Under Section 3105.01 of the Ohio Revised Code, the Court of Common Pleas may grant divorces for the following causes:

1. Either party had a husband or wife living at the time of the marriage from which the divorce is sought
2. Willful absence of the adverse party for one year
3. Adultery
4. Extreme cruelty
5. Fraudulent contract
6. Any gross neglect of duty
7. Habitual drunkenness
8. Imprisonment of the adverse party in a state or federal correctional institution at the time of filing the complaint
9. Procurement of a divorce outside of the State of Ohio, by husband or wife, by virtue of which the party who procured it is released from the obligations of the marriage, while those obligations remain binding upon the other party
10. On the application of either party, when husband and wife have, without interruption for one year, lived separate and apart without cohabitation
11. Incompatibility, unless denied by either party

Related Article: The No-Fault/Fault-Based Divorce Debate

The cost of a divorce in Ohio varies from case to case, but often it can be expensive. It is impossible to give an exact quote, as there are countless variables to consider.

For example, you may need to hire an expert to write a report or testify on your behalf, or you may need to subpoena seven years of bank and/credit care records. Such action results in costs you will incur in addition to your attorney fees. Attorney fees often increase as a result of interim matters such as temporary orders or contempt motions.

A good question to ask yourself when contemplating filing for divorce is, “How much do we agree upon?” The more you and your spouse agree upon, the less the action will cost. The more issues that are contested, the more the action will cost.

Another factor that increases the cost of a divorce action is the presence of minor children born of the marriage. Often, if the parties do not agree upon child custody and support, costs unrelated to attorney fees will be incurred.

For example, you may incur costs for having a Guardian Ad Litem appointed or you may incur costs that may be associated with attending the mandatory parenting class. These are both costs, which would be in addition to attorney fees.

As is depicted above, any number of variables will contribute to the cost of any particular divorce action; only you will be able to determine if you can afford it.

Related Article: The Million-Dollar Question: How Much Will My Divorce Cost?

Yes! The State of Ohio does not require parties to a divorce action to employ an attorney; the court will allow you to proceed pro se.

However, proceeding in a divorce action without an attorney would be equivalent to jumping out of a plane without a parachute. You can, such is your choice, but you know what the consequences of your choice will be.

In making such a decision it is important to remember that if you choose to proceed without counsel the court will hold you to the same standard licensed attorneys are held.

Related Article: Do I Need To Hire A Divorce Attorney?

Yes, Ohio is a no fault state. The goal of the court is to simply equitably divide assets and debts, and if applicable, appropriately deem a legal custodian of any minor children.

Related Article: The Pros And Cons Of At-Fault Divorce

It depends. Typically, in the state of Ohio, if there is a significant discrepancy in income, then the party who earns more income will most likely pay a spousal support obligation to the other.

This issue will vary on a case-by-case basis because issues may arise such as misappropriation of funds, or lack of need do to a trust fund or inheritance, which may eliminate or significantly decrease a support obligation.

There are a number of factors the court may consider in any divorce case that will have an impact on whether spousal support is ordered. A list of all factors can be found in section 3105.18 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Related Article: Will I Have To Pay Alimony?