Columbus Divorce Attorney
Protecting Your Interests During this Difficult Time
At Boller & Petty, LLC, we recognize that each client is unique and has different needs. Some clients require in-depth legal and financial work often necessitated by high-asset divorces. Other clients simply need a divorce lawyer to guide them through the divorce process, making sure paperwork is filed correctly and legal requirements are met. Sometimes what begins as a small matter evolves into a much bigger issue. Other times, what at first glance looks like an unavoidable clash ends up being negotiated smoothly. That is why it is extremely important to select an attorney who has the experience to expertly navigate the nuances of negotiations and the integrity to always focus on the client’s best interests. No matter what you need, the divorce attorneys at Boller & Petty, LLC have you covered.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Columbus, Ohio?
The length of divorce in Columbus, Ohio, can vary depending on several factors, including whether the spouses agree on the divorce terms, whether children are involved, and whether the case goes to trial.
Generally, a divorce in Columbus, Ohio, can take 4 to 12 months. However, the process can take much longer if the spouses have differing views on the divorce terms.
Sometimes, finalizing a divorce can take up to a year or more. If there are children involved, the divorce process will be even longer. The court must address child custody, child support, and visitation issues. The divorce process can last up to 2 years.
Contact our Columbus Divorce Lawyer at (614) 756-2827!
What Is the Difference Between a Divorce and Dissolution?
A dissolution is when the parties have come to a complete resolution of all matters prior to filing anything with the court. Many people believe that dissolutions cost less than divorces. We even see that claim on some attorneys’ websites. That is an oversimplification and not necessarily true.
The biggest factor in cost has to do with how well you and your spouse work together without the assistance of attorneys. A dissolution that divorce attorneys work behind the scenes negotiating for months – or years – does not necessarily cost less than a divorce.
Quite frankly, it is not unusual to have attorneys negotiate for months only to reach an impasse that requires that a contested divorce be filed. In addition, dissolutions have strict time requirements once they are filed with the court and they require that both parties appear at the final hearing. Divorces do not have those restrictions.
What Is Uncontested Divorce?
The term "uncontested" means that the couple reached an agreement on the decision to get divorced and on the terms of the divorce settlement. If you are in this situation, we may be able to help you complete the entire divorce process for a flat fee. This may be an even more attractive solution than a dissolution based on your circumstances.
Is Ohio a 50 50 Divorce State?
Ohio is an equitable distribution (50/50) state, which means that if a court is involved in your property division and divorce case, it will attempt to divide your marital assets fairly and equitably. However, unlike community property states, there is no guarantee that either spouse will receive 50% of the marital assets equally.
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What If My Spouse and I Cannot Agree on All Terms?
The divorce attorneys at Boller & Petty, LLC in Columbus are ready to offer as much or as little help as you need to make sure all divorce-related legal issues are appropriately resolved. We can only quote you a flat fee if the divorce is truly uncontested (no lingering issues to be worked out). That being said, we do our best to keep rates affordable. If your divorce is simple and you only need help resolving a few contested issues, you will likely find the fees very reasonable.
In a free initial phone consultation, we should be able to tell you if your divorce can be completed for a flat fee. If the case turns out to be more complicated than an uncontested divorce, we can then offer a free, in-office consultation to discuss the details.
Can I Take Care of the Paperwork on My Own?
Some avid do-it-yourself enthusiasts attempt to get divorced without the help of a divorce attorney in Columbus. Technically, this can be done for no more than the cost of filing and court fees. However, as in many situations in life, you should not just factor in initial costs. You also need to consider the risks and costs of mistakes.
Individuals who file for divorce without the guidance of an attorney often find that, due to mistakes, the process can take longer and end up costing more money than it would have to hire our Columbus divorce lawyer in the first place.