Akron Divorce Lawyers

Akron Divorce Lawyers

For some individuals and couples, the “point of no return” for fixing the issues in their marriage comes sooner than others. Whether it was a long process or a sudden realization, if you have decided to end your marriage, it’s time to consult with a few Akron divorce lawyers and find the one who is right for you.

If you feel stressed, trapped, or unhappy in your marriage, talk to an experienced divorce lawyer about your concerns. By educating yourself about Ohio divorces and the options for ending a marriage, it may be easier to reframe your feelings and determine if filing for divorce is the best course of action. 

Ohio Divorce Basics

In Ohio, divorce and dissolution of marriage are different legal processes, and dissolution is similar to what other states often refer to as “uncontested” divorce. Couples can also enter a legal separation agreement, which creates enforceable court orders regarding property division and parental rights but does not legally end the marriage. An experienced Akron divorce attorney can help you understand which filing type is right for your situation. 

You must meet the residency requirements to file for divorce or dissolution of marriage in Ohio. One spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months prior to filing and in the county of filing for at least 90 days. There are no residency requirements when filing for legal separation. The type of filing will determine the next steps in the process.

Dividing Property in an Ohio Divorce

In every divorce, equitable property division is part of the process. This can be a relatively simple process if the couple has few assets or a prenuptial agreement in place. When a couple has a large estate or disagrees about how their assets should be divided, it can be quite complicated.

Ohio’s Revised Code provides the factors the court may consider when dividing a couple’s assets. The goal is to ensure that each party walks away with an appropriate share of his or her marital assets based on factors like each party’s financial contributions to the marriage and the length of the marriage. Working with knowledgeable Akron divorce lawyers can help you determine what should be considered marital property and advocate for a fair distribution of marital assets.

Developing a Parenting Plan

If a couple has children, developing a parenting plan will also be part of their divorce. A shared parenting plan allocates parental responsibilities and decision-making authority between both parents and determines time-sharing arrangements (or where the child will live). 

The court considers a set of factors to determine the parenting plan that best suits the children’s needs. These factors include: 

• Each parent’s income and assets
• The child’s personal, academic, and medical needs
• The child’s relationship with each parent and the other members of his or her household
• Each parent’s willingness to cooperate with court orders and the other parent

Child and Spousal Support

Child support is paid to help offset the expenses of raising a child, an obligation that must be shared by both parents. Child support awards can be one of the most contentious issues in a divorce, and our Akron divorce lawyers are highly skilled at resolving these disputes. 

Spousal support, also known as alimony, may be required as part of a divorce settlement. It is not awarded in every case but may be included in situations where partners have disparate incomes or earning abilities. 

Work with an Experienced Akron Divorce Lawyer

To learn more about divorce and dissolution of marriage, contact Gertz & Rosen today to set up your initial consultation with an experienced Akron divorce lawyer. During your consultation, we can answer any questions you have and guide you toward a positive solution.