A Columbus Divorce Attorney Providing More Than 40 Years Of Positive Solutions In Divorce Proceedings

At Harry Lewis Co., LPA, we have assisted people in the Columbus metro area with uncontested and contested divorce for more than four decades. Our attorney, Gregg R. Lewis, Esq., is committed to helping families navigate this difficult time of transition.

We recognize that divorce cases are personal, and so you want a Columbus divorce attorney who will handle your case personally. As a family-owned law firm, we take pride in providing one-on-one guidance through all stages of difficult family law problems.

From property distribution to spousal support to child support to child custody agreements, we will tirelessly advocate for you. If you need to dissolve or terminate your marriage, you can rely on our trusted counsel. We strive to make every aspect of the dissolution or divorce process as painless as possible, and to help you reach a favorable outcome.

In A Divorce, Preparation Is Critical

One of the most important steps in a divorce occurs before you ever file any papers. The step? Preparation. The days, weeks or even months before you file for divorce grants you invaluable time to gather financial documents, seek hidden assets and disentangle yourself from your spouse’s financial and legal matters. You can also take proactive measures regarding your post-divorce finances.

The more time you have to prepare for your divorce filing, the better. You should contact Harry Lewis Co., LPA, as soon as possible so an experienced Columbus divorce lawyer can help you prepare.

Make A Painful Process As Painless As Possible

Divorce is never easy. However, at Harry Lewis Co., LPA, we use our years of experience to relieve your stress and emotional pain as much as possible. By providing wise advice, accurate expectations and strategic service, we can help you move forward with your life as soon as possible. We are skilled in all means of resolving disputes at the end of a marriage, from divorce mediation to litigation.

Divorce Considerations In Ohio

In Ohio, there are no jury divorce trials. Divorce cases are either settled by agreement of the parties or tried before a trial judge or magistrate. If a case is settled, the agreement becomes the court’s order. If you are considering separation or terminating your marriage, Columbus divorce attorney Gregg Lewis offers a free initial consultation to discuss all of your options and answer any questions that you may have. Our firm’s goal is to help you fully understand your rights and what to expect during the process of filing for divorce or dissolution.

Ohio’s Divorce Timeline

The time it takes to finalize a divorce depends on the case’s complexity and whether it is contested or uncontested. The process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. Below is a breakdown of the major stages of divorce:

• Filing the complaint: The divorce process begins when one spouse files a complaint for divorce in the local county court. This document outlines the grounds for divorce and requests specific relief, such as child custody, property division or spousal support. The filing spouse will then file the complaint with the other party through certified mail or a process server. Once the complaint is served, the nonfiling spouse has 28 days to respond.
• Temporary orders: Either party may request temporary orders to address immediate issues like child custody, spousal support or who will remain in the marital home during the divorce. These orders are placed to provide stability until the divorce is finalized. The court may hold a hearing to gather information and decide on these temporary matters.
• Discovery phase: During this stage, both parties exchange financial records, asset information and other relevant documents. This phase is essential for helping ensure a fair division of property and accurate determinations regarding child and spousal support. Discovery can take several weeks to several months, depending on the cooperation of both parties and the complexity of the assets involved.
• Negotiation and mediation: If both parties are willing, they may engage in negotiation or mediation to reach an agreement on contested issues. Mediation can shorten the divorce timeline by avoiding the need for lengthy court battles. If an agreement is reached, the terms are submitted to the court for approval.
• Final hearing and decree: If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge will decide on unresolved issues. Once the judge issues a final ruling, the court will grant the divorce and issue a final decree. This decree outlines the terms of property division, custody, and support arrangements.

Our divorce attorney can help file the divorce on your behalf and see you through the entire process.

What Documents Are Required In An Ohio Divorce?

There are several key documents that everyone must provide to secure a divorce. Common documents include the petition for dissolution, confidential disclosure of personal identifiers, affidavits of income and expenses, and property, acknowledgment of legal representation and the decree of dissolution.

Where Do I File For Divorce In Ohio?

Proper divorce filing is a critical step in the process, and requires that you file for divorce in the proper location. You can file for divorce at the Court of Common Pleas in your county. In Franklin County, the address for the Franklin County Government Center is 345 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215.

Should You Divorce With Or Without A Lawyer?

When spouses consider an amicable divorce, they question whether or not they need an attorney. Without the guidance of a Columbus divorce lawyer, a spouse risks giving up more than necessary in asset division, missing out on a fair custody agreement and considerably extending the time it takes to resolve a divorce. No matter what kind of divorce you are pursuing, make sure you have an attorney on your side.

Which Type Of Divorce Is Right For You?

There are four primary types of divorce to consider when ending your marriage. A divorce is the standard method of enlisting the aid of the court to end your marriage. Dissolution refers to when a couple ends things on their own. An annulment is a process of undoing a marriage, making it as though it never happened, and a legal separation is a court order that requires a married couple to live separately and can specify matters of child support, visitation, and custody.

Within each of these types are different options as well. For example, is it more appropriate to file a fault-based or no-fault divorce? A skilled Columbus divorce attorney can help you review your unique needs and help you decide which option is best for you.

Divorce Vs. Dissolution: Which Is For Me?

Dissolution is a “no-fault” proceeding to legally end a marriage. The dissolution procedure provides the same legal effect as a divorce – it terminates the marital relationship. It avoids conflict and confrontation, and is usually much quicker.

To use the dissolution procedures, the spouses have to reach an agreement on all relevant issues, such as division of property, allocation of marital debt, and allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. Parties usually negotiate through their attorneys to reach a mutual agreement that is then submitted to the court for final approval and legal termination of the marriage.

Talk To A Compassionate Columbus Divorce Attorney For Free

You do not have to prepare for a divorce on your own. Schedule a free initial consultation with Harry Lewis Co., LPA, to get the assistance of our Columbus divorce attorney. To schedule your initial consultation, call 614-721-6175 or send us an email.