Facing Divorce In Columbus?
Experience You Can Trust. Lawyers You Can Depend On.
Are you currently considering divorce? Have you been served with divorce papers? Are you in the process of divorcing? No matter what stage of the divorce process you may find yourself in, do not think that you have to face the ordeal on your own. The lawyers at Weis Law Group are ready to protect your rights and the best interests of your children.
We can assist with a number of divorce issues, including:
You and your spouse will be confronted with the reality of making tough decisions regarding every aspect of your marriage. Naturally, emotion can cloud the practical, objective, and unbiased reasoning necessary to successfully reach those decisions. When you are faced with numerous important decisions, like what to do with your home, how to divide joint assets and debts, and how to receive spousal support (formerly known as alimony), we know skilled legal counsel can be incredibly beneficial for the final outcome of your case. We strive to help you make decisions in an amicable manner but can be trusted to litigate on your behalf if mediation or negotiation proves to be unfruitful.
A Team Of Dedicated Advocates
Our attorneys have over 25 years of combined experience handling a wide range of family law matters, from complex custody conflicts to property division disputes. Under the leadership of partners Amy Weis and David Plumb, our attorneys are focused and committed to delivering outstanding representation and legal solutions for families across Ohio.
Attorney Amy Weis has earned the following awards:
- Named one of The Best Lawyers in America© in Family Law for 2015 to 2020
- Ohio Rising Stars, Super Lawyers® – 2017 Amy J. Weis & David Plumb
- Named one of the Top 25 Columbus Women Lawyers from 2010 to 2020
- Named one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Ohio from 2011 to 2017, 2019 to 2020
- Named one of the Top 50 Columbus Super Lawyers® 2015 to 2016
We possess the skill, experience, and insight needed to guide your steps and inform you of your rights so you can make empowered and sound legal choices. The time ahead does not have to be intimidating; in fact, you and your family can still find peace and healing even after the divorce has been finalized. Your new chapter of life is ahead, and we strive to make sure you feel supported and guided to the very end.
How Can I File For Divorce In Ohio?
While many cases can be resolved by dissolution (which is generally preferable because it is usually less expensive and less emotionally taxing), it means that both parties must agree on all terms and fully disclose property and income with due diligence from both sides. If this is not possible, we can assist separating couples through the process of divorce.
We can handle a number of complex divorce-related situations:
- Where spouses cannot agree on custody, support, or property division
- Where one party conceals information or hides assets
- Where spouses do not provide full information or support
- Where one spouse needs a temporary restraining order to get financial relief or make custody arrangements
Once a divorce complaint is filed, the receiving party, or defendant, will be given time to respond. If both you and your spouse agree about things like property division, debt division, child custody, and child support, then divorce can be finalized without a trial and outside of court. This process is typically referred to as an uncontested divorce. If a mutual agreement cannot be made, however, the divorce will be contested and a court date will be set for trial.
Whether or not your case goes to trial, the issues you may face are the same. We are experienced in all types of divorce cases and we work with a network of trusted experts to support you when special expertise is needed. Whatever your specific case requires, we are here to help you.
What Are Grounds For Divorce In Ohio?
A couple can file for divorce in Ohio based on several different grounds. The state allows for both no-fault and fault divorces.
A no-fault divorce means that neither spouse needs to use a fault in the other spouse to justify the divorce. Instead, the following two requirements must be met:
- Separate living for at least one year
- Incompatibility that is mutually agreed (if the spouses do not agree that their marriage is incompatible, then this method for divorce cannot be used)
If no-fault divorce is not possible, then a spouse also has the option to file for divorce based on the following fault grounds:
- If either spouse already had a living spouse at the time of the divorcing couple’s marriage
- Intentional abandonment for at least one year
- Adultery
- Cruelty
- Fraudulent contract
- Negligence
- Habitual drunkenness
- Imprisonment
- One of the spouses successfully filed for divorce in another state
What Is The Divorce Process In Ohio?
A few key aspects of the divorce process in Ohio are as follows:
- Residency requirements – The residency requirements for a divorce in Ohio state that at least one of the spouses must be an Ohio resident for 6 months or more before filing for divorce. For a divorce, the filing spouse must be the resident. For dissolution of marriage, then either spouse can be the resident. The spouse must also be a resident in the filing county for at least 90 days before filing for divorce.
- Waiting period – The waiting period depends on the nature of the divorce. To get a no-fault divorce, one requirement is that the couple lives separately for at least one year. There is no additional waiting period once that requirement is met. There are also no waiting periods for a fault-based divorce.
- Basic process – The basic process of the divorce consists of one spouse filing the initial divorce papers. Next, the other spouse must be served with these divorce papers. Additionally, both spouses will need to disclose their financial information including income, assets, and debts.
To learn more about the divorce process and your specific situation, contact our firm today!
Choose Weis Law Group To Protect Your Family
We know that divorce can be an incredibly overwhelming decision to make, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating or contentious. Speak with our attorneys today to learn how we can assist you and your family. We offer confidential consultations and provide clients with results-oriented legal counsel.