gavvl’s services

our columbus divorce lawyers help with

child support

Resources for Your Children & Peace of Mind for You

child custody

Parenting Plans that Fit Your Needs & Family

family law

There’s an Easier Way to Navigate Family Legal Matters

dividing assets & property

Ohio laws say the split should be equitable, not just 50-50.

post-decree modifications

You can modify a divorce decree in Ohio if you've experienced major life changes.

spousal support

Also called alimony, this assistance to a former spouse who needs it.

divorce & dissolution in Ohio

In Ohio, divorce is a legal process that ends a marriage, or marital union, between two people.

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how it works

gavvl divorce attorneys do things differently

Gavvl makes divorce in Columbus, Ohio, easier, more supportive, and affordable. Using technology and a client-centered approach, our divorce attorneys offer top-notch legal help that fits your needs. With local knowledge from a divorce lawyer chosen just for you, find a better way to manage your family law matters in Columbus

  • $25 Initial Consult
  • Financing Options
  • 24/7 Case Access
  • Network of Attorneys
  • Limited or Full Service
  • Support from Gavvl

the gavvl process

#1 Schedule a Consultation

Contact us at 380-205-3997 or fill out our form to quickly and easily schedule your $25 initial consultation with a divorce lawyer near you.

#2 Talk 1 on 1 with a Gavvl Attorney

Connect with an experienced Columbus divorce attorney to discuss your needs and legal goals.

#3 Explore Financing & Payment Plans

Connect with our dedicated finance team, committed to finding personalized solutions designed with your budget in mind.

#4 Sign Your Agreement & Get Started

You can pay your invoice, set up financing, and sign your client agreement right from your phone or computer. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way.

#5 Connect with Your Attorney

Your divorce attorney will promptly reach out to begin working on your case. Rest assured, with our skilled, knowledgeable, and dedicated Columbus divorce lawyers, you can feel confident that you’re in capable hands.

#6 Track Your Case

Through our Client Portal, monitor your case’s progress in real time, receive updates, and communicate directly with your divorce attorney to stay informed and empowered.

more about gavvl

divorce lawyers serving columbus, ohio

Gavvl is proud to assist individuals and families in Franklin County and surrounding areas as they navigate the process of divorce. So whether you are located in Hilliard, Worthington, Dublin, Bexley, or elsewhere in Columbus, we have an experienced divorce lawyer near you to help.

local & experienced attorneys

a Columbus divorce attorney is close & ready to help

Our experienced, local divorce attorneys in Columbus, OH are dedicated to guiding you with empathy and understanding, all under the careful supervision of a managing attorney.

With our team of experienced divorce attorneys, your choice of unbundled or traditional legal services, and steadfast commitment to transparency and support, Gavvl clients benefit from exceptional service, greater control, and comprehensive guidance.

our managing partners

hear from our clients

hear from our clients

Robert ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

After our phone call, my attorney went straight to work, and within 24 hours, I had all the documents I needed. They are so easy to work with and very affordable! They even offer a pay-later option. For us parents who struggle a little financially…Best attorney, hands down.

Hailey C. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I have spoken with about 15 law firms in the past 24 hours and NONE of the conversations I had with them compares to the conversation I had with [gavvl]. Thank you for your level of knowledge and expertise.

what to expect

filing for divorce in columbus, ohio

Divorce involves multiple steps, and grasping the local specifics can make the process smoother. Here’s a guide to help you get through a divorce in Columbus, Ohio.

1

divorce eligibility

To file for divorce in Ohio, you or your spouse need to have lived in the state for at least six months and in the county where you’re filing for at least 90 days. If you’re in Columbus, this usually means you’ll be filing in Franklin County.

2

grounds for divorce

Ohio is a no-fault divorce state, so you don’t need to prove any wrongdoing. You can file for divorce based on “incompatibility,” but you can also cite “fault” grounds like “adultery” or “habitual drunkenness,” which may influence property division or custody decisions.

3

the divorce complaint

To officially begin the divorce process, you must file a Complaint for Divorce with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division. This document outlines your request for divorce and includes any additional relief you’re seeking, such as temporary orders, child custody, child support, or property division.

4

serve the complaint

After filing the Complaint, you need to serve a copy to your spouse. You can ask the Court for help with this, which can be done via certified mail, through a process server in person, or by other methods approved by the Court. The Court must have proof of service before the process can move forward.

5

your spouse's response

Once your spouse is served with the Complaint, they have 28 days to file and serve an Answer and Counterclaim. In this response, they can address your requests, agree or disagree with them, and make their own requests. If temporary orders were requested, the response time may vary depending on local rules.

6

temporary divorce orders

In Ohio, temporary orders can be requested to address urgent issues like child support, spousal support, and custody. Temporary orders may be requested when you file your Complaint for Divorce, and the Court will issue them to handle these matters until divorce is finalized.

7

discovery phase

Discovery in a divorce is the process by which information and documents are requested and exchanged between parties. The purpose of the Discovery process is to provide the Court with a complete and clear view of the case and circumstances, enabling fair and equitable decisions.

8

divorce negotiation & settlement

Many divorces are settled through negotiation or mediation. In Franklin County, Court mediation services can help resolve disputes amicably, saving both time and expense. If all issues are settled, the case proceeds to the Decree process. If only some issues are resolved, a hearing or trial may be needed for the remaining issues.

9

trial (if necessary)

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. Both parties will present their evidence and arguments, and the magistrate or Judge will review everything before making a final decision. This decision is usually provided in writing later, rather than immediately “from the bench.”

10

the divorce decree

A divorce or dissolution ends with a Final Merits Hearing, where the Court issues a Final Decree of Divorce and, if needed, a Decree of Shared Parenting. The finalized Decree, signed by the Judge, is mailed to both parties within a few weeks, time stamped with the official date of divorce. It outlines the terms of the divorce and is a Court Order that both parties must follow moving forward.

11

name change post-divorce

To change your name after a divorce or dissolution, you must include the request in the Decree of Divorce. Once the divorce is finalized, a certified copy of the Decree is required to update your name with the Social Security Office and other government agencies.

answers to your most common questions

columbus divorce faqs

where are columbus's divorce courts?

Divorce and dissolutions filed in Franklin County are handled exclusively by the  Domestic Relations Division of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, located at 373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. If you have a scheduled Court date, be sure to leave yourself enough time to find parking and navigate Court security.

what forms and documentation do I need for a columbus divorce?

The Ohio Supreme Court provides standardized forms for divorce proceedings. Ensure all forms are completed accurately and thoroughly to avoid delays. Keep in mind that counties may require additional forms under their local rules, in addition to those listed below.

how long does a divorce take in columbus?

The time it takes to get a divorce depends on how complicated it is and whether it’s contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce or dissolution usually takes three to six months to resolve. The Supreme Court of Ohio strongly encourages all divorce cases be resolved within 18 months of filing, but complex or highly contested cases may take longer.

can we agree on our terms for divorce?

The Court encourages negotiating and settling issues like custody and property during the divorce process. Agreements can be submitted at any time before the divorce is finalized. The Court will review the agreement before making the terms a Court Order to ensure fairness and, for custody issues, align with the best interest of the child.

what happens if we can’t agree on terms of a divorce?

If you and your spouse can’t agree on issues like property or custody, the Court will schedule a trial and make decisions it considers fair and equitable, or in the best interest of the child, based on the evidence and testimony.

how is custody determined in a columbus divorce?

The court considers numerous factors when making this decision. Initially, the court decides whether a Shared Parenting Plan is suitable or if sole custody to one parent is warranted. Next, the court determines parenting time by evaluating factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to care for the child, and the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community.

how is child support determined?

Child support is calculated based on factors such as both parents’ incomes, daycare costs, and health insurance. This calculation gives a starting amount, but adjustments may be needed for your specific situation. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides a tool for this calculation, but it’s wise to consult a lawyer for any necessary adjustments.

how is spousal support determined?

Unlike child support, there is no precise formula for calculating spousal support in Ohio. When making a decision, a court considers multiple factors, including the length of the marriage, work history, and income differences between the parties. The court will determine:

  • How much support, if any, should be awarded
  • How long the support will last
  • Whether the spousal support is modifiable
  • How and when the support will end

Consulting with a Columbus divorce attorney can help you understand what to expect in your specific situation.

how is property divided in a divorce?

In a divorce, property is categorized as premarital (owned before marriage and stays with the original owner), marital (acquired during marriage and divided fairly), or separate (gifts or inheritances received during marriage, which go to the recipient). There are exceptions to these general rules, so it’s important to consult a divorce lawyer in Columbus, Ohio for personalized advice.

how is debt divided in a divorce?

Generally, any debt taken on during a marriage is considered joint debt, even if it’s in just one person’s name. When figuring out how to divide this debt, a court looks at when the debt was created, why it was taken on, and if there’s something tied to it, like a car loan. Usually, the court splits all marital debt equally between both people, unless doing so would be unfair.

how do I connect with a divorce lawyer?

After your initial consultation with a Gavvl divorce attorney, you’ll get a clear quote for their services and can discuss payment options if needed. Once you pay the invoice, you’ll quickly receive a Client Agreement to sign online. Your Columbus divorce attorney will contact you soon after to start working on your case. Throughout the process, Gavvl provides thorough support and real-time updates, so you’ll always stay informed and confident.

Our divorce attorneys serve clients throughout Central Ohio, including:

  • Delaware County, OH
  • Fairfield County, OH
  • Franklin County, OH
  • Hocking County, OH
  • Licking County, OH
  • Madison County, OH
  • Morrow County, OH
  • Perry County, OH
  • Pickaway County, OH
  • Union County, OH

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