Cincinnati, OH Divorce
Attorney and Mediator

Conveniently located at:
3573 Columbia Parkway
(St. Rt. 50)
Cincinnati, Ohio 45226
Phone: 513 632 5317
Fax: 513-241-3332





Web Site Designed and Hosted by:
JT Spaulding Associates, LLC

Ohio Divorce

Termination of a marriage in Ohio can be handled through an action for divorce or for dissolution. The divorce process is used when the parties are unable to reach an agreement on the terms and conditions of separating and ending the marriage. The divorce process is initiated by one party through the filing of a complaint for divorce along with a property statement, affidavit of income, and other required documents. The filing will initiate temporary support orders if appropriate. The court will schedule reports and hearings as necessary. Ultimately the court will issue decisions on parenting and property issues if the parties can't agree.

Basic Steps for obtaining a Divorce in Ohio

• Filing of a Complaint - This is filed by either Husband or Wife. It must be accompanied by an affidavit of income and property statement as well as other court-required forms. If minor children are involved then affidavits are required regarding parenting, child support and temporary allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. Each county has its own process. Several have specific data forms that are required. View your counties domestic relations court web site for a complete listing of required forms: Butler County, Clermont County, Hamilton County, Warren County
  
  
• First Hearing in a Divorce action - The court will schedule its first hearing at the time of the filing of the complaint for divorce or shortly after the divorce complaint has been served on the other spouse. This initial hearing is called a pretrial or a scheduling conference depending on the county. Many counties do not require the parties to appear at the first hearing. This is not your final divorce hearing.
  
  
• Additional Hearings and Trials - Additional hearings will be scheduled as is necessary. These include: reports, scheduling conferences, hearings on motions, hearings on child support, hearings on spousal support / alimony, pretrials, child custody trials, property trials, etc.
  
  
• The Role of other services and requirements - Some cases are referred to mediation to see if the parties can resolve issues on parenting, support or property division. If children are involved a parenting investigation may be ordered. Also, in cases with minor children the court can appoint a Guardian Ad Litem also referred to as a GAL to represent the children and their interests in the process. All parties with minor children are required to attend a one time parenting class.
  
  
• The merits hearing - This is the final divorce hearing. It is a very short 3-5 minute hearing. It is either done as part of the property trial or on its own. The party who filed the action (the plaintiff) must be present at the merits hearing and must have a witness.

The Law Office of Loretta Marie Helfrich represents families in divorce and dissolution proceedings throughout the Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan area, including Cincinnati, Batavia, Milford, Mason, Westchester and other communities in Hamilton County, Clermont County, Butler County, and Warren County. To learn more about getting a divorce in Ohio, please contact us today.