Experienced Legal Guidance For Divorce And Dissolution In Ohio

Last updated on July 28, 2026

Untangling from a marriage or a long-term partner can be one of the most difficult life transitions you may ever face. At Dahlberg, Stanley & Foderetti, LLC, our Columbus divorce and dissolution attorneys have dedicated their legal careers to supporting families in need, especially during the challenging times surrounding the end of a marriage.

Our divorce lawyers will offer compassionate support and personalized legal guidance through your legal separation, dissolution or divorce proceeding, advocating for your rights and protecting your best interests.

Legal Representation For All Aspects Of A Separation, Dissolution Or Divorce

In Ohio, there are two legal avenues to end a marriage. These include a divorce, which is the legal ending of a marriage through court proceedings. In the alternative, a dissolution is a mutual agreement between spouses to end their marriage amicably. Every case is different, with unique circumstances. Our dissolution and divorce lawyers can guide you through whichever process you need to pursue and support you through all aspects of ending your marriage, including:

• The distribution of property: We help you assess the value of marital assets and work to divide marital property and debt fairly and equitably.
• Spousal support: Our legal team can assess whether or not spousal maintenance or alimony is appropriate in your case and advocate for a fair outcome.
• Child custody: In Ohio, the court will make decisions based on the best interests of your child. We will negotiate a resolution to custody conflicts or advocate for your parental rights in court.
• Parenting time schedules: Our experienced attorneys will assist in creating schedules that work for both parents and children, customizing our advice based on your unique circumstances and family schedules.
• Child support: Our attorneys will assess child support needs and advocate for accurate and fair financial support.

Our dissolution attorneys strive to facilitate agreements and resolutions amicably whenever possible through settlement negotiations and mediation. However, if it becomes necessary, our divorce lawyers are prepared to advocate for your rights in a trial.

The Legal Complexities Of A High-Asset Divorce

High net worth divorces come with unique challenges, particularly regarding asset valuation and the division of marital property. Our family law attorneys have experience handling these complexities and can draw on a network of resources, such as forensic accountants and financial advisers, to support a fair and equitable resolution to the property issues in your case.

Rebuilding Your Life After Divorce

As you get further away from your divorce, your circumstances can rapidly change. Sometimes, these changes require amendments and revisions to your original dissolution agreements or divorce court orders. When changes in child custody, support or visitation plans become necessary due to new jobs, relocations or other significant changes in circumstances, our attorneys can help you file a petition to modify an existing court order.

Additionally, Dahlberg, Stanley & Foderetti, LLC, offers other legal services for Columbus families, including estate planning services. If you need to revise your estate plan post-divorce, or consider a bankruptcy filing to give you a fresh start financially, our lawyers are here to provide seasoned guidance and advice.

Answers To Common Ohio Divorce Questions

Divorce often brings legal and practical concerns that may shape your next steps. The following answers offer general guidance on common issues you may face:

How long must you live in Ohio before filing for divorce?

To file for divorce in Ohio, you must have lived in the state for at least six months before submitting your complaint. You must also file in a county that satisfies Ohio’s venue requirements. Therefore, your current address may not be the only factor that determines where your case belongs. Your prior residence, your spouse’s location and the facts of your situation may affect which court has authority over the divorce.

What are the grounds for divorce in Ohio?

Ohio law allows several fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce. Fault-based grounds include adultery, extreme cruelty, fraud, gross neglect of duty and habitual drunkenness. Other grounds include living apart without interruption for one year. Incompatibility may also apply unless your spouse denies it. The events that led to the end of your marriage will help determine which ground applies to your complaint.

How long does the divorce process typically take in Franklin County?

The length of a Franklin County divorce depends on the level of conflict and the issues that remain unresolved. After your spouse receives the complaint, they generally have 28 days to file an answer. The case may then move through financial disclosures, discovery, conferences, motions and hearings. A case with few disputes may finish sooner, while conflicts over property, support or parenting may add months. Expert reviews, court schedules and trial preparation may also affect the final timeline.

Is legal separation available in Ohio, and how is it different from divorce?

Yes. Ohio allows you to seek a legal separation even when you and your spouse still live together. The court may issue orders for property, support, custody and parenting time, but your marriage remains legally intact. A divorce may address the same concerns while also ending the marriage. Because a separation does not end your marital status, you cannot remarry unless you later obtain a divorce or annulment. Your finances, family needs and future plans may guide your decision.

Consult A Columbus Divorce Attorney Today

If you’re considering a divorce, consult a Columbus divorce lawyer today. Our dissolution and divorce lawyers at Dahlberg, Stanley & Foderetti, LLC, offer confidential, no-obligation initial consultation appointments. To book your consultation, you can call 614-670-8103 or send us a message through our website. We look forward to answering your questions and telling you more about how we can help you with your separation.