Ernst & Associates
N/a © Ernst & Associates. 2026 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
One in three first marriages will end within ten years, and one in five will end within five years, according to divorcenet.com. Second marriages that end, for those that remarry, are slightly less than first marriages—nearly seven years for men and more than six years for women.
Marriages end for several reasons, and there are three ways to dissolve a relationship, including:
When you need legal guidance, direction, and a neutral perspective, please turn to the experience of our Cincinnati divorce lawyer to make the best decisions for you, your children, and your family as you end your marriage.
Contact us and book a free phone consultation with one of our practicing family law attorneys with Ernst & Associates.
The divorce process requires time and patience as there are many steps, paperwork, and layers to work through. If you and your spouse decide to dissolve your marriage, our Cincinnati divorce attorneys can brief you on what to expect from a time frame, cost, and other related details.
There are two types of divorces—contested and uncontested. The route of divorce you choose will determine how quick, simple, or challenging the process will be.
A conflict-free divorce, otherwise known as an uncontested divorce, is possible when you and your spouse agree on terms, spousal support, child support, and property division ahead of divorce proceedings. Without litigation, this process usually takes 30-90 days. The only court involvement needed is to confirm that the parties agree to the divorce terms before a judge.
A contested divorce is likely when two spouses can’t agree on the divorce process, parenting issues, child custody, or other related matters. The Ohio Supreme Court guidelines say a contested divorce without children could be resolved one year after filing, or a case with children could take up to 18 months. A contested divorce can take longer if more assets are involved or ongoing disputes occur.
In the most complex and contentious of divorces, the legal team at Ernst & Associates can help you make efficient and rational decisions regarding your finances, children, property, and housing to ensure you get what you’re entitled to while also reaching a final resolution.
We can help set expectations with your divorce process and walk you through the necessary steps to reach your goal. The initial consultation is free. Call to schedule an appointment today.
Both spouses have a say in how they want their marital property divided through a separation agreement. This document is shared with the court at the start of divorce proceedings and is your ability to help control the outcome. Property division is the start of the traditional divorce process.
Separate property is all property a spouse owns or acquires before the marriage, or acquires during the marriage by gift, inheritance, or bequest. Separate property can also be property the spouse purchased with money obtained from a separate source. For instance, if one spouse owns their own business, and the other spouse does not contribute to it, that money may be the spouse’s separate property.
The court presumes that both spouses contribute equally to all marital property they acquire during the marriage, according to divorcenet.com. Ohio is an “equitable division” state. Marital property is divided according to what is fair to both spouses, although not always equally. In “community property” states (like California), marital property is divided 50/50 regardless of who contributed to the property.
The judge considers several factors when dividing marital property, including:
Ernst & Associates uses collaborative law when helping our clients resolve family law issues like property division. Your unique needs and goals are part of the plan when we help you resolve your legal matters. During divorce negotiations, mediation is preferable to court intervention when you have to divide your property and end your marriage.
Ernst & Associates is an Ohio law firm that exclusively practices family law. We focus on helping families recover from divorce. Contact us and book a free consultation with our Cincinnati attorneys for legal representation during divorce and help moving forward afterward.
There is never a good or convenient way to end a marriage. Divorce is never an easy decision, even when it’s necessary. When it’s time to begin the legal process, you need help from experienced divorce attorneys in the Cincinnati area.
Ohio law recognizes fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. A no-fault divorce means you and your spouse no longer get along, or you can’t work through your relationship issues. “Irreconcilable differences” is the phrase used in a no-fault divorce.
A fault divorce means one spouse is engaged in specific conduct that justifies judicial termination of the marriage. Grounds for ending a marriage in Ohio include:
The party claiming fault in a divorce must prove the circumstances with witness testimony. Fault divorce does not affect property division or spousal support. In situations where a spouse will not agree to sign the divorce papers for a no-fault divorce, a fault divorce can provide a limited alternative.
The signs and knowing when the right time to get a divorce are different for everyone, as every relationship is unique. More urgent signs could include drug addiction, repeated infidelity, and patterns of abuse, especially if you and your children are in danger.
In practicing family law, our attorneys regularly help families through the ups and downs of divorce. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Cincinnati divorce lawyer and discuss your situation.
Ernst & Associates
N/a