Columbus Divorce Law Blog

Collaborative divorce and mediation are becoming more popular for many who are seeking a divorce. The decision to end a marriage and file for divorce is a difficult one for many in Ohio. When it cannot be avoided, however, there are alternatives to the traditional litigation process to consider.

Couples choosing to divorce typically face many issues. These may include spousal support, child custody and the division of property collected over the years of marriage. When parties cannot agree on terms, it is the court that considers what is best for the children and most equitable for the spouses as it awards custody and maintenance and decides any other unresolved issues.

Ohio residents know that child custody can be a contentious issue in even the most amicable of divorces. In many child custody disputes, both parents simply want what they believe is in the best interests of the children. The problem, of course, is that they often have differing views on just what that means.

Even after a divorce, child custody can continue to be in issue. This is often true when one parent seeks to move with the children to another state. While the reasons for a proposed move can be valid, the noncustodial parent has a right to object.

Living together prior to marriage is common for many couples in Ohio, and throughout the country. In fact, a recent study showed that approximately 60 percent of couples live together prior to marriage. Of those individuals, the couples that were engaged and cohabitating prior to marriage were no more likely to get a divorce within 15 years than those who did not live together prior to marriage.

Close to 50 percent of first marriages fail to make it to the 20-year anniversary, according to nationwide statistics. A recent study, conducted by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, looked at multiple marriage trends across racial groups and educational levels. They found that Asian women were most likely to stay married, with 70 percent still in their first marriage at 20 years.

High-asset divorces can encompass many different people. Couples who divorce after decades of marriage, very wealthy people and celebrities likely come to mind. Today, we will discuss the recent news of actor Dennis Quaid's third divorce that some Ohio residents may have heard about.

According to The Washington Post, Quaid's wife of seven years filed for divorce citing a "conflict of personalities." Although it is not clear exactly how much the notable actor is worth, it is likely a substantial sum. One of the most complicated issues in a high-asset divorce like this one is often property division. While most courts will do their best to arrange a fair and equitable division of assets, divorcing couples do not always agree on how marital property should be split.