Lewis Legal Is
Your Professional
Guide To Marriage
Dissolution
In Ohio
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 and allows for a more discreet separation process.
5-Step Process for Getting Started with Dissolution in Columbus:
- Call and Schedule Your Initial Consultation: Contact us to set up a meeting to discuss your situation.
- Initial Consultation: We will briefly go over your situation, your goals, and whether you’re just looking for information or ready to move forward.
- Explore Your Options: We’ll go over the different options available to you and recommend the best course of action based on your specific circumstances.
- Complete the Worksheet: If you decide to proceed, we’ll send you a detailed worksheet to list all your assets and debts, along with intake forms like our engagement agreement and retainer.
- Begin Paperwork: Once the worksheet and forms are completed, we’ll start drafting your dissolution paperwork.
3-Step Process for a Successful Dissolution in Columbus:
- Open-Mindedness: Approach the process with a willingness to reach an agreement.
- Prior Discussions: Ideally, have already discussed potential solutions and desired outcomes (like parenting plans or living arrangements) with your spouse.
- Willingness to Work Together: Both parties should be open to working through the issues. Dissolution is not suitable if there is an unwillingness to compromise.
Why Choose Lewis Legal Solutions for Your Dissolution in Columbus?
- Experience with Amicable Solutions: We primarily represent clients in dissolution cases, which are designed for couples who are committed to working together towards a mutually agreeable outcome.
- Guidance Through Every Step: We provide clear, step-by-step guidance throughout the entire dissolution process, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
- Focus on Efficiency: We strive to make the dissolution process as efficient and cost-effective as possible, minimizing stress and maximizing positive results.
- Personalized Attention: You’ll receive individualized attention and tailored legal advice to address your specific circumstances and goals.
- Commitment to Open Communication: We prioritize open and honest communication, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mary Lewis is skilled in alternative dispute resolution methods, facilitating productive negotiations and minimizing conflict.
- Compassionate Support: We understand that even amicable separations can be emotionally challenging, and we provide compassionate and understanding support throughout the 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dissolution in Columbus
What should I consider in advance to prepare for the dissolution process?
Plan for your future: How do you envision your future? What are your personal and professional goals once your dissolution is complete?
Living Arrangements: Do you plan to reside with your spouse during the dissolution process? What is your timeline for physically separating?
If you have children: If something happens to both parents, who would you and your spouse want to be their guardian and maybe even an alternate guardian. If you and your spouse will be living separately during the dissolution process, when will you each spend time with your children? You can try out different parenting time schedules to find one that works best for your family.
Beneficiaries: Double-check that your beneficiaries on life insurance and retirement accounts are up to date. You may need to make changes once your dissolution is final.
Living Will & Health Care Power of Attorney: Consider your plans and intentions for a living will and health care power of attorney.
How is dissolution different from divorce?
Dissolution requires both spouses to agree on all terms of separation, while divorce can be contested. In dissolution, couples maintain control over their agreement terms, whereas in contested divorce, a judge makes the final decisions.
How long does the dissolution process take?
Dissolution is typically faster than traditional divorce since it avoids court delays and contested proceedings. The timeline depends on how quickly you and your spouse can reach agreements on all terms.
Do we both need separate attorneys for dissolution?
Not necessarily. Couples can choose to have one attorney assist with paperwork, or each can hire their own attorney for negotiations. The choice depends on your comfort level and the complexity of your situation.
What happens if we can't agree on all terms?
Dissolution requires mutual agreement on all terms. If you cannot reach complete agreement, you may need to pursue a traditional divorce process instead.
Is dissolution less expensive than divorce?
Generally yes, dissolution is less expensive due to lower attorney expenses and reduced court time, since it avoids lengthy litigation processes.
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.
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.