Marriages, unfortunately, often don’t last forever. When two people decide that they cannot stay in a marriage, or have differences that cannot be resolved, divorce or legal separation could be a wise option in mutual interest. In Ohio, you have three choices – legal separation, dissolution of marriage, and divorce. The last two options have the same consequences, but in case of dissolution of marriage, spouses create a separate agreement for relevant aspects such as asset & debt distribution, child custody, and spousal support. While you don’t have to compulsorily do so, you should consider hiring a Perrysburg family lawyer, who can guide you through the process.
Avoid the court
In your best interests, you should consider filing for dissolution of marriage, if you want the marriage to end. A contested divorce, which is where one spouse holds the other spouse responsible on grounds like adultery, cruelty, gross neglect, and willful absence for more than one year, can be a long drawn one. If you hire a skilled family lawyer, they will guide you at every step, so that you can avoid unwanted legal hassles.
Deciding on terms of the divorce
One of the key roles of a family lawyer is to help their client with deciding on the terms of the divorce. Rules of equitable distribution apply in Ohio, but the court will consider different factors. For instance, your spouse may have lost a considerable amount of money in gambling, and in such cases, equitable distribution doesn’t always mean equal. Your lawyer will ensure that you don’t agree to anything that may impact your interests and is not in your favor. A lawyer can also guide you further on how you can avoid getting into trouble with your spouse.
Child custody
When it comes to child custody, separating couples should consider coming to an agreement, or else, the court will make a decision. If you hire a lawyer, they will help with a child custody arrangement that’s acceptable to you and your spouse. This may mean negotiation with the lawyer of your spouse, discussing things over and over again, and deciding on the terms in a way that’s acceptable to both.
Hiring a lawyer is the best thing you can do to ease the divorce. However, do have realistic expectations, because your family lawyer is supposed to be your therapist, but their presence will ensure that you don’t lose out on your rights in the divorce battle.
