Plain answers to hard questions.

A dissolution is for spouses who agree on everything: property, debts, support and parenting. You file together with a signed separation agreement, and the court holds a short hearing 30 to 90 days later.

A divorce starts when one spouse files a complaint. Any issue you cannot settle is decided by a judge. Many divorces still settle before trial.

At least one spouse must have lived in Ohio for six months before filing. You usually file in the county where you have lived for at least 90 days.

Recent pay stubs, your last two tax returns, a list of accounts and debts, any court papers you have received, and your questions. The full checklist is at the bottom of this page.

It depends on how much you and your spouse already agree on. Agreed dissolutions start at a flat $2,400. Contested cases bill hourly with a written estimate. You see the number before you pay anything.

Ohio courts use the child's best interest. Judges look at factors such as each parent's relationship with the child, the child's adjustment to home and school, and each parent's willingness to support time with the other parent.

Parents can agree on a shared parenting plan, and the court reviews it.

Tell them together if you can. Keep it short and honest, and make clear it is not their fault.

Young children need to hear what stays the same: their school, their bed, their routines. Older children may want details. Answer what they ask without blaming the other parent.

Rarely. Judges usually hear from children in other ways, such as a private interview in chambers or a report from a guardian ad litem. We work to keep children out of the courtroom.

Yes, when circumstances change. A move, a new work schedule or a child's changing needs can all support a modification.

Ohio divides marital property equally unless an equal split would be unfair. Separate property, such as an inheritance or something owned before the marriage, usually stays with the spouse who owns it.

Ohio uses a statewide worksheet based on both parents' incomes, the number of children, health insurance and child care costs. The court can depart from the worksheet amount in some situations.

Common options: sell it and split the proceeds, have one spouse buy out the other, or keep it jointly for a set time, often until the youngest child finishes school. We run the numbers on each option with you.

A dissolution requires one short hearing. Most of our contested cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation. Cases that do not settle need several court dates.

Often, yes. Mediation works when both people can talk safely. It is not a fit when there is a history of abuse or one person cannot negotiate freely. We screen for that first.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. You can ask the court for a civil protection order, and we can help you file and prepare for the hearing.

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