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Dissolution or divorce

Working towards an agreement,

But preparing for trial, starting your first visit.

Cleveland Divorce Lawyer

Getting a divorce is arguably one of the most complex and emotionally charged experiences anyone can go through. Deciding to end your marriage can be difficult, especially when children are involved. But knowing what to expect can ease your concerns and give you a sense of security during such an uncertain time.

The Cleveland divorce lawyers at Slater & Zurz strive to make the process as easy as possible. We will be your strongest advocate, looking out for your best interests and fighting for a resolution that is in line with your needs.

Whether you are facing an uncontested or contested divorce, our goal is to help you make decisions that protect your rights. Representing you in your divorce is not something we take lightly. We strive to get to know you and your unique situation so we can tailor your experience to look back on without regret. Our experienced and compassionate team will work hard to help you go through the often challenging legal issues that can arise during a divorce and help you cope with the uncertainty, fear, and stress you can, at times, experience.

If you and your spouse have decided to go your separate ways, we encourage you to reach out to our firm so you can learn your rights and be prepared for what is to come during each stage of the divorce process.

Speak to a Cleveland divorce lawyer.. Call (440) 557-2861 or contact us online.

Working Out the Details of Your Cleveland Divorce

After you and your spouse have decided to divorce, it can be difficult to cope with the many sudden changes. Discussing the divorce with your children, telling your family and friends, and possibly moving out of your marital home can consume most of your thoughts and time.

But once you decide to divorce, there are a lot of issues you must address. When determining the terms of your divorce settlement agreement, you and your spouse will need to agree on how to handle the following matters:

  • The amount and duration of spousal support (alimony,) if any
  • The division of all assets
  • The division of all debt
  • How you will share custody and parenting time
  • Parenting responsibilities
  • The amount and duration of child support

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Cleveland

Choosing to file for a divorce is not an easy decision. Not knowing what is in store for you – or your family is frightening. Trying to cope with the array of quickly changing emotions is challenging enough. But having to work with your soon-to-be ex-spouse to resolve the many issues relating to your marriage can feel close to impossible.

Uncontested Divorce

Should you and your spouse agree on the divorce and have maintained an amicable relationship thus far, you may be fortunate enough to be looking at an uncontested divorce. A divorce is uncontested when both parties can work together and reach an agreement on all of the issues relating to a divorce.

Uncontested divorces are typically ideal because they are generally easier, faster, and less expensive. They are also beneficial because couples can often maintain a healthy and amicable relationship during and after their divorce.

Contested Divorce

Unfortunately, not all couples can work together during the process. Often, spouses cannot reach an agreement on several of the issues and must pursue a contested divorce. Some couples are eventually able to agree on the terms, but many will need the courts to decide the details of their divorce for them.

Though unavoidable in some cases, contested divorces are far from ideal. They typically are contentious, costly, and take a significant amount of time to finalize. In these situations, it is critical to have a Cleveland divorce lawyer who can skillfully negotiate on your behalf and work to resolve issues as quickly and amicably as possible.

Grounds for an Ohio Divorce

Ohio recognizes both fault and no-fault divorce. In a no-fault divorce, you do not need to explain why your marriage should end to be granted a divorce. You can simply cite incompatibility as the reason you are ending your marriage. In a no-fault divorce, both spouses must agree that incompatibility exists and is the reason for the divorce. If one disagrees, you must pursue a fault-based divorce.

Per Ohio revised code 3105.01, a spouse can choose from several reasons or grounds, such as:

  • One of the spouses committed adultery
  • A party was willfully absent from the marriage for at least one year
  • A spouse had a wife or husband living at the time of the marriage in which the divorce is sought
  • A party grossly neglected their marital duties
  • Spouses entered into the marriage under fraudulent circumstances
  • One of the parties acted against the other in an extremely cruel manner
  • A spouse is imprisoned in either a federal or state prison at the time the complaint is filed
  • One of the parties habitually used alcohol or drugs
  • The parties have lived separately for over one year

Choose Slater & Zurz for Your Cleveland Divorce

Who you choose to represent you during your divorce can greatly affect your – and your children’s futures. We recommend taking the time to find the attorney who is right for you; one who has the experience and resources to provide the highest level of legal representation, but also one who cares.

Our qualified divorce lawyers in Cleveland, Ohio will help you through the entire process.

  • With over 100 years of collective experience, we have the knowledge and skills to meet your unique needs.
  • Our attorneys keep up with the latest laws, rules, and best practices of Ohio divorce law.
  • Our legal team works collaboratively to successfully take on even the most complex and contentious divorces.
  • We continually keep you up-to-date with the latest developments and offer our legal guidance at every stage.
  • Our lawyers work hard to keep the process as streamlined as possible.
  • We form close, long-lasting relationships with our clients, becoming not only their legal counsel but their friend and confidant.

To learn more about how our Cleveland divorce lawyers can help, we welcome you to arrange a confidential consultation. (440) 557-2861

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce

What do my spouse and I have to decide during a divorce?

Generally, five areas will need to be resolved in a divorce. These areas include:

  1. Spousal support
  2. Child custody
  3. Child support
  4. Division of debt
  5. Division of property

You and your spouse will need to agree on all of these areas before the divorce can be finalized. If areas of conflict exist, you might choose to go to mediation or ultimately have the judge decide.

In Ohio, do I have to have a reason to file for a divorce?

Yes. In Ohio, you must give a legal reason as to why you are filing for divorce. This reason is referred to as “grounds” for divorce.  Our state’s courts recognize several grounds for divorce, but the most commonly cited reason given is “incompatibility.”

Is it better to be the first to file for divorce?

Being the first to file for divorce has its advantages and disadvantages. By filing first, you get to control the timing of the divorce. In situations where the adverse spouse is unaware of the impending divorce, it can give you a chance to prepare financially before filing. However, if you do file first, you show your hand by what your filing document states, and it may also end up costing you more.

Frequently Asked Questions
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Generally, there are five areas that will need to be resolved in a divorce. These areas include:

  1. Spousal support
  2. Child custody
  3. Child support
  4. Division of debt
  5. Division of property

You and your spouse will need to agree on all of these areas before the divorce can be finalized. If areas of conflict exist, you might choose to go to mediation or ultimately have the judge make a determination.

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Yes. In Ohio, you must give a legal reason as to why you are filing for divorce. This reason is referred to as “grounds” for divorce.  Our state’s courts recognize several grounds for divorce, but the most commonly-cited reason given is “incompatibility.”
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Being the first to file for divorce has its advantages and disadvantages. By filing first, you get to control the timing of the divorce. In situations where the adverse spouse is unaware of the impending divorce, it can give you a chance to prepare financially before filing. Though if you do file first, you show your hand by what your filing document states, and it may also end up costing you more.

Cleveland’s Leading Divorce lawyers

For over 30 years, Slater & Zurz has skillfully counseled clients in all aspects of their Cleveland divorce, including child custody, spousal support, and property division. We will thoroughly explain all issues and go over every option to ensure your rights are protected and that the final resolution is both equitable and fair.

Our Cleveland family law attorney knows you have many questions as to what to expect during the process and concerns over what your life will likely be like after your divorce is finalized.

Throughout your divorce, we will keep all lines of communication open so all your questions and concerns will be addressed. Our legal representation is based on integrity, trust, and compassion, only acting with your best interests at the forefront.

We encourage you to contact our Cleveland divorce lawyers for a confidential consultation. Call (440) 557-2861 or contact us online.