The end of a marriage is a stressful time, and thinking about divorce can be difficult. However, there is an option in family law that can ease the transition.
Ohio allows for dissolution or divorce. Sometimes, dissolution can be an easier transition from married to single life if both parties agree. So, what is the difference?
Here are four things you need to know.
What is divorce?
A divorce is an adversarial family law court proceeding, in which a couple cannot come to an amicable agreement about the end of their marriage. One member of the couple files a lawsuit against the other, asking for the court to rule on the case and decide issues like custody, the division of property and finances and other matters. Often, an agreement is reached without having to try the case.
What is dissolution?
A dissolution is a procedure that is used when a couple is able to make decisions without court intervention. That is, the parties are not fighting with one another. They are able to communicate effectively with each other and reach decisions on finances and custody. They might retain attorneys, but mostly for the purpose of formalizing their agreement and providing advice on family law. Only at the end of the process does the court get involved for the purpose of actually terminating the marriage.
Cost
A divorce is generally a costlier undertaking than a dissolution, because the parties can’t agree on how to handle the various issues. Time is spent negotiating, filing papers with and arguing in court. A dissolution is more cost-effective because the parties are able to hammer out the details themselves, which allows them to save on legal fees.
Timing
A divorce (even if it is uncontested) can be a lengthy process that can drag on for months or even years. A dissolution, on the other hand, will generally take far less time. It’s not unusual for a dissolution to be completed in three or four months.
