Top 5 Questions About Ending your Marriage in Ohio
Everyone looking to end their marriage has unique circumstances – whether they are working through custody arrangements and spousal support or dealing with the complexities of a high-net-worth divorce. However, many people don’t know that each state has different divorce laws.
In our 40 years as one of Columbus’ top family law firms, we’ve answered countless questions about what it means to end a marriage. Here are the top five we hear most often:
1. Will I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many couples resolve their divorce outside of court through Civil Solutions. This means mediation focused on problem-solving rather than conflict. Civil Solutions has several benefits:
It allows both parties to reach agreements on asset division, spousal support, and parenting plans without the stress and expense of litigation.
Ohio law supports mediation as a way to streamline the divorce process while preserving relationships—especially important when children are involved.
Civil Solutions can also be a cost-saving solution.
2. Who gets custody?
Ohio courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody. Parents can agree on shared parenting (the same as “joint-custody”), where both actively participate in decision-making, or one parent may be awarded primary custody with visitation rights for the other.
In many cases, mediation helps parents develop a custody plan that works for everyone—without a judge making the final call
The court considers factors like each parent’s involvement, stability, and ability to co-parent.
3. How does shared parenting work?
Shared parenting in Ohio doesn’t necessarily mean a 50/50 split, but it does mean both parents have legal rights and responsibilities in raising their child. This includes decision-making on education, healthcare, and extracurriculars.
A strong shared parenting plan outlines how time is divided, major decisions will be made and how parents will communicate.
Ohio courts favor agreements that prioritize cooperation and consistency for the child.
4. How does property division work in a high-net-worth divorce?
Ohio is an equitable distribution state; this means that marital assets are divided fairly, not necessarily equally. What this means is that the court considers factors such as each spouse’s financial and non-financial contributions, the length of the marriage, and who will have custody of the children, if applicable.
Equitable distribution also applies to high-net-worth divorces often involving complex financial holdings, including businesses, real estate and other investments.
Valuation of assets is critical, and financial experts may be needed to assess assets and liabilities; as a top Columbus divorce law firm, our team of experts ensures your interests are protected.
It is also worth noting that Civil Solutions is a great route for high-net-worth couples, helping them avoid prolonged litigation by negotiating confidential, customized settlements.
5. Can we change custody or spousal support agreements afterward?
Yes. Life changes, and Ohio law allows modifications to custody, parenting time, and support orders when there is a substantial change in circumstances. This could include a job relocation, a shift in a child’s needs, or a significant income change. While courts must approve modifications, parents can work together through mediation to update agreements before taking them to a judge.
Mediation, shared parenting, and customized financial solutions can help families move forward with stability and dignity. If you’re considering divorce or dissolution in Ohio, seeking legal guidance from professionals who understand both the law and the value of Civil Solutions can make all the difference.
Ending any marriage is complicated, but divorce doesn’t have to be a battle. (And if it is, we’ll fight it for you… but that’s another topic!)
Have more questions about Ohio divorce law?
Reach out for guidance tailored to your unique situation.
You may have noticed we took a break from blogging. We used that time to make our website more informative and expand our presence on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Why? Because we know how important it is for us to be accessible—to meet you where you are. If you haven’t yet, please give us a follow!
Every family law practice should make it easy to find support, guidance, and trustworthy information when you’re facing one of life’s toughest transitions. That’s what this space is for, and we’re excited to share insights in the coming months from our decades of experience to help you navigate the complexities of divorce and family law in Ohio.