7 Myths About Divorce In Ohio

by | Mar 6, 2017 | divorce, Firm News

Divorce is stressful. Unfortunately, much of that stress is the result of misunderstandings about how divorce works in Ohio. Here are some of the most common Ohio divorce myths and the truth behind them:

1. You Get To Keep Property That Is In Your Name

Regardless of whose name is on a piece of property, if it was acquired during the marriage, it is considered marital property and subject to division, with few exceptions.

2. Property Is Split 50-50

Ohio law calls for an equitable division of marital property. That does not necessarily mean equal. While 50-50 property division is common, it is not guaranteed. There are a variety of factors that could shift the balance.

3. The Husband Will Pay Alimony

Alimony is based on a variety of factors, and gender is not one of them. It is possible for a wife to be ordered to pay alimony. Furthermore, alimony is not a requirement, and permanent alimony has grown increasingly rare.

4. The Mother Gets Child Custody

Mothers are not favored in child custody decisions. Neither are fathers. Decisions are based on what is in the best interest of the child, not the parents. Typically, that means child custody arrangements that allow the child to continue to be raised by both parents.

5. The Custodial Parent Does Not Pay Child Support

Just because the custodial parent does not send out a check does not mean that parent is off the hook for the costs of raising the child. Custodial parents are still required to spend money to cover their share of the child’s expenses.

6. Divorce Takes A Long Time

Divorce does not have to be a battle that stretches on for years. If both spouses are amenable to reaching agreements, the divorce can be finalized in a matter of months. Furthermore, Ohio law offers the possibility of dissolution, which is a no-fault option for ending a marriage that is often seen as a quick, less-expensive divorce.

7. Divorce Is Easy To Do Yourself

While there are many do-it-yourself divorce options, they tend to be one-size-fits-all. Most divorces are not one-size-fits-all and the divorce process is complex.

Many people who had hoped to save money by going it on their own end up spending much more than they would have if they had just hired an attorney who could guide them efficiently through the process, and they incur a great deal of stress along the way.

Before starting a DIY divorce, it is worth talking to an attorney and getting an accurate assessment of the issues that will come up in your specific divorce and learning how much it would cost to have a trusted attorney guide you through the process.

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