What to Expect in Your Ohio Divorce
Guided by Certified Specialist John M. Dohner
The Dohner Law Office favors a collaborative approach to dissolving marriage. Focused litigation has its place, but through in-depth planning and a philosophy of resolution, we aim to avoid the delays, expense and animosity of courtroom battles.
Contact our Akron office to arrange a consultation. John Dohner is a certified Family Relations Specialist with over 20 years of experience. He can explain the divorce process and the likely outcome of your case.
• Also see our Divorce Info Center.
Filing for Divorce
The process begins when you or your spouse files a Complaint for Divorce. The other party has 28 days to respond. Whether you are initiating the complaint or answering, Mr. Dohner is a believer in divorce planning to protect your personal and financial interests and anticipate where the friction will be.
Temporary Orders
The discovery phase begins as soon as the divorce papers are served. Parties exchange requested documents relating to employment, earnings, debt and value of assets. The first court hearing is scheduled a month or so after the complaint is filed. Unless you have an agreement with your spouse, the court will issue temporary orders:
- Who stays in the marital home
- Primary or shared custody and visitation
- Amount of child support and spousal support
- Responsibility for paying the mortgage and bills
These court orders will govern your life for one to two years until the divorce process is finalized. Because temporary child custody and support also influence the eventual outcome, we must go into this hearing well prepared to make your case. John Dohner is certified by the Ohio Bar as a Family Relations Specialist, one of few such attorneys in the state.
Status Conference
The courts encourage divorcing parties to work out their differences to the extent possible. About three or four months into the divorce process, you will appear before a family law magistrate in a status conference to determine what issues are unresolved. Mr. Dohner is a big believer in mediation and arbitration to resolve these issues.
Pre-Trial Conference
About nine months in, there is a hearing before a judge if you have not reached an out-of-court settlement. In the pre-trial conference, the attorneys explain to the court which issues are resolved and which may need to be litigated. The judge might advise on remedies, an indication of how he/she will ultimately rule. If no settlement is reached, a trial date is set. Meanwhile, Mr. Dohner will explore possible solutions to avoid a courtroom showdown.
The Trial
It is now a year or more since the complaint was filed. The judge will offer a last opportunity to settle. If parties cannot agree, the trial commences. Documents are presented, witnesses are called and arguments are heard on the remaining disputed matters.
John Dohner is a seasoned litigator who has tried dozens of divorce cases in Summit County and northeastern Ohio. He is known for his ability to handle complex property division, such as business valuation, retirement assets and separate property, as well as thorny issues like primary custody, child support deviations and alimony.
Few cases go all the way to trial, but many are not resolved until those last stages. Contact a lawyer who can forge amicable agreements but protect you in the divorce process.
