Persons considering ending their marriage through the divorce process may also consider marriage counseling, legal separation (in states that recognize such a status), annulment (in limited circumstances), and living apart. Each of these alternatives may have financial and other consequences.
In Ohio, individuals contemplating the end of their marriage have several options to consider. Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage by a court, which addresses issues such as property division, child custody, and support. Marriage counseling is a non-legal option where couples seek professional help to resolve issues and may prevent the need for legal action. Legal separation is recognized in Ohio and allows couples to live apart without formally ending the marriage; it involves similar proceedings to divorce, such as property division and child custody, but the marriage remains legally intact. Annulment is another legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void, as if it never existed, but it is only available under specific, limited circumstances, such as fraud, bigamy, or incompetence at the time of the marriage. Each of these alternatives has different financial and legal consequences, and individuals should consider consulting with an attorney to understand the implications of each choice.