Experienced Dissolution Lawyer in Columbus
Lewis Legal Is
Your Professional
Guide To Marriage
Dissolution
In Ohio
What is Dissolution?
Dissolution is a legal process that ends a marriage by mutual agreement. Dissolution is different from traditional divorce for a few reasons.
First, in a dissolution, both spouses must agree on all terms of the separation, including child custody and child support, spousal support, and division of assets and debts. Couples have full control over the terms of their separation.
Secondly, while a judge still needs to approve the final agreement, a judge will not make decisions for the couple, as is the case in contested divorces. A dissolution is defined as ending a marriage through mutual agreement rather than litigation.
For the dissolution process, couples can choose to have one attorney assist with paperwork, or each can hire their own attorney for negotiations.
Benefits of Dissolution
There are many benefits of dissolution as opposed to pursuing a traditional divorce. These benefits include:
- Control.
Couples maintain control over every aspect of their separation and can customize solutions that meet their unique needs. - Speed.
Dissolution is typically the fastest way to end a marriage and
allows couples to avoid potential court delays. - Lower Cost.
Ending a marriage via dissolution is generally less expensive due to lower attorney expenses and reduced court time. - Better Experience.
Couples report that dissolution feels more personalized and fair than going through a traditional divorce process. - Privacy.
Dissolution keeps family matters out of public court records and allows for a more discreet separation process.
Our Dissolution Services
As a dissolution lawyer in Columbus with over 10 years of experience, we provide comprehensive range of dissolution services for our clients.
Legal Guidance
We provide legal guidance and let you know what to expect throughout the process. We ensure all necessary documents are properly prepared and filed with the court to reduce delays. Our insights help inform your decision-making process and ensure that agreements are likely to be approved by the court.
Negotiation
Lewis Legal can review dissolution documents drafted by your spouse’s attorney to ensure everything is in order. If there is anything of concern or an agreement in the dissolution paperwork that you did not consent to, we negotiate on your behalf to correct the issue and ensure the documents accurately reflect you and your spouse’s agreement.
Mediation
In the event that mediation is necessary to help you and your spouse reach an agreement, we will help you find a qualified mediator for the process. Should you already have legal counsel but need a mediator, our principal attorney, Mary Lewis Turner, is an experienced mediator and can assist you with this process.
The Dissolution Process
The process for dissolution is relatively straightforward:
- Set up an initial consultation with a dissolution lawyer in Columbus to discuss your separation, understand the dissolution process, and explore your options.
- Complete affidavits of property and debt, income and expenses, parenting proceedings, and health insurance.
- If you and your spouse agree on terms, we will draft an agreement that details the division of assets, parenting plan, and other terms.
- If you and your spouse have a few things you are struggling to reach an agreement on, mediation is the next step.
- Once the agreements are drafted and reviewed, we make any necessary adjustments before signing and filing paperwork with the court.
- After a mandatory 30-day waiting period, a final hearing will happen where a judge will confirm the agreement and sign the decree of dissolution, finalizing the process.
Why Choose Lewis Legal For Your Marriage Dissolution
Lewis Legal is dedicated to making your dissolution process stress-free. We are invested in your well-being and are here to help you understand all your options.
Trained in mediation collaborative divorce processes, we offer multiple paths to reaching agreements. Our streamlined process saves you time and money and helps you end your marriage on your terms.
As your dissolution lawyer in Columbus, we will professionally handle all legal aspects of the process while providing the professional guidance you need to make informed decisions for the well-being of you and your family. We can also connect you with other professionals, such as mediators, counselors, and financial advisors, as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dissolution
How long does a dissolution take to complete?
Dissolutions typically take 3-6 months, but some take significantly longer, depending on the parties’ specific situation. The time can vary based on your situation and the time it takes to reach an agreement.
How is a dissolution different from an uncontested divorce?
While both dissolution and uncontested divorce end a marriage amicably, they differ in process and cooperation level. Dissolution requires full agreement on all terms before filing a joint petition, often without lawyers. Uncontested divorce begins with one spouse filing and the other not contesting, though some issues may be resolved during the process. Dissolutions typically involve less court oversight and are faster and cheaper but aren’t available in all states. Uncontested divorces may require more court appearances and separate attorneys, even if couples agree on terms. Both are quicker and less expensive alternatives to contested divorces.
Can you only have one dissolution lawyer in Columbus? My spouse and I already have an agreement; we just need a lawyer to draft the paperwork and guide us through the court process. Can you do this?
Yes, but an attorney can only provide legal advice to one person, not both spouses. We can draft the dissolution paperwork for both parties and ensure everything is processed through the court. If you and your spouse already have an agreement, it should not be an issue if you do not both have an attorney. However, if you have a disagreement, we can only advise and represent one person. The person we do not represent may hire their own attorney to advise and represent them. Some couples will hire us to draft the paperwork and guide them through the court process, and the spouse we do not represent will hire their own attorney simply to review the paperwork and advise them before they sign it.
My spouse’s attorney drafted dissolution documents, and I want an attorney to review them to see if there is anything I should be concerned about. Do you review dissolution documents?
Yes, we frequently review dissolution paperwork drafted by other attorneys. You can
schedule a consultation with us and provide those documents in advance. We will advise you of your legal rights and if something should be included in or removed from the documents. We will answer your questions and ensure you feel confident that your agreement is accurately reflected in the documents you sign. After our meeting, you may decide that you are comfortable with proceeding on your own without further representation, or you may choose to retain us to negotiate on your behalf if needed.
How much does a dissolution cost?
The cost varies based on your case and the time and work needed to complete it. Dissolutions are almost always a less expensive option than a litigated divorce in court. During your consultation, we will discuss the estimated expense involved based on the details of your specific situation and the services needed.
Contact Us To Request A Consultation
If you’re ready to explore your options for dissolution, need an experienced attorney to draft or review a dissolution agreement, or have questions about the process, contact Lewis Legal today to request a consultation with a dissolution lawyer in Columbus.
The material on this webpage has been prepared by Lewis Legal Solutions for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific matter. No attorney-client relationship is implied or created by the information found on this website. Lewis Legal Solutions practices law within the state of Ohio. Individuals should seek the advice of legal counsel licensed in their state.