Every year, thousands of Ohio couples decide to end their marriages. People seek divorce for a variety of reasons, often with the goal of beginning a new chapter of their lives. However, starting a new life after love walks out the door, can feel overwhelming.
The divorce process is often time-consuming and difficult, requiring both spouses to make compromises in order to reach agreement on key issues. For this reason, many individuals seek assistance from experienced Ohio divorce lawyers to help with the process of divorce.
At Zukowsky Law, our dedicated and compassionate Cleveland divorce lawyers work tirelessly to uphold our clients’ interests and rights through all negotiations related to the end of their marriage.
Divorce is an extensive legal process and certain guidelines must be followed in order to successfully obtain a divorce in Ohio. Before a person can file for divorce, they must ensure that all residency requirements are met. In the state of Ohio, these requirements include the following:
It is important to note that you can pursue divorce in Ohio even if your spouse lives in a different state. Ultimately, as long as you meet the Ohio residency requirements, you may file for divorce in the state of Ohio. Similarly, if you and your spouse do not reside in the same counties, you can select the county in which you choose to file for divorce.
To initiate the divorce process, one spouse must complete and file the necessary forms. These forms will include details regarding your finances, children, and the reason for pursuing divorce. Once this paperwork is filed with the clerk of courts in your county, (Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court for residents of Cleveland), the court will inform the other spouse that they have filed for divorce. The spouse who is served with divorce papers has 28 days to respond if they wish to contest the divorce.
The divorce will then proceed to trial, where a judge will hear all evidence regarding key issues of the divorce. Evidence will be used to make determinations regarding aspects such as child support and custody, the division of property and assets, and/or spousal support, among other issues. Ultimately, the judge will issue a settlement agreement that is signed by both spouses, outlining the terms of the divorce.
If a spouse disagrees with some aspects of the divorce, such as child custody, spousal support, or division of assets, they may contest the divorce. This is contrary to an uncontested divorce, where the process goes on without the interference from either spouse.
Many times, spouses simply can never reach an agreement regarding one or more key issues of their divorce, resulting in a contested divorce. Contested divorces require a great deal of negotiation, leading many people to seek guidance from experienced Ohio divorce lawyers to represent their goals and interests during the proceedings. If you are anticipating or currently involved in a contested divorce, consider visiting with our experienced and compassionate attorneys at Zukowsky Law to help you ensure your legal and financial rights remain protected throughout the process.
It is important to note that in the state of Ohio, there are two different processes that can be used to end a marriage: divorce and dissolution. Dissolution can be used in situations when the marriage is ending due to no fault from either spouse, and both individuals are able to reach agreements cooperatively and peacefully. Divorce, on the other hand, must be utilized when there is disagreement surrounding key issues or when one spouse is at fault for the end of the marriage.
Based on Section 3501.01 of the Ohio Revised Code, a divorce can be sought due to any of the following reasons:
Understanding these grounds for divorce is not always straightforward, and a knowledgeable Cleveland divorce lawyer at Zukowsky Law can provide further insight into the grounds for obtaining divorce in Ohio.
The divorce process can quickly become arduous and stressful. Between navigating the legal requirements, successfully completing the relevant paperwork, and negotiating the terms of your divorce in front of a judge, many individuals find this process overwhelming. It is largely for these reasons that many people seek assistance from Ohio divorce lawyers to ensure that the divorce process is smooth and as stress-free as possible.
At Zukowsky Law, we have spent years representing individuals and families in divorce proceedings. Our services are comprehensive, meaning we have the skill and experience necessary to handle all aspects of the divorce process. We have guided individuals through the following matters:
Above all, our family law attorneys will be able to help you ensure that all legally binding agreements and decisions in your divorce are made with your interests as a priority. This type of dedicated advocacy can make all the difference in the success of your divorce and your ability to restructure your life following the end of your marriage.
The divorce process is a tremendous amount of work and even the most minor missteps during the process can have a serious impact on you and your family. It can be incredibly beneficial to seek assistance from a Cleveland divorce lawyer before making any major decisions related to your divorce. In doing so, you can be sure that your divorce settlement represents your personal and financial interests and goals.
To learn more about how our experienced team can help, consider contacting Zukowsky Law at (216) 800-5529 today.
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