The end of a marriage is a legal process that brings enormous change. Along with the emotional changes, there can be a potentially costly and lengthy legal ordeal. You may be wondering:

• Who keeps the house?
• Who has custody of the children?
• Who gets the retirement accounts?

These questions among others are commonly asked as a marriage comes to an end. Other frequently asked questions concern the division of property and subjects such as spousal and child support. I, attorney Bobbie O’Keefe, will provide you with answers to any of your questions so we can work toward a simple, efficient resolution.

Your Options For Marriage Dissolution

Divorce or dissolution are the two primary ways marriages can be permanently terminated in the state of Ohio. Couples also have the option to legally separate if divorce and dissolution are not the right answers at the time.

Divorce

Divorce is a lawsuit started by one spouse against the other. In a divorce, couples may agree on some issues but not on others. If a resolution is not possible between the parties involved, a judge or magistrate will make those decisions for the couple.

I will work with you to create a strategic plan that is best suited to your individual needs and those of your family. Divorce through the court is one of the most expensive and tedious ways to end a marriage because it involves many additional legal steps. Though it is sometimes necessary, a family lawyer can suggest other methods, such as mediation, collaborative divorce and early neutral evaluation to achieve the same results with fewer headaches.

Dissolution

Dissolution is generally faster and less time-consuming than a divorce, given that the couple agrees on property and asset division. It puts the decision-making in the hands of the two people involved, not the judges or the court system. Couples must agree on every aspect related to the termination of a marriage, including property division, spousal support (alimony), child custody and child support.

I will work patiently and diligently with you toward peaceful resolutions, if at all possible. I will also help you understand the potential legal ramifications of the decisions you consider and, at the same time, respect any decisions you make. After all, no one knows your family better than you do.

Legal Separation

In a legal separation, the marriage is not fully terminated after the separation process. The couple is still considered married, whereas, after a divorce or dissolution, the couple is no longer legally married, and both parties are free to remarry.

A legal separation includes a temporary order and petition to the court to recognize the couple as separate people to help resolve any issues. Topics such as child custody and visitation, child support, division of property and more must still be addressed even though the marriage is not officially terminated.

About Bobbie O’Keefe And Her Family Law Firm In Columbus

I understand that an unclear future is frightening. I want my clients to be thoroughly educated and informed about what is happening in their cases so that they can reduce the anxiety that typically comes with a fear of the unknown.
Use my contact form to schedule a consultation or call 614-633-4777 to arrange a initial consultation at my Columbus office.