Comprehensive Divorce Attorney in Franklin County

Experienced Divorce Lawyer Serving Columbus, Ohio

Suppose you are considering divorce in Ohio or struggling with this challenging legal battle. In that case, you deserve caring, affordable legal assistance from a dedicated divorce lawyer in Columbus, Ohio.

Our divorce attorney located in Columbus understands that getting a divorce is difficult to decide to end your marriage, so our law firm is here to guide you through the legal process.

Catherine M. White, Attorney at Law, understands divorce's difficulty.

The mission of our Ohio family law firm is to provide comprehensive legal representation for all clients. When you work with us, you can approach the situation with confidence.

As your divorce lawyer proudly representing Franklin County, Ohio, family law attorney Catherine M. White, and her legal team provide years of practical experience and individualized representation for every family law case accepted. 

Top Reasons to Choose Catherine M. White for Your Divorce in Franklin County

• Effective & Affordable legal Representation
• Compassionate and Knowledgeable Counsel
• Quick and Peaceful Solutions
• 30-Minute Consultation to Discuss Your Ohio Divorce Case

Our compassionate family law lawyer in Franklin County understands how emotionally and physically taxing a divorce can be on everyone involved. Our goal is to resolve and ensure your case as amicably as possible.

Our experienced divorce lawyer in Columbus believes in building solid relationships with their clients, especially during their time of need.

Legal Separation vs. Divorce in Ohio: What You Need to Know

In Ohio, you do not have to be legally separated before filing for a divorce. 

A legal separation is an option if you and your spouse want to temporarily separate before deciding on a dissolution of the marriage, but not a requirement for divorce.

You must, however, provide legal grounds for divorce in Ohio. 

There are 11 recognized grounds for divorce, three of which involve being physically separated as a requirement:

1. At least one year of willful absence 
2. Imprisonment in a state or federal correctional institution 
3. Both parties have lived separately for at least one year

Again, the spouses do not need to have filed for legal separation before divorce. Still, these grounds for divorce in Franklin County require physical separation as proof of grounds for divorce. 

If you have any questions, contact our experienced divorce lawyer in Columbus, OH, today. 

Diverse Divorce Representation in Franklin County

There are various types of divorce our experienced Franklin County family lawyer handles, including:

• Divorce & Dissolution
• Uncontested Divorce
• Contested Divorce

Understanding Uncontested Divorce in Ohio

An uncontested divorce occurs when a couple agrees on most legal terms. However, the couple still needs assistance from a judge to decide on the duration of their divorce. 

This type of divorce is often faster than contested divorces and is more affordable. 

Navigating Contested Divorce: What to Expect

A contested divorce occurs when one or both spouses do not agree to the legal terms, so spouses must resolve the terms of the separation before a judge or magistrate. 

This process can take anywhere between a year and 18 months.

Connect with a Skilled Divorce Attorney in Columbus

While you may feel alone during this stressful time, our law firm is here.

Our job is to ensure you feel confident about your case, no matter how many questions or concerns you may have.

Speaking with our experienced divorce attorney in Columbus is important.

Our lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and represent you in court if necessary.

There are many qualified family lawyers in Columbus, so it is essential to do your research and find a family law attorney who is experienced in handling cases similar to yours.

For personalized legal support, call (614) 426-8720 or reach out to our Columbus law firm today. 

Divorce vs. Dissolution: Understanding Your Options in Ohio

In Ohio, divorce and dissolution of marriage are considered a non-adversarial, no-fault process used to end a marriage legally.

Divorce and dissolution of marriage are more affordable and faster than contested and uncontested divorces.

Still, it is only ideal for those who can amicably agree on family law issues.

Divorce and Dissolution: Filing Requirements & Procedures in Ohio

Suppose you are considering a divorce and dissolution of marriage in Franklin County.

In that case, you or your spouse must be a resident of the State of Ohio for at least six months before filing the petition.

However, before filing this petition, you and your spouse must sign a separation agreement that allows for the division of all real and personal property and covers spousal support requirements, parental rights, and any other marriage-related issues.

The separation agreement must be attached to the petition, signed by both parties and filed in a Franklin County courthouse.

Once the petition is filed, the Franklin County court establishes a hearing date.

A judgment will be entered if the judge approves, making the divorce and dissolution an official court order.

Exploring Ways to End a Marriage in Ohio

The three most common ways to end a marriage in Ohio include divorce, dissolution, and annulment. 

Divorce in Ohio: The Judicial Process

During a divorce, a judge will make a judgment that declares that the marriage is over if it finds that specific grounds for divorce exist. 

Dissolution: A Collaborative Approach to Ending a Marriage

In dissolution, the fault is not determined, and both spouses must agree on the terms of their dissolution. 

Annulment in Ohio: Declaring a Marriage Invalid

An annulment recognizes a marriage as invalid and that the couple was never married

How to Initiate a Divorce in Franklin County

The first step to filing for divorce in Ohio is to ensure you have secured the counsel of an experienced divorce lawyer.

Once this has been done, you will need to complete your paperwork. 

Here are the additional steps you will need to take to file in Franklin County, OH:

• File a complaint for divorce, request for service, affidavit of income and expenses, an affidavit of property, and a parenting proceeding affidavit (if applicable)
• If you choose dissolution, file your petition for the dissolution of marriage along with your financial disclosure affidavit, affidavit of property, and other paperwork as required.
• Serve your spouse with copies of all the documents (you can hire a service to do this)
• The Franklin County court will schedule a hearing between 30 and 90 days after filing.

Grounds for Divorce: Understanding Ohio's Legal Requirements

Ohio allows both fault-based and no-fault divorce. 

Suppose you would like to file a no-fault divorce in Franklin County. 

In that case, you can cite incompatibility or that you and your spouse have been living apart for at least one year as your reason. 

If you are going to file for a fault-based divorce, you will do so on one of the following grounds: 

• Adultery
• Bigamy
• Willful absence of at least 1 year
• Gross neglect of duty (failing to financially support your spouse)
• Extreme cruelty
• Habitual drunkenness
• Fraudulent contract
• Imprisonment (if one spouse goes to prison)

If you would like to pursue a no-fault divorce and you and your spouse can agree on all matters pertaining to property division and child custody, you could choose dissolution of marriage.

Get Expert Assistance from Our Franklin County Divorce Lawyers

Do not wait until you feel completely overwhelmed by the legal process to hire a family lawyer in Franklin County, OH. 

Contact our law firm today to schedule a 30-minute consultation. 

We are here to discuss your situation before determining the best action plan.