Offices of Jacob M. Rzepka

WHAT IS DIVORCE?

Divorce is a process to legally end a marriage. In Ohio a divorce is used when the parties cannot come to an agreement concerning aspects of the divorce such as child custody, property allocation, or spousal support. In a divorce the judge becomes the final arbiter of items and matters that are in dispute. A divorce also requires "grounds" or a reason for the marriage to end. This requirment can significantly extend the time to complete the termination of the marriage.m

WHAT IS DISSOLUTION?

Like a Divorce a dissolution terminates a marriage. Unlike a dissolution the parties, not the judge, establish the terms on which the marriage ends. The dissolution process requires that a "Separation Agreement" itemizing the terms of the end of the marriage be signed by the parties. The Separation Agreement becomes a contract by which the parties will settle issues such as custody, property allocation, spousal support etc. Unlike a Divorce the dissolution does not require grounds to terminate the marriage in many cases allowing for a quicker end to the legal process.

HOW DO THESE ISSUES GET DECIDED?

There are a number of procedural models, or methods, that may be used to resolve these issues depending on whether a Divorce or Dissolution is being pursued. The difference lies in the amount of attorney and court involvement, conflict and cost. Each issue, for example, child support, may be resolved either by reaching an agreement that must be approved by the court or by having a contested hearing and then a judge makes a decision. These models include:

(1) traditional negotiation/litigation,
(2) collaborative divorce,
(3) mediation, and
(4) pro se divorce.

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Law offices Jacob M. Rzepka 5035 Mayfield Rd. Lyndhurst, Ohio 44236 (216)-923-1309
Hours By Appointment - Evening and Weekend Appointment Available
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The laws governing legal advertising in the state of Ohio require the following statement in any publication of this kind: "THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT."This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship