Ohio law provides two main ways for spouses to end their marriage: divorce and dissolution. In both types of proceedings, a marital couple’s assets and debts are divided and issues involving child custody, child support, and spousal support are determined.
A Divorce is a civil lawsuit in which some or all of the issues involving the division of marital property, child custody, child support, and/or spousal support are disputed. In most divorce proceedings, the parties eventually reach an agreement regarding the disputed issues and enter into a Separation Agreement that fully resolves all issues involving the division of marital property, child custody, child support, and/or spousal support. A court must review the Separation Agreement to determine its fairness under the law. Once the court has approved the parties’ agreement, a journal entry is filed that makes the agreement a court order. Some divorces proceed to a contested trial before a Judge or Magistrate, where evidence and testimony is presented and the court renders a decision on any disputed issues between the parties.
A Dissolution is an action in which spouses mutually agree to terminate their marriage. Before filing a Dissolution proceeding, the parties must enter into a Separation Agreement that fully resolves all issues involving the division of marital property, child custody, child support, and/or spousal support. A court must review the Separation Agreement to determine its fairness under the law and will confirm that the parties agree to be bound by the terms set forth in the agreement. Once the court has approved the parties’ agreement, a journal entry is filed that makes the agreement a court order.
During an initial consultation, Ms. Yoder more thoroughly explains how the divorce or dissolution process works, and will explain to a client his or her rights relative to the division of property, spousal support, child support, child custody, and visitation.
“Kim represented me during my divorce. This was an extremely difficult time in my life and emotions were high. For nearly a year, Kim acted as a lawyer, counselor, and friend. She guided me through the legal maze, re-enforced that everything would be alright, and quelled many of my fears. In the end, Kim was able to negotiate a settlement that insured everything most important. When I was at my lowest, Kim protected me and my family. In a profession that is not always admired, Kim is a gem.” Dave – Westlake, Ohio
