Under Ohio law parties can elect terminate their marriage either by one party filing a Complaint for Divorce or by both parties jointly filing a Petition for Dissolution with the Court. In a dissolution, both parties negotiate and sign a separation agreement and possibly a shared parenting plan if there is are children. 
Prior to filing in court, they will have identified and reached agreement as to ALL issues that are addressed in a divorce matter. Some of these issues include the division of property assets, retirement and/or pensions, payment of debts, the designation of a residential parent, allocation of parental rights, visitation, child support and possibly spousal support. The dissolution is different than a traditional divorce in that there is no Court involvement until the day of the final hearing. By virtue of the parties’ agreement filed with the Petition, all Court Pretrials, Hearings and other appearances are avoided.
If you and your spouse are in agreement that you both want to terminate the marriage, are on relatively good terms and feel that you can work together to reach an agreement to all terms to end your marriage, a dissolution may be the best option to consider. A dissolution will not only save time, reduce legal fees and court costs but can help avoid any potential conflict and confrontation that may occur during the pendency of a divorce case. The Dissolution is often times less emotionally painful for all parties involved.
If you are considering terminating your marriage, there are numerous elements that you must address. These are some of the most difficult decisions of your life. How you answer these questions today will be critical in shaping your tomorrow and ultimately your future. Mariellen understands this and provides the experience and legal representation you can trust.
Valet Divorce
At Antonelli Law, we offer the option of the Valet Divorce. The parties hire a retired judge to perform the final hearing in the privacy of our office. The judge will then sign the divorce decree and the marriage will be terminated. This option allows clients to avoid the delays and inherent inconveniences of having to attend the final hearing at the Courthouse.
