Most people think divorce is the only option when they decide to split from their marital partner. In reality, you actually have several potential options that you can look over and consider, and each offers its own potential benefits and comes with its own set of hurdles.
Marital dissolution is one of the most common alternatives to divorce. But just what is it, and how does it work? Most importantly, will it work for your unique situation?
What is dissolution?
The Ohio State Bar Association examines differences between divorce, dissolution and separation. According to them, a marital dissolution happens if both of the spouses in marriage mutually decide to end the relationship. Neither side needs to provide a need or reason for this dissolution, and you do not need a specific reason, to begin with.
Once you have come to this agreement, you then make decisions on all matters that divorce traditionally tackles as well. This includes matters of property, debt and asset distribution, spousal support, child custody and living arrangements. After you both sign this agreement, you file the petition with the court, who will review it and make it a court order if they do not find any issues.
Potential problems with agreements
Child custody often creates the biggest roadblock, as a judge may go against the parental agreement if they feel it is not in the child’s best interest. Outside of that, however, most couples have a good chance of settling matters in this way.
It helps to have legal aid while going through this process, as a third-party mediator can provide clarity and stop arguments from getting out of hand. This is a good way of ensuring you work through the agreement with as few bumps as possible.
