service to all of our clients. We understand that each case is unique, and we will work with you to develop a course of action to help meet your goals.  Whether it is through negotiation or litigation, the experienced Columbus, Ohio divorce and custody attorneys at Ross & Midian, LLC will fight to protect your rights.   Contact us today to schedule a consultation. 

How much will this cost?

Because each domestic case is unique, it is often difficult to initially determine the exact cost of an action.  The total cost will be determined by how much work is performed by your attorney and others such as guardians, CPAs, personal investigators, appraisers, etc. in preparing for court hearings and ultimately trial. There are other outside factors that will affect costs as well, such as the parties’ or counsel’s unwillingness to be reasonable and/or settle in addition to the court in which the action takes place.