To file a petition for dissolution, the parties must establish residency in the State of Ohio for at least six months prior to the filing and it must be filed in the county where at least one party has lived for at least ninety days prior to the filing.

A final separation agreement divides all personal and real property, sets forth a determination of spousal support, and divides all liabilities. The parties are required to make a full and accurate disclosure of all property and financial assets and obligations to each other. For minor children, rights, responsibilities, visitation, and support are determined.

After the separation agreement and shared parenting plan (if necessary) are executed, we will draft all of the necessary documents for filing the dissolution. All court filings in Ohio require service of process on each party and in a dissolution, the parties may sign a waiver of service to attach to the dissolution filing.

After the dissolution is filed, a final hearing must be set no earlier than thirty days but no longer than ninety days after the filing. Both parties must attend the final hearing. Most counties in Ohio allow the parties to meet with a retired Judge at an attorney’s office.