Are you and your spouse considering divorce? If so, we’ve provided an Ohio divorce checklist for you to view below. While the checklist offers insight into the divorce process, nothing can replace the benefit of hiring a family law lawyer.
At the Law Office of Dmitriy Borshchak, our Columbus divorce lawyers are here to help. In addition to the Ohio Divorce Checklist, we provide free initial consultations.
If you’re considering divorce, work with a family law firm you can trust. Give us a call today at 614-334-6851 to discuss your case and how we can help.
Learn about what to consider when preparing for divorce in Ohio below.
1. Negotiate With Your Spouse – If You Can
If you and your spouse are contemplating divorce, it’s likely difficult for you to negotiate and get along. However, you should consider the consequences of not working together one last time. Neglecting to find a balance and negotiate with your spouse can lead to a long, complicated, and more expensive divorce. In some cases, couples choose voluntary divorce mediation to settle their issues.
2. Decide if you Want Divorce, Dissolution, or Separation
If you and your spouse can agree 100% on the terms of your divorce, then a dissolution may be the best option. On the other hand, if you can’t come to an agreement on your own or via pre-divorce mediation, you must file for divorce. That way, a judge can help make contentious decisions for you.
In some cases, dissolution or divorce are not the best options. In that case, couples sometimes opt for a legal separation in Ohio.
Legal separations handle many of the same issues as divorce but are not final. The best option for you and your family depends on your circumstances. However, each process entails different forms, procedures, rules, and outcomes.
3. Help Your Children to Cope With The Divorce
Divorce is hard on everyone but especially challenging for children. If you’re divorcing with children in Columbus, you should prepare your kids. Below, we’ve provided a few tips to assist divorcing parents in Ohio to help their children deal with the reality of divorce.
● Once you and your spouse are 100% sure about divorce, dissolution, or separation, gently break the news to your children. Let them know that it’s not their fault
● Be open to the way your child reacts to the news and be there to support them
● Keep all other discussions about the divorce away from your children
● Try your best to keep their routine the same
● Don’t “blame” your spouse in front of your children
● Seek counseling and mental health support for your children
4. Know Your Finances
If divorce, separation, or dissolution is likely, you should immediately begin tracking your expenses, income, debt, investments, and savings. Doing so will give the judge a clear picture of your finances and help you split debts, divide assets, and decide spousal and child support.
In addition to your current finances, you should also identify financial records from previous years. That includes:
● Receipts and invoices
● Bank records
● A detailed list of assets and liabilities
● Seemingly “one-time” expenses like refrigerator repair
● Credit card statements
● Child care costs
● Pay stubs
● Income tax returns
Lastly, you should stay away from “big ticket” purchases or making major financial decisions until your divorce is finalized. Otherwise, it could complicate things for you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse.
5. Speak With a Columbus Divorce Lawyer You Trust
Divorce might be common, but it’s still complicated no matter how you slice it. If you and your spouse are considering divorce, it’s in your best interest to consult with an experienced divorce lawyer in Columbus.
Divorce attorneys offer many benefits, including but not limited to:
A) Knowledge of Ohio divorce laws
B) Legal support
C) Help with paperwork
D) Ensuring your rights are protected
E) Offer an objective point of view
F) Provide solutions to complex legal issues concerning divorce in Ohio
G) Advocate for you and your child’s interests
If you’re unsure if a divorce attorney is necessary, take advantage of a free consultation with a top-rated family lawyer in Columbus.
Contact The Law Office of Dmitriy Borshchak Today
There’s nothing easy about divorce. However, our Franklin County divorce attorneys work hard to make your divorce, dissolution, or separation process go as smoothly as possible. If you’re considering divorce in Ohio, you’re not alone. We’re here to help at every step of the process.
Don’t enter divorce negotiations blindly. Contact the Law Office of Dmitriy Borshchak today at 614-334-6851 for your free, initial consultation.
