When filing for divorce in Ohio, you need to keep in mind the state laws regarding divorce. This is very important to ensure that you get an equitable deal as regards child custody and spousal support. While being single again can itself take adjusting to, the needs of the children of the marriage need to be prioritized. Most couples need to consider the following issues before they file for divorce.
Child Custody
Parents need to decide on child custody issues keeping the best interests of the child in mind. Child custody can be joint or split. Sometimes one parent gets physical custody of the child, but legal custody is held jointly by both parents. When discussing child custody, visitation rights too need to be decided up on.
Child Support
The parents need to discuss and come to an agreement on the quantum of child support each parent will provide. Issues such as healthcare insurance as well as college fees too need to be discussed. If there are young children involved, the cost of child care will also have to be factored in.
Spousal Support
If one parent plans to stay at home or work fewer hours to be able to spend more time with the children, then that parent can claim spousal support. This is also true if you had taken a break from your career in order to look after young children.
Division of Assets and Debts
Yet another potentially contentious issue during a divorce is the division of assets and debts. Assets include the home, pension funds, and other property. There has to be an equitable division of these along with an agreement on who will repay the debts. Here it has to be noted that equitable does not mean equal. The contribution of each spouse to the building of the assets can be taken in to consideration before coming to an agreement.
Uncontested Divorce
If both the spouses are able to come to an agreement regarding all these issues, then the divorce will be uncontested. If not, the court will intervene and use its discretion to decide on these issues.
Legal Help
In the event that you and your spouse are unable to come to an agreement on all the issues mentioned above, the divorce is said to be contested one. In such a case, consult a lawyer as soon as possible to help you argue your case in court. The court will decide on these issues based on the arguments put forward by the lawyers of the two parties concerned.
