Support And Guidance Through Divorce
All legal matters are personal, but divorce is one of the most emotional experiences anyone can go through. It’s tough to make the decision to end your marriage, and it’s even tougher to sort through the aftermath. Having someone on your side who can lead you through the chaos and help you build a new future can really make a positive difference in your experience.
That’s where we come in. At Stagnaro Hannigan Koop, we’ve spent years helping our Cincinnati neighbors navigate their divorces successfully and with less stress. We can help you breathe and get through the process as peacefully as possible.
What’s The Right Move For You?
There are several different ways you can get through the divorce process. Each have their own pros and cons, and some can allow you to end your marriage with less conflict. Our team of legal professionals and family law attorneys have essential experience in:
- Traditional litigation/divorce: This is the most contentious form of divorce and often the one people think of first. In this kind of divorce, you and your ex will need to go to court to settle disputes and get your settlement. A divorce lawyer from our firm can stand by your side and represent you.
- Dissolution: This type of divorce can be used when both parties agree on all matters regarding the divorce process. We can help you make sure everything is in place and then bring a petition to the court in order to make things official.
- Mediation or collaboration: In this form of divorce, there are still things to be discussed, but the basis is working together with you to come to a mutually beneficial resolution. One of our attorneys, trained in mediation and collaborative law, will help you and your ex find resolutions and settle disputes more peacefully.
No matter what type of process you choose, we’re here for you. Our team of legal professionals and family lawyers is here to help you figure out your divorce, in any circumstances. In all types, we’ll come up with creative solutions backed by our extensive experience in family law. We also have extensive experience representing individuals in a same-sex marriage and seeking a divorce.
Answers To Common Questions About Ohio Divorce
It’s understandable to be filled with questions when going through a process as consequential as the end of your marriage. Below, we’ve answered some of the questions clients most often ask.
Is Ohio a 50-50 divorce state?
No, it’s not. Like most states, Ohio follows the “equitable distribution” model for asset division. This means that all marital assets must be divided equitably between the two spouses, which isn’t always the same as equally. Courts often start with the assumption that assets will be divided 50-50, but there may be reasons to deviate from an equal division in individual cases. Our attorneys will work closely with you to ensure that all marital assets are identified and properly valued, then we will help you prioritize the assets most important to you during the property division process. If there is a compelling reason to seek an unequal division of assets, we will help you make that case to the court.
Does it matter who files for divorce first?
For nearly all of the legal aspects of your divorce, there is no inherent advantage to being the spouse who files for divorce (the plaintiff) nor is there a disadvantage to being the spouse who responds to that filing (the respondent). Filing first has no impact on property division, spousal support, child custody or child support.
The significant nonlegal advantage that the first spouse to file might gain is being better prepared for the divorce. This is especially true if the decision to divorce was a complete surprise to the respondent spouse (which is, sadly, sometimes the case). Whether you end up being the plaintiff or the respondent in your divorce, thorough preparation with the help of an attorney is critical to your success.
Is separation required before divorce in Ohio?
No. Ohio is a state that recognizes legal separation (not all states do), but there is no requirement that couples be separated before initiating divorce proceedings.
How long does a divorce take?
As with most legal questions, the answer depends on the details of the case and the actions of the parties involved. If you and your spouse agree on all terms and are therefore filing for uncontested divorce (also known as dissolution), the process could be completed in two to three months. If there is considerable disagreement over terms or there are complicated decisions to be made about property division and/or child custody, a case could last a year to 18 months. Divorces resolved through meditation and collaboration are somewhere in between but tend to be much shorter in duration than contested divorces litigated in the courtroom.
When you work with our firm, our goal is to help you obtain a divorce as efficiently as possible while protecting your interests and the interests of your children.
Let’s Work Together
Taking the first step is perhaps the most important part of the divorce process. We can do it together. Contact us today to set up an appointment to get more information. Call us at 513-813-0627 or use our contact form to speak with an experienced, compassionate attorney from our firm today.