I’m Considering Filing for Divorce

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If you find yourself contemplating the end of your marriage or if your spouse has already made that decision for you, seek legal counsel immediately. Ending a marriage is an important decision and has far-reaching implications long after the divorce or dissolution is final. The decisions you make throughout the process of terminating your marriage require guidance that only an experienced and trusted family law practitioner can provide.

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Christopher M. Alexander has compassionately and aggressively represented clients through divorce, dissolution, and post-decree matters for 25 years and has been successful in achieving favorable results both in the courtroom and through negotiation. From simple and straightforward dissolution to contentious divorce, Christopher M. Alexander has confronted virtually every issue that can arise during the divorce or dissolution process. If you need a trusted family law attorney, contact Christopher M. Alexander, Esq. at (513) 228–1100 or chris@alexander-legal.com.

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My Case Should be Easy, Right

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Each family law matter is unique. The length of time required to litigate a divorce or negotiate a dissolution will vary greatly depending on whether there are minor children, the extent to which property has been accumulated during the marriage and the future financial requirements of the parents and minor children. Ending a marriage raises diverse legal issues, each of which must be resolved before you can move on with your life.

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Minor Children:         If you have minor children, important decisions need to be made regarding custody, parenting time and financial support. On a day-to-day basis, the parent responsible for making decisions and ensuring the children’s basic needs are being met must be designated. Each parent’s obligation to provide child support will be established as will the apportionment of costs and expenses beyond the exchange of child support, such as daycare, scholastic fees and extracurricular expenses.

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Marital Property:       Once decisions regarding minor children are made, all marital and separate property will need to be identified, valued, and divided equitably between the spouses. Were your assets acquired prior to marriage or accumulated during marriage? Ohio law states that only property acquired during the marriage is subject to division but in doing so, each spouse is considered to have contributed equally to the production and acquisition of marital property.

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Spousal Support:        Will there be spousal support in your case? ​Ohio law defines spousal support as any payment made to a former spouse that is both for sustenance and for support. No guideline spousal support formula exists in Ohio and the determination of the amount and duration of spousal support tends to be one of the most unpredictable aspects of divorce litigation and dissolution negotiation.

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We Agree on Everything Except  . . .

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Dissolving your marriage in Ohio means that you and your spouse fully agree on every issue, both at the beginning of the dissolution and at the final hearing. A marriage can only be dissolved when the parties reach a complete settlement on all issues relating to parenting, property, and support.

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Even in an amicable dissolution, it is important to have legal counsel to ensure a fair and equitable settlement. A skilled family law practitioner will verify that assets are properly identified as marital property or separate property and are accurately valued. Even in a dissolution, values need to be determined for the marital residence, retirement benefits, investments, vehicles, financial accounts, and uncommon personal possessions.

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I Hear Dissolution is Quicker, Easier and Cheaper

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When negotiated with the advice of an attorney who is experienced in all phases of family law negotiation and litigation, who can offer insight into the manner in which specific issues are decided locally based on years of experience, a dissolution can be quicker, easier and cheaper if the parties are willing and able to work together.

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Christopher M. Alexander has compassionately and aggressively represented clients through divorce, dissolution, and post-decree matters for 25 years and has been successful in achieving favorable results both in the courtroom and through negotiation. From simple and straightforward dissolution to contentious divorce, Christopher M. Alexander has confronted virtually every issue that can arise during the divorce or dissolution process. When you need a trusted family law attorney, contact Christopher M. Alexander, Esq. at (513) 228–1100 or chris@alexander-legal.com.