Divorce

The name on an account does not determine who pays a credit card balance in a divorce in Ohio. A card that is opened only in the name of your spouse can still be divided between you. And a court order telling your spouse to pay the joint card will not stop the bank from…

Ohio divorce timelines can range from 30 days to more than two years. The gap between these outcomes is not random – it depends almost entirely on one variable: whether you and your spouse agree. This is what you need to know about how long the process takes, what causes delays, and how Ohio’s laws…

When a marriage ends, digital communication can become evidence in court. Text messages – the time they were sent, the tone, and even what was left unsaid – can play a surprising role in divorce cases in Ohio. Whether you are considering filing for divorce or have already been served with papers, understanding how judges…

Retirement accounts are often among the most significant assets that a couple accumulates during their marriage. They are also among the most complex when it comes to dividing them in the event of divorce. If either you or your spouse have a 401(k) or pension or other type of retirement savings plan, it is important…

Divorce is a difficult and emotional process for families, especially when children are involved. As parents, we want to protect our children while being honest about the changes that are coming. At Axelrod & Hellier LLP, we understand the personal nature of the legal process and have helped many families in Northeast Ohio navigate this…

Divorce is never an easy process, especially when children are involved. The process extends far beyond the courtroom, and building a healthy co-parenting relationship is not just a personal goal for Ohio parents. It is also a goal that the law actively encourages.  Whether your case was resolved through negotiation or litigation, there are some…

A dissolution of marriage in Ohio is a mutual, no-fault legal process that allows spouses to end their marriage without litigation or conflict. Unlike divorce, where disagreements may require court intervention, dissolution requires both spouses to resolve every issue in advance and jointly ask the court to approve their agreement. Because the process is cooperative,…

In Ohio, couples often ask, “Should we get a divorce or legally separate?”  Both options do involve going to court and getting court orders regarding finances, property, and custody. The long-term implications are very different. Understanding these differences is the first step toward making the right decision for your future. At Axelrod Law firm, we…

Divorce is hard enough on its own. But when your ex‑spouse fails to follow the terms of the divorce decree, whether that’s paying child support or spousal support, following parenting time rules, or dividing property as ordered, it can be deeply frustrating and stressful. At Axelrod & Hellier, LLP, we understand how emotionally and financially…

Divorce is not just focused on untangling emotions. You need to think about separating those finances as well. For many couples, one of the biggest assets is their retirement savings. Whether it’s a 401(k), IRA, or pension, these accounts often represent decades of hard work and planning. When it comes to splitting assets, you want…

If you want to get a divorce in Ohio, there are a few requirements. One of the first is whether you meet the state’s residency requirements. Meeting this rule means that you can proceed with the case. So, can you take that first step? Here is what you need to know about residency requirements for…

Life does not stand still after divorce. New jobs come up, or family members may live far away. Sometimes, you may want a fresh start somewhere else. But you might not have the freedom to move on a whim. If you share child custody, there can be restrictions. Can a parent move out of state…

If your marriage feels at a crossroads, but you are not ready to take the final step of divorce, there is another option: legal separation. Can you get a legal separation instead of a divorce in Ohio? The answer is yes. This allows you to live apart, establish boundaries, and sort out important issues like…

Deciding to end a marriage is a difficult step. What happens if you want to move forward with your life, but your spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers in Ohio? You might feel like everything is stuck. Their refusal can leave you feeling frustrated, powerless, and unsure of your next move. However, you can…

If you are considering a divorce in Ohio, one of your first decisions is whether your case will be contested or uncontested. This will determine how your divorce will move forward in the Ohio court system. As with any legal decision, there are pros and cons to both options.   Here is a look at contested…

When the decision to divorce has been made, many spouses worry about their assets being divided. You may have spent years building a life together, so you want to make sure that you get a fair share.  Is Ohio a 50/50 divorce state? The Buckeye State has specific laws that outline how assets and debts…

For those thinking about divorcing, taking the first step can be difficult. You want to make sure that you do everything right. So, what is the first step in the divorce process in Ohio? We will look at some of the first things you need to do to begin the process. Let’s walk through this…

If you’re considering divorce in Ohio, you might wonder whether you must live apart from your spouse before you can file. Does Ohio require separation before divorce? Unlike some states that make couples wait or legally separate before they can officially end their marriage, Ohio allows you to file for divorce without any mandatory separation…

Filing for divorce is a big decision. Knowing where to start can make the process feel more manageable. What is the first step in filing for divorce in Ohio? This involves making sure you have legal standing to file your case in the appropriate county court.  Here is a detailed breakdown of these vital steps…

When it comes to legal matters, many individuals want to choose the least expensive option. What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Ohio?  We will look at Ohio’s most affordable divorce options and why hiring an experienced attorney can save you money and headaches in the long term. Uncontested Divorces Under Section 3105.01…

Whether you’re concerned about who gets the house, how retirement accounts will be handled, or what happens with debts, you will want to know how property division works in an Ohio divorce.  The process of splitting assets and debts is guided by a principle called equitable distribution. However, that does not mean everything gets split…

Divorce is never easy. One of the biggest worries for many people is the cost. Attorney fees can add up quickly, and you might wonder whether you’ll have to shoulder the entire financial burden. Who pays for attorney fees in Ohio? That answer depends on a few factors, like your financial situation and how smoothly…

Filing for a divorce can be stressful. You will need to decide which option to take. Some states require you to assign fault, while others do not.  The Buckeye State allows couples to dissolve their marriage without assigning blame to either party. This no-fault basis for divorce simplifies the legal process. Plus, it can reduce…

If you are considering a divorce, you probably want to get the process over as soon as possible. Many woIf you are considering a divorce, you probably want to get the process over as soon as possible. Many wonder, “How long will my divorce take in Ohio?” Unfortunately, there are a variety of factors that…

Choosing to end your marriage is an important decision. But does it matter who files for divorce in Ohio? While the outcome of a divorce will be settled based on Ohio law, filing first could give you a strategic advantage in some instances. Let’s look at why you may want to take the initial action…

Going through a divorce can be tough. If you live in Ohio and are thinking about divorce, knowing the rules can help you make better choices. Understanding Ohio’s divorce laws can protect your interests. With our comprehensive guide for 2024, we are here to help answer all your questions. Reasons for Divorce Under Section 3105.01…

Divorce can bring plenty of changes to a person’s life. One of the biggest concerns often involves future tax implications. Ohio’s equitable division laws can add an additional layer of complexity to these cases.  Let’s look at how to handle divorce and taxes in the Buckeye State.   Filing Status After Divorce During or after your…

Going through a divorce can be a stressful and uncertain process for many people. When a marriage ends, couples must address plenty of issues, including legal, financial, and personal matters. What are the top 10 issues in a divorce? Let’s look at the most common problems facing couples in the Buckeye State. #1 – Splitting…

Divorces come with many implications, including those of a financial nature. Like any type of legal proceeding, there are costs to consider. From filing the initial paperwork to seeking legal counsel, these expenses can range in price and add up.  If you would like to know the factors that influence divorce expenses, here are a…

Divorce is a life-altering event. This process leaves emotional scars and financial challenges in its wake. After the dust settles, you need to think about rebuilding and moving forward in Ohio. From financial struggles to managing your mental health, it can feel like a rollercoaster ride for many individuals. With these few steps, you can…

You will probably have many concerns if you are heading towards a divorce. While residency requirements might not be at the top of your list, you still need to consider it for this legal process.  Maintaining (or proving) residency might seem like an easy process, but there are a few rules that you need to…

Making the decision to end a marriage is a difficult process. Many people may not want to bear the burden of these expenses. For that reason, they might consider handling the proceedings alone.  Can you get divorced without a lawyer in Ohio? Yes, you can represent yourself in these cases. But there might be better…

When it comes time to separate, couples often have many questions on their minds. One of those concerns involves the division of retirement assets. If you have an IRA, 401(k), or pension, these retirement accounts may be subjected to division.  Here are some things to know about your divorce and dividing retirement assets in Ohio….

Couples seeking a divorce can file for either a no-fault or fault divorce in Ohio. Understanding these options is important for individuals considering ending their marriage. Find out more about which circumstances can apply to your current situation.  Fault vs. No-Fault Divorce There are two main types of divorce: no-fault divorce and fault divorce. A…

Child custody is an integral part of many divorce cases in Ohio. There are several types of arrangements, all with their own set of rights and responsibilities for parents. Understanding these arrangements can help you navigate the legal process and work toward the best interests of your children.  Child Custody Types in Ohio Ohio has…

When spouses or unmarried parents of minor children choose to go their separate ways, they need to formalize their child custody arrangements with the state. In modern times, the focus of most child custody arrangements is the terms contained within a family’s parenting plan. A parenting plan is a legally-enforceable document that outlines many of…

If you are preparing to divorce your spouse, you likely have a strong sense concerning whether this process will unfold in a relatively cooperative and collaborative fashion or a contentious one. Either approach will need to conclude with the execution of a property division order that appropriately represents the interests of both parties. Reaching this…