Representation Through Ending a Marriage

Divorce / Dissolution of Marriage in Columbus for spouses pursuing property division, parenting arrangements, and financial settlements

Ohio law distinguishes between contested divorce and dissolution of marriage proceedings based on whether both parties agree to the terms. Heckert and Moreland represents clients in both scenarios throughout Central Ohio, handling property division, parenting arrangements, and financial settlements. Contested divorces involve disputes over assets, custody, or support that require court hearings, while dissolutions proceed through joint filings when spouses agree on all terms.


Divorce representation addresses the legal termination of marriage, including division of marital property, establishment of custody and support obligations, and resolution of financial entanglements. Central Ohio courts follow equitable distribution principles, meaning property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The process varies significantly between amicable separations and high-conflict disputes where spouses cannot agree on fundamental terms.


Request a confidential divorce consultation to evaluate your legal options and the procedures affecting your case.

What Proper Divorce Representation Requires

Divorce cases begin with filing a complaint or joint petition, followed by financial disclosure, negotiation or discovery, and either settlement or trial. Your attorney gathers documentation of marital assets, income sources, retirement accounts, and debts to establish a complete financial picture. In contested cases, this may involve subpoenas, depositions, and expert valuations of businesses or real estate. In dissolution cases, both parties file agreed terms that the court reviews for fairness before approval.


After your case concludes, you receive a divorce decree or dissolution order that legally ends the marriage and establishes property division, custody schedules, and support obligations. Joint accounts are closed, titles are transferred, and parenting time schedules take effect according to the court's order. You are legally single and financially separated from your former spouse, with enforceable terms governing ongoing responsibilities.


The distinction between divorce and dissolution affects timelines and costs. Dissolution requires full agreement before filing and typically concludes faster with lower legal fees. Contested divorce allows one party to initiate proceedings without the other's consent, but requires court hearings to resolve disputed issues. Your circumstances and level of cooperation with your spouse determine which path applies.

Questions Before Starting Your Divorce

Clients considering divorce proceedings frequently ask about the legal process, timelines, and financial implications of ending a marriage in Ohio.

  • What is the difference between divorce and dissolution in Ohio?

    Dissolution requires both spouses to agree on all terms before filing, including property division, custody, and support. Divorce allows one spouse to file unilaterally and proceeds through contested hearings if terms cannot be agreed upon during the case.

  • How are marital assets divided in Central Ohio divorce cases?

    Ohio courts follow equitable distribution, meaning assets are divided fairly based on factors like marriage duration, each spouse's income, and contributions to marital property. The division is not automatically equal; courts consider circumstances specific to your marriage.

  • What happens to retirement accounts during divorce?

    Retirement accounts accumulated during the marriage are typically considered marital property subject to division. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order may be necessary to divide certain accounts without tax penalties.

  • How long does a contested divorce take in Columbus?

    Contested divorces vary widely based on the complexity of property division, custody disputes, and court scheduling. Cases may resolve in several months or extend beyond a year if multiple hearings and extensive discovery are required.

  • When should I begin gathering financial documents?

    Begin collecting bank statements, tax returns, property deeds, and retirement account statements as soon as you anticipate divorce proceedings. Complete financial disclosure is required early in the process, and thorough documentation strengthens your position during negotiation or trial.

Heckert and Moreland provides representation designed to protect your financial interests during emotionally stressful transitions. Call (614) 224-7700 to schedule a consultation and begin addressing the legal aspects of ending your marriage.