Divorce in Ohio is an emotional and challenging time for all involved parties. The decision to seek legal representation might be upsetting, yet it becomes necessary due to various circumstances. The following may help you know when to seek legal help and how it can bring peace of mind during a difficult time.
Broken communication
When communication and the ability to problem solve with each other have broken down, and the likelihood of reconciliation seems minimal, you may need to seek legal counsel. If you and your partner have irreconcilable differences, you both may have decided to end the marriage.
Even if you have not yet separated, meeting with a divorce attorney ensures that you have prepared yourself and protected your interests. The meeting and resulting knowledge can help you feel empowered and give you peace of mind, even if things improve and you decide not to move forward with a divorce or separation.
Infidelity or abuse
When infidelity or other betrayals have damaged the marriage’s foundation of trust, you may need legal help to make a plan to exit the marriage. An exit plan becomes critical when domestic abuse or other types of abuse have made the marriage unsafe.
Do not underestimate your spouse or give them the benefit of the doubt about fair treatment if you leave the marriage. You have no requirement to tell your spouse you are meeting with an attorney, and a joint meeting likely will not go well because of conflicting interests and priorities. You would only meet jointly if you and your spouse are meeting with a mediator.
Child custody arrangements
No one-size-fits-all solution exists, and when you have children, you may need legal help to address custody issues, child support and time schedules for each parent.
Making informal agreements or arrangements with your spouse can work against you in the long run and hurt your case if you do need to seek legal help because the informal agreement fell apart.
It is in your children’s best interests to seek legal input before the divorce. You can discuss various custody options and gain an understanding of divorce options, including mediation.
Leveling the playing field
When your spouse has filed for divorce and hired a lawyer, you must hire your lawyer to ensure an equitable outcome. Seeking immediate legal help becomes even more critical if complex or significant marital assets are involved.
Additionally, suppose your spouse has more financial knowledge than you or has access to information on marital assets that they withhold from you. You risk coming out of the marriage in an unfavorable financial position if you do not have a knowledgeable divorce lawyer advocating for a fair distribution of the marital and financial assets.
Hiring a divorce attorney early on can prepare you for the best and most equitable divorce outcome possible.