Akron Divorce Lawyers

If you’re thinking about divorce, you may be facing more questions than answers. Concerns about your family, finances, property, and what comes next can make it difficult to know where to start. Ohio law provides several options for legally ending a marriage, and it’s not always clear what pathway makes sense. Finding a divorce attorney who can help you understand your options is the first step toward making decisions that protect your future.

At Gertz & Rosen, we’re an Akron-based law firm with over 45 years of experience representing clients throughout Ohio in family law matters. We’re recognized by Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and we bring that recognized skill to every client we serve. Our focus is on clear, trustworthy legal advice and real results, and we’re ready to work with you.

Who We Serve

We work with divorce clients in a wide range of circumstances. If any of the following situations sound familiar, our attorneys can help:

• Someone considering divorce who is not yet sure what the process involves, what will happen to shared property, or how major decisions about children get made.
• Someone ready to file for divorce who needs guidance on paperwork, proper service of the other spouse, and what to expect once a case is opened.
• Divorcing parents who are concerned about custody and support issues, including where children will live, how parenting time will be structured, who makes major decisions, and how child support is calculated.
• Someone dealing with urgent or contested circumstances, such as safety concerns, protective orders, emergency court filings, or a spouse who is making the process harder than it needs to be.
• Clients with more complex situations, including business owners, professionals, high earners, or those with significant assets, who need experienced guidance on how those factors affect property division, support, and custody.

What’s the Difference Between Divorce, Dissolution, and Separation in Ohio?

Ohio law distinguishes between three distinct legal processes for ending or pausing a marriage. Knowing the difference matters.

Divorce

Divorce is a civil lawsuit filed by one spouse against the other. The filing spouse requests that the court end the marriage and resolve related issues, including property division, child custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal support.

Dissolution of Marriage

Dissolution is a cooperative process. Both spouses must agree on every term before filing, including how property should be split, how parenting responsibilities will be allocated, and what support will look like. The parties sign a separation agreement, submit it to a judge for approval, and then wait at least 30 days for the dissolution to take effect. Dissolution is typically faster and less expensive than a traditional divorce. It works well when both parties can communicate and reach a mutual agreement.

Separation

Separation allows spouses to live apart while remaining legally married. The parties may enter a voluntary separation agreement, or a court may issue orders addressing property use, custody, and parenting time during the separation period.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The right choice depends on you and your spouse’s relationship, whether you agree on major issues, and how complex your assets or parenting situation may be. If the other spouse is unwilling to cooperate or is being unreasonable, a contested divorce may be the only way to protect your interests.

What Issues Need Resolving in a Divorce?

Property Division

Ohio divides marital property equitably, meaning the division is fair but not necessarily equal. Some assets are straightforward to value and divide. Others, such as a family business, a professional practice, or significant real estate holdings, require careful analysis and, in some cases, professional valuation. Our firm has the experience to work through these issues and reach a fair outcome.

Child Custody and Shared Parenting

Divorcing parents must address two main questions: where the child will primarily live, and how decision-making authority over education, healthcare, and other major issues will be allocated. When parents agree on a shared parenting plan, it is submitted to the court for approval. When they cannot, a judge decides based on the child’s best interests.

Our attorneys have extensive experience working through parenting arrangements that serve children’s well-being while protecting our clients’ parental rights.

Child Support

Child support in Ohio is calculated using a formula based on both parents’ incomes, the parenting schedule, and the children’s specific needs. It is not a fixed number, and the details of your case matter. Our attorneys help clients understand how support is calculated and what can affect the final amount.

Spousal Support

Spousal support, sometimes called alimony, may be awarded based on the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, standards during the marriage, and each party’s financial resources. Spousal support can be temporary or last for a long time, and not every case involves it. Our attorneys help clients understand when it applies and advocate for a fair outcome.

Why Let Gertz & Rosen Handle Your Divorce?

Having a divorce attorney who can answer your questions, explain your options, and help you think through the consequences of each choice can make a significant difference. Here’s what sets Gertz & Rosen apart:

• Attorneys from varying backgrounds. Our team brings together attorneys with diverse legal experience, allowing us to approach your case from multiple perspectives and address a wider range of issues.
• A client-centered approach. Your circumstances drive our strategy. We take the time to understand your goals, your family’s situation, and the specific facts of your case before recommending a course of action.
• Clear, trustworthy advice. We explain your options in easy to understand terms, without unnecessary legal jargon, so you can make informed decisions at every stage.
• Experience in both negotiation and litigation. Whether your case is resolved through a settlement agreement or decided by a judge, we are prepared. We build each case with the expectation that it may go to trial.

Go Into Divorce With the Insights You Need

The right approach to divorce depends on far more than whether you and your spouse want to end the marriage. Questions involving children, finances, property, and future obligations all deserve careful consideration. If you’re ready to discuss your situation, contact Gertz & Rosen to schedule a consultation.

FAQs About Divorce in Ohio