Navigating a Dissolution of Marriage

In some U.S. states (like Ohio), there’s a difference between a “divorce” and a “dissolution of marriage.” In Arizona, a dissolution of marriage is the same thing as a divorce. It is the legal ending of marriage decreed by a court. It’s the formal and legal ending to your relationship as marriage partners.

Divorce Can Be Easier

A divorce can be complicated because there are so many emotions in play during a dissolution of marriage. It doesn’t have to be gut-wrenching and complex process played out in the courtroom.

Divorce can be easier.

A traditional, litigious divorce can leave you exhausted and regretful. While an Arizona collaborative divorce is a transition from one way of living (together) to another (apart). It’s a bittersweet reminder of what you respect and admire about each other and an optimistic start to a new lifestyle apart.

Dissolution of Marriage: Three Important Decisions

The divorce process may be the next step in your journey of marriage. Like any journey, it’s important to plan and discuss the process before jumping in.

There are three important decisions you need to make before initiating your dissolution of marriage:

1. What Do You Want?

What is your ultimate goal? A dissolution of marriage is the legal end of your marital relationship. It doesn’t have to be the end of a good friendship, and it won’t be the end of your family. Having children together means you will remain connected because co-parenting is important for raising your kids.

Identify your dissolution of marriage priorities and what you want:

• Alimony
• Parenting time and legal decision making for your kids
• Property, assets, and liabilities

2. How to Choose Your Arizona Attorney

I want my clients to have all of their needs met, even the ones they didn’t realize they had at the beginning. -Michelle N. Ogborne

Your Arizona divorce attorney should not only be someone with experience and a good reputation but you need someone who understands where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow. That means decision-making should focus on the future – your future.

Your attorney will genuinely want the best possible outcome for you and your family. The most advantageous scenario for you is having an Arizona divorce attorney that can help with other family and business needs as they arise.

3. Collaborative Divorce vs. Litigation: What’s Best for You?

There are situations when a litigious, adversarial dissolution of marriage is necessary. Today, more couples feel transparency and honesty are the foundation for a better divorce.

Collaborative divorce is family-focused and encourages respectful communication between you. With the collaborative divorce process, you can opt for a speedier, cost-friendly divorce that legally protects you now and later.

Ogborne Law, PLC

During the divorce process, it’s important to understand why the relationship with your attorney is so important. Your dissolution of marriage may be the end of your marital partnership, but you have a long, ever-changing life ahead of you, too! As your family and financial situation change, Ogborne Law can offer resources you need for legal protection and guidance with:

• Estate planning
• Family law
• Marital Agreements
• Mediation

Your dissolution of marriage can be anything you want it to be. Together, we can successfully navigate divorce with dignity. To learn more about the advantages of collaborative divorce in Arizona, contact Ogborne Law today.