How Ohio Ends Marriages Legally
Each state has their own governing laws for dissolving a marriage. Ohio has categorized the legal break-up of couples into 3 separate categories. By utilizing these methods, less time is spent in court and couples are able to swiftly move on with their separate lives. There may be complications that arise within each of these areas, but at least there is a defined line for planning the right type of court session.
1. Filing for an annulment is a way to call it quits without much fanfare of invested time. There is no arguing over attorney fees or spousal obligation for money because the marriage should never have been allowed to happen in the first place. The hard rules for granting an annulment include underage marriage, bigotry, mental illness, forced marriage, or lack of consummation between the couple within the first 2 years.
2. Dissolution is a popular form of ending a marriage with both parties agreeing to terms. The court has nothing to do but to approve of the couples decision for splitting assets, visitation for children, and other shared interests. In a dissolution, neither party lays blame on the other. They simply agree that the marriage is not favorable for either party and work out all of the details before going in front of a judge.
3. An actual divorce is more complex than an annulment or dissolution. There are 2 sub-categories of this legal proceeding, ‘no fault’ and ‘fault’. ‘No fault’ refers to an incapability to live together and many times the couple has been separated for an extended period of time. ‘Fault’ means that there is a definite reason why the marriage needs to end, such as abuse, one spouse residing in another state, bigotry, or adultery. Both of these grounds seek the interaction of the court system in order to accept the grounds, to have discovery proceedings to prove fault, and to help with child custody and future income for such.
No end to marriage is ever simple to see, but with the different choices of bringing everything to a close, without state involvement, the easier each case can be. If you are contemplating an end to your marriage and reside in Ohio, decide which method is best for you. The cost and length of time that it takes can be more favorable if there is any way possible to follow an easier route.
If you find yourself with questions or feel an attorney can help, you should contact Spaulding & Kitzler today and schedule your consultation. We are here to help!