Divorce or Dissolution: What's the Difference in Ohio?

Both divorce and dissolution legally end a marriage, but the process is different.

 

Dissolution: A dissolution may be an option when both spouses can reach an agreement about all of the issues that must be resolved before filing. Instead of asking the court to resolve disagreements, the spouses file their agreement with the court and ask the court to end the marriage based on those agreed terms.

 

Divorce: A divorce may be necessary when the spouses have not reached a complete agreement before the case is filed. Some relatively straightforward divorce cases may still qualify for Guided Legal. More complicated or contested cases may require traditional representation. You don't need to know which process you need before you start. We'll help you figure that out.

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Who Is Guided Legal For?

Guided Legal is currently designed for Ohio residents seeking

a divorce or dissolution who:

• Do not have minor children together

• Have a relatively straightforward financial situation

• Can provide the information and documents needed to prepare their case

• Want attorney guidance without automatically paying for traditional full-service representation.

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Some cases involve legal or financial issues that require more individualized representation. If we determine that Guided Legal isn't appropriate for your situation, we'll tell you.

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Real Attorney Help. A Different Way to Pay for It.

There are plenty of websites that will sell you divorce forms.

That's not what this is.

Guided Legal is a service of Yocum Law. Your legal services are provided by an Ohio attorney. Depending on the service you select, we can help you understand the process, identify issues that need attention, prepare the appropriate legal documents, and guide you through the next steps. You get clear pricing before you decide to move forward.

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Choose the Level of Help You Need

Not every case needs the same amount of attorney involvement.

Guided Legal offers different service options based on your situation and how much help you need. We also offer payment options, and limited income-based pricing may be available for qualifying clients. Before you purchase a service, we'll help make sure you're choosing an option that fits your situation.

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Why Yocum Law Created Guided Legal

Traditional legal representation can be expensive. Going completely on your own can be confusing and risky. There should be something in between.

Guided Legal was created for people who want the confidence of having an attorney involved but may not need, or want to pay for, traditional full-service representation. The goal is simple: make legal help easier to understand, easier to access, and easier to afford.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can you help with a divorce if we have minor children?

Guided Legal's current divorce and dissolution services are limited to cases without minor children. If you have minor children, your case is not eligible for the current Guided Legal program.

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Do my spouse and I have to agree on everything?

For a dissolution, you and your spouse must reach an agreement on all of the issues that need to be resolved. Some divorce cases involving unresolved issues may still be appropriate for Guided Legal, depending on the circumstances. Our eligibility process helps us determine whether your situation is a good fit.

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What if we own a house?

Owning a home does not automatically prevent you from using Guided Legal. We will ask questions about your property, mortgage, equity, and what you and your spouse intend to do with the home. Some property situations are more complicated than others. We'll let you know if yours requires legal services beyond what Guided Legal provides.

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Do I have to come to your office?

No. Much of the Guided Legal process can be completed online or virtually. Court requirements vary, and you may need to appear in court as part of your divorce or dissolution.

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How much does it cost?

Guided Legal uses clear, upfront pricing rather than open-ended hourly billing for its standard services. Payment options are available, and limited income-based pricing may be available to qualifying clients.

You'll see your options and costs before deciding whether to move forward.

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What if I'm not sure whether I need a divorce or dissolution?

That's exactly why we start with eligibility. Answer a few questions about your situation, and we'll help determine which process and level of legal help may be appropriate.

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Start With the Free Eligibility Check

You don't have to understand every form, court rule, or legal term before you start.

Tell us a little about your situation. We'll help you figure out what comes next.

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Guided Legal divorce and dissolution services are currently available

for qualifying Ohio matters without minor children.