There are different methods of filing for divorce, and the process doesn’t have to be complicated. The process of Ohio divorce is about the same as other states. You can complete the divorce process online if you and your spouse agree on the terms. In this post, you’ll learn all you need to get started with the process. These include the available options, requirements, and costs.
Can you get an Online Divorce in Ohio?
Yes, it’s possible to get an online divorce in Ohio. However, the divorce must be uncontested. This means you and your spouse agree to dissolve the marriage and all the terms of the divorce. With an uncontested divorce, you won’t need to appear in court. You draft your divorce settlement agreement, fill out the divorce papers, and file the forms with the court. If you’re getting a divorce in Ohio, you need to fulfill some requirements. To commence the divorce procedure, one of the spouses must be a resident in Ohio for a minimum of six months and a resident of the county for at least 90 days.
How to File for Uncontested Divorce Online
There are two types of divorce: contested and uncontested divorce. Divorce is said to be contested when the couple does not agree on all the divorce terms. For instance, if the parties cannot agree on child custody or property division, the divorce will be considered contested. The couple may have to settle the divorce procedures in court. In this case, internet divorce is not feasible.
However, if both parties agree to all terms of the divorce, this is referred to as uncontested divorce. In this case, the couple won’t need to appear in court. They only need to draft an agreement and complete the relevant forms for the court. For this, you can get the best online divorce website to handle the process.
Steps to Getting a Divorce Online
Many top online divorce sites are available to choose from in Ohio. Using a reputable divorce platform will make the process easy, and you can get the process initiated quickly. The registration process used by online divorce companies may vary slightly. However, the steps to getting a divorce online are more or less the same. Here are the simple steps you will likely have to follow:
- Visit the best online divorce service platform online.
- Provide your full name and contact details.
- State that you’re filing for divorce from Ohio and state whether you have kids.
- Specify the details of your spouse and indicate if you know where they are located.
- Complete a questionnaire about the facts of your case.
- Select a payment option and confirm your choice.
From this point, the online divorce company will take over the process. If you’ve chosen a reputable company, you won’t have to worry about the rest. Based on the information you provided, they will select and fill out the necessary paperwork for your case.
Before you settle for a DIY divorce online, carry out your due diligence. You should be sure that the website can handle the proceeding without putting much stress on you. Divorce is already stressful. You shouldn’t add the problem of a lousy service provider to it. Make sure to compare online divorce services and read reviews. You should also consider the cost of divorce at each platform to get the best within your budget.
How much does an Online Divorce cost?
An online divorce website helps in preparing documents for the divorce process. Remember, to apply for a divorce online, you must have an uncontested divorce. The cost of divorce online varies from $150 to $1,500 in addition to the court filing fee. Usually, the filing fee is about $300. So in total, can expect to spend from $450 to $1,800 to complete divorce online. Compared to the cost of an attorney, online divorce is more affordable. An attorney can charge from about $2,500 to $5,000 or even more to help you file for divorce in Ohio. That is why online divorce processing is considered inexpensive compared to using an attorney.
Before you decide to divorce over the internet, you must ensure that you and your partner are willing to work together on the divorce terms. You need to agree on most issues before you commence the process. Both of you should conform to the divorce and decide on the division of property and assets. It’s also essential for the couple to agree on child-related issues and alimony. When you’ve reached a compromise on all these, you can purchase a do it yourself divorce plan with your preferred online divorce service provider. After completing the payment process, you will receive the appropriate divorce forms for Ohio.
Do you need an Attorney for an Online Divorce?
No, you don’t need an attorney or a lawyer to get an online divorce. Usually, an uncontested divorce comes without an attorney. Since you’ve both agreed on all matters relating to the divorce, you won’t need to engage an attorney’s services. Your online divorce website will handle the paperwork, which is the central aspect of the process.
Before you apply for divorce in Ohio, it’s crucial to be on the same page with your spouse to make the process smooth and less emotionally draining. Here are some essential areas that both parties must agree on to have an uncontested divorce:
- Property Division
A divorce will require that you divide property, assets, and debts with your partner. Usually, each partner will maintain their separate property. That is property obtained from an inheritance, personal gift, acquired before marriage, and compensation for personal injury. Other property, assets, and debt acquired jointly during the marriage will be divided equally between the parties, depending on some variables.
- Alimony
Alimony refers to spousal support. In the case that there’s no agreement, the judge may decide to award spousal support. The judge will determine the amount and duration based on some factors. These factors include the income of both parties, earning abilities of both spouses, length of the marriage, retirement benefits of both parties, the standard of living of the couple during the marriage, and the assets and liabilities of both parties.
- Child Support
With an agreement, the presiding judge will have to decide on the matters of decision-making authority and parenting time based on the child’s best interests. Some relevant factors that will be considered include the wishes of the couple, the child’s wishes, the relationship of the child with each partner, siblings, and other significant persons. The child’s predisposition to each party, physical and mental health of all parties involved, among others, will also be considered while deciding on child support. In Ohio, child support is often determined by reference to the guidelines of the state. It includes a chart that calculates the child’s specific needs in monetary terms based on the combined income of the couple.
Divorce Procedures in Ohio
There are different ways to get a divorce in Ohio. The appropriate method will depend on the specific situation of the parties involved in the divorce process. Let’s look at two of the options available.
- Dissolution of Marriage
If both parties agree and sign the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage & and the Separation Agreement, this method of divorce can be relatively quick and convenient. The documents received from the online divorce site are filed with the court, and the couple simply appears in court for a hearing. The judge makes sure the documents are in order, asks a few questions for verification purposes, then signed the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.
- Divorce
When there’s no agreement, the couple will have to use the traditional divorce procedure, which involves appearing in a court of law for a hearing. The process can drag on for a year or move.
With an agreement, the dissolution of the marriage process will be quick and straightforward, especially if using the services of an online divorce company.
Conclusion
Using a reliable online divorce website to process your divorce is the best option for an uncontested divorce. It’s affordable and doesn’t require that you engage an attorney. You will receive the divorce forms without leaving the comfort of your home. They will also provide you with detailed instructions on filing the papers and guide you through the process, making your divorce as easy as possible.