By now, it’s clear the toll that the COVID-19 pandemic is taking on some marriages. It’s increasing divorce rates across the country and leading more couples to consider options both as a split becomes necessary and well before that milestone is ever reached. The state of Ohio makes it fairly easy to file for divorce, but only to recognize the split and not all of the potential negotiation issues that come with it.
Ohio Divorce Requirements
Ohio requires that at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months prior to filing and that one spouse has resided in the filing county for at least 90 days. The state requires several forms be filed, including:
- Complaint for divorce
- Request for service
- Affidavit of income and expenses
- Affidavit of property
- Papering proceeding affidavit (a document detailing child-specific information including residential and insurance)
From there, you (or your divorce attorney) will file these forms with a specific county. If you ever need to revisit the divorce document or are considering revising it, you can get a copy mailed to you by request from the clerk of the county where you filed.
The non-filing spouse will be formally served the divorce papers (and for spouses whose whereabouts are unknown, the divorce can be noted in the local newspaper).
What You’ll Have to Disclose in an Ohio Divorce
State law mandates that both spouses disclose proof of all income, assets, and debts. All counties also require each party to complete affidavits of property, income, and expenses as another disclosure. In most cases, each spouse will receive a copy of the other’s disclosure before entering any negotiation.
Things You Can Do to Prepare for a Divorce
There are a number of things you can do to prepare before a divorce. Some of these steps include gathering past tax returns and doing a preliminary investigation trying to ascertain the assets and debts of the marriage. An initial consultation with an attorney will inevitably lead to additional steps you can take depending upon the unique facts and circumstances of your case.
If you’re looking at the potential of divorce, it’s a life event you shouldn’t go through on your own. Professional legal representation can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your quality of life and property. Call Garretson & Holcomb, LLC today at (513) 863-6600 to learn more.
