Divorce Lawyer Columbus, Ohio

Last updated on December 26, 2024

Divorce is emotionally and financially draining. Working with a skilled divorce attorney can help you effectively navigate the process, avoid unnecessary complications and reach reasonable resolutions to your concerns.

If you’re considering filing for divorce, it’s important to find a reputable and experienced Columbus divorce attorney who can guide you through the legal process and protect your interests. If you are making the choice to move forward with the process of dissolving your marriage, our divorce lawyers at Greco Law can help you.

Filing For Divorce Or Dissolution In Ohio

In a divorce, one spouse will file a legal complaint that lists at least one of the valid grounds for divorce in Ohio. In a dissolution, both spouses file a petition to terminate the marriage and have agreements on all issues. A divorce attorney can help you understand which process is right for you and help you move forward. No matter the details of your individual situation, we will help you pursue a strong and stable future.

Custom Results For Every Client

Every situation is different, which is why our divorce lawyers are committed to helping our clients secure results that suit their individual needs and concerns. We will work diligently to help you understand your options regarding spousal support, the division of property and more. Our goal is to protect your best interests and strongly advocate for you in all matters related to your divorce or dissolution, including:

• Division of marital property and debt accumulated during the marriage, including high net worth divorces with complicated financial issues
• Child custody, parenting plans and visitation schedules
• Establishing child support payments and spousal maintenance and support

In a dissolution, we can help you navigate and negotiate a fair and reasonable agreement and then file the necessary paperwork with the court. In a divorce, we will represent your interests, whether that is in the courtroom or around the negotiating table. Not all divorces end up going to trial, but we have significant experience in the courtroom. Complex cases do not intimidate us.

Gathering Evidence In High Net Worth Divorce

When navigating the complexities of high net worth divorce, we understand the stakes are incredibly high. Our firm’s divorce lawyers have extensive experience handling cases involving complex financial issues and intricate wealth portfolios. We regularly work with high-earning professionals from various industries, ensuring every financial detail is meticulously examined. Our team goes to great lengths to uncover hidden assets, using a strategic approach that includes:

• Forensic specialists
• Financial experts
• Mental health practitioners
• Private investigators

We are adept at managing cases that involve business valuations in the eight digits, seven-figure salaries, international properties and sophisticated trust agreements. Our carefully curated caseload allows us to focus on building the strongest possible case for you, leveraging our unparalleled ability to gather critical evidence.

Aggressive Advocacy For High-Conflict And Complicated Divorce Cases

High-conflict and complicated divorce cases require a firm with divorce attorneys who have the right experience and approach. At our firm, we use a team-based strategy to provide robust support throughout your case. While one or two lead attorneys will guide your case, the entire team can be ready to step in if needed.

Our lawyers understand that emergencies can arise, and our legal team is prepared to act swiftly and decisively. Although we always strive for quick and amicable resolutions, we recognize that this isn’t always possible. In such instances, we stand as aggressive and strong advocates to fiercely protect your interests. Our commitment is to provide you with dedicated and comprehensive legal support throughout this challenging time.

Answering Your Questions About Ohio Divorce

In our many years of practice, our divorce attorneys regularly get asked the same questions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions they get asked. However, every case is different. For personalized legal counsel, we invite you to schedule an initial consultation and case evaluation at our Columbus office.

Can I file for divorce in Ohio if my spouse lives in another state?

Yes. As long as one spouse is a resident of Ohio and has lived in the state for over six months, you can file for divorce.

What are the grounds for filing for divorce in Ohio?

There are many reasons to file for divorce, and if you and your ex agree to divorce, you can do so simply by stating that you are no longer compatible. Otherwise, you may choose to file based on specific grounds, which can include separation, abuse, substance abuse and more.

How do you file for divorce?

Before you can file for divorce, there are a few requirements the filing party must satisfy. The filing party must be an Ohio resident for at least six months while being a resident of the county they are filing in for the last 90 days.

However, once you satisfy the above requirements, you are permitted to file your divorce. To start a divorce, you must file a Complaint for Divorce with a court. This complaint will state the “grounds” for divorce. There are many grounds utilized by parties that wish to file for divorce; however, one of the most common grounds is incompatibility. Ohio permits divorce on the parties’ incompatibility, something that is not true in all states. In Ohio, a divorce on the grounds of incompatibility is considered to be “no-fault,” which means that neither party did something to cause this divorce, but rather the parties simply can no longer get along. You can list multiple grounds for divorce. However, only one is required.

In addition, there will typically be a filing fee, affidavits and some other paperwork submitted with the Complaint for Divorce. Each county will have different paperwork and filing fees that they will require to open a case. However, upon the filing of the required paperwork with the court, a divorce action has been started.

What happens after you file for divorce?

After filing, there are a variety of steps you can take. The local rules of your county may define and specify these steps. However, it is almost guaranteed that the spouse will file a response to the initial Complaint for Divorce. This response can simply serve as an acknowledgment of the initial filing, refuting facts within the initial filing or even stating new grounds for divorce, as claimed by the other spouse.

What is the discovery process in a divorce?

This will begin the often lengthy process of a divorce case. One of the first steps a party may take is to conduct extensive “discovery.” Discovery is a process by which a party to the case can demand the production of documents from the other spouse or anyone else who may potentially have useful information. The discovery process can perform many purposes, including:

• Determining the value of assets and liabilities
• Finding hidden assets
• Determining what is in the best interests of the children
• Determining the appropriate ground or reason for the divorce

During the discovery phase, it will become clearer if the spouses agree or disagree on the different aspects of their divorce.

Is trial the only option?

At any time after filing for divorce, the parties may “settle” any of their issues, often choosing to attempt mediation to try to resolve their disputes. A settlement will help a divorcing couple avoid the expense and time of having a trial, where the court steps in to resolve the couple’s disputes.

In the event the couple proceeds to a divorce, they will have a full evidentiary trial where they present evidence on all of their disputes. These issues could range from every issue that could possibly be before the court to the submission of just one issue, such as custody, or the valuation of marital interest in a particular asset such as a family business or medical practice. It is critical to obtain experienced legal advice when making a decision to settle or move forward to a trial.

Do Ohio family law judges take fault into account during divorce proceedings?

Ohio is what is considered a “no-fault state.” Because you do not need to demonstrate fault in divorce, the courts do not need to consider fault in proceedings. However, this does not mean that certain actions surrounding some of the grounds of divorce in Ohio are not important. Certain facts can go to support the allocation of custody, child or spousal support in a final order.

When is spousal support awarded in an Ohio divorce?

In Ohio, spousal support and alimony payments consider many factors. Support orders consider the length of the marriage, ability to work, health and assets, in addition to many other factors. Our divorce lawyers can help you understand if you are eligible for spousal support and estimate what a potential support payment may be.

How is child support calculated in Ohio?

Ohio spousal support payments depend entirely on the family. This means that the courts consider each parent’s ability to provide for the child, the child’s needs and the totality of the circumstances when calculating a support order. To find out more about what you can expect, call 614-963-9154.

How will my prenuptial agreement impact divorce proceedings?

Most prenuptial agreements pertain to property division and financial issues. Throughout the course of your divorce proceedings, your attorney will review your agreement and help you determine how it impacts specific aspects of your divorce.

When can I modify my support order?

The courts consider modifications whenever a change in circumstances occurs. If you moved, changed jobs or have a new spouse (or if any of these applies to your ex), you can apply for a modification.

Consult A Columbus Divorce Lawyer Today

Greco Law represents clients in Columbus and central Ohio. If you would like to schedule an initial consultation with one of our divorce attorneys, call us at 614-963-9154 or send us a message using our online form.