Divorce is never easy. It brings many questions about your future, the future of your family and finances. It is a good idea to address them before getting too far into the process.
For many people, those questions include:
Is divorce my best option?
- If nothing has changed after you identified your marital issues, sought professional help and addressed those problems, you might have to proceed with the divorce. If so, you will have to delve into the smaller, yet vitally important issues that got you to this point.
What should I do if I am abused?
- The safety of you and your children should be addressed immediately. If you are being abused, get yourself and your children out of the house as soon as possible. After you are out of your home, call an attorney who can help you file a restraining order.
Should I leave my home if I am not abused?
- This is not advisable. It could impact your custody rights. Regardless of how unfair it might be, you might be deemed at-fault if you leave the home. It might also affect your right to return to the property before property division is complete.
What is the difference between legal separation and divorce?
- When you are legally separated, you are still married. Once a divorce is final, you are no longer legally bound. In Ohio, legal separation is not required to get a divorce.
- A legal separation is often used because of religious beliefs, medical insurance, taxes, retirement benefits, family traditions, or to meet Ohio’s six-month residency requirement.
How will the court decide on child custody and division of marital property?
- Child custody. The court cannot give preferential treatment to either parent. The best interest of your children is the deciding factor.
- Property division. Ohio is an equitable distribution state. Under most circumstances, the only property divided will be property acquired during the marriage.
Complications Often Arise Without Preparation
It is always in your best interest to be prepared and to understand what is likely to happen.
