Under Ohio law, there are two ways to end your marriage: dissolution and divorce. The choice between the two depends entirely upon whether you and your spouse agree about the terms of separation. Dissolution occurs when you're able to agree without the intervention of the court, and you petition the court together to uphold your arrangement. Divorce occurs when the parties disagree about the terms.

The largest issues you and your spouse will have to agree on include the division of marital assets and debts, guardianship of children, and any payment of alimony or child support going forward. If you can create a reasonable plan both of you agree to uphold, you can apply for dissolution. A lawyer may be able to help you draft this agreement.

On the other hand, if you can't agree, the process is often longer and more difficult. Generally, you and your spouse will present your separate proposals to the court, along with arguments in support of your position. The terms of your divorce will then be set by a judge. This process generally leaves one or both parties unsatisfied and is more expensive than dissolution.

When choosing whether to pursue dissolution, consider your relationship with your spouse. Could you reach an agreement with a little help, or do you not trust your spouse to be reasonable? Could an agreement be reached with a minimum of conflict, or would the emotional toll be too high? You should also consider which points are most important to you and where you can afford to compromise to make the process of negotiation easier.

The choice between dissolution and divorce depends entirely on your situation. If you aren't sure which is right for you, consult a divorce attorney today. The Law Offices of Katzman, Logan, Halper and Bennett, LPA in Cincinnati, OH, offers legal advice in several practice areas, including divorce and family law. Contact them today to arrange a consultation. You can reach their office at (513) 793-4400 or online.