What is the difference between a dissolution and a divorce in Ohio?

In a dissolution, both spouses jointly ask the court to end their marriage. The spouses present their written agreement to the court, along with a petition asking the court to dissolve their marriage. The agreement must address all issues relevant to their marital relationship, including child custody, visitation, and support, as well as property division, debts, taxes, and fees. Then, the court must hold a final hearing on their petition between thirty and ninety days after it is filed.

In contrast, a divorce is an adversarial proceeding, in which one spouse files a lawsuit against the other, asking the court to decide all matters pertaining to the marriage. Even though one spouse may sue the other for divorce, most people reach an agreement without an actual trial. If no agreement is reached, the court will decide all of the unresolved issues.