Every year, many couples in Ohio decide that they want to end their marriage. However, instead of a traditional divorce, if you’re splitting up with your spouse, you might want to consider a dissolution. You may want to know more about this option and how it compares with a traditional divorce.
What is dissolution of marriage, and is it similar to uncontested divorce?
Per Ohio law, you can use a dissolution to get end your marriage. Sometimes, this route is confused with a situation when one spouse is unable to be located and the other proceeds with filing for divorce in spite of that.
A dissolution of marriage is different. It is similar to a contract that both parties agree on, allowing for a smoother divorce to take place. With this option for ending your marriage, you and your spouse agree on how you will divide your marital property, assets and debts and how you will handle matters like child custody and visitation. You can only rely on dissolution when both parties fully agree on all matters.
How is property divided with dissolution?
Within the state and through family law, the property can be either marital or separate when you’re going through a divorce. Marital property is the property that you and your spouse jointly acquired during your marriage. Separate property is the property that you owned prior to your marriage and that is in your name only. When your property is divided during a dissolution, you and your spouse have already agreed on how it should be split.
How long does dissolution take?
Compared with a traditional divorce, a dissolution of marriage is faster. This is because you and your spouse mutually agree on all terms of your split. Once you have come to an agreement that works for both of you, you and your ex sign legal documents, which are then presented to the court. The court will then schedule a hearing to confirm that you and your spouse want to dissolve your marriage per the terms of this document.
