While the ideal is to enter marriage with the goal of maintaining a lifelong union, the fact is emotions and people change. Relationships evolve, and sometimes, they break beyond the point of repair.
When this happens with a marriage, the first option that crosses many people’s minds, (after counseling, separation and all other alternatives fail), is divorce. However, given certain conditions apply, dissolution of marriage is another available choice.
Requirements
A couple must meet certain requirements before they are able to file for a dissolution of marriage in Ohio. One of them must be at least a six-month resident of the state, and a 90-day resident of the county they plan to file in. If the wife is pregnant, the two must wait until after the birth to have a dissolution of marriage. The two parties must also create a marital settlement agreement or separation agreement. This needs to contain sections covering certain aspects, including spousal support, property and debt division and (if they are parents to minor children) visitation, custody and child support.
Advantages
While divorce does not have to be a long, drawn-out battle, it does have the potential to become one. With all the legal proceedings, even in an amicable situation, divorces still generally last longer than a dissolution of marriage, which usually only takes 30 to 90 days to complete from the filing date. With the dissolution of marriage, individuals also can reduce the number of steps they must take and the associated expense. Both sides also often leave more satisfied since they must agree to the legal provisions together.
A dissolution of marriage is an easy alternative for eligible couples who do not want the hassle of going to court. Faster and cheaper, it allows individuals to end their marriages with reduced conflict.
