Contested Divorce in Columbus

Family Law Representation Built for Disputed Divorces

When a divorce involves unresolved disputes over property, children, or finances, the case requires more than paperwork. It requires preparation and an attorney willing to go to court. Richard L. Morris Co., L.P.A has handled family law matters in Columbus for over 33 years, led by Richard L. Morris, whose practice centers on understanding each client’s goals and building a strategy around them. We serve clients throughout Franklin, Delaware, and Fairfield Counties.

If your divorce involves disputed terms, call us today at (614) 656-4252 to schedule an initial consultation and learn where you stand.

Contested Divorce vs. Dissolution of Marriage in Ohio

Ohio draws a clear legal distinction between these two paths. An uncontested divorce is filed as a “dissolution of marriage,” a process that requires both spouses to agree on every term before the court gets involved. If either spouse disputes any term, the case proceeds as a contested divorce action.

To file in Ohio, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months immediately before filing. The case is generally filed in the county where a spouse has resided for at least 90 days, which, for most Columbus-area clients, means the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division. Once the complaint is served, the responding spouse has 28 days to file an answer. Disputing any term in that answer, or filing a counterclaim, makes the case contested.

Ohio law recognizes eleven statutory grounds for divorce under Ohio Revised Code 3105.01. The no-fault incompatibility ground is only available when it isn’t denied by the other spouse, so a contested case must rely on another statutory ground, such as gross neglect of duty, extreme cruelty, or living separate and apart for at least one year.

Issues Most Commonly Disputed in Ohio Divorces

Most contested divorces center on one or more of three areas: property and debt division, spousal support, and child custody and support. These are also the areas where the stakes are highest and where thorough preparation can make a meaningful difference.

• Property and asset division: Ohio follows an equitable distribution standard, meaning the court divides marital property fairly, though not always equally. Disputes over the valuation or classification of assets can significantly affect the result.
• Spousal support: Disputes often intensify when there is a significant income gap between spouses. Courts weigh factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage.
• Child custody and support: Ohio courts decide custody based on the child’s best interest, addressing both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (parenting time). In cases with significant conflict, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem, an independent advocate who investigates each parent’s home environment and reports to the court before orders are issued.

How a Contested Divorce Proceeds in Franklin County

After the answer deadline passes, the case enters discovery. Both spouses exchange financial disclosures, and either side may take depositions or request documents to build a full picture of the marital estate. Discovery is followed by negotiation or mediation, where many cases resolve without going to trial.

When a spouse refuses to participate or can’t be located, the case doesn’t stop. The court can enter temporary orders and allow the case to proceed through service by publication. If no agreement is reached, the matter goes to trial before a domestic relations judge.

Contested divorces take considerably longer than dissolutions. Depending on the complexity of the property, custody, or support issues involved, disputed cases in Columbus may run 12 to 18 months from filing to final decree.

Our Approach: Prepare Thoroughly, Negotiate Honestly, Litigate When Necessary

We begin every case by understanding your specific circumstances, not applying a generic strategy. Richard L. Morris and our team work to resolve disputes through negotiation whenever possible. That means lower costs, less time, and less disruption for you and your family. But negotiation has limits, and we don’t treat settlement as the only acceptable outcome.

When a spouse is unreasonable, uncooperative, or attempting to hide assets, we’re prepared to take the case to the Franklin County Domestic Relations Division and advocate vigorously on your behalf. Our reputation is built in part on that willingness to litigate. Meticulous case preparation supports that advocacy: We identify the issues, gather the evidence, and develop a clear legal strategy before we set foot in a courtroom.

Throughout the process, you’ll hear from us. We provide honest, straightforward counsel, which means realistic guidance about what to expect, not reassurances designed to keep you comfortable. From your initial consultation through the final order, we stay in contact and address your concerns as the case develops.

Schedule a Consultation for Your Columbus Divorce

A contested divorce is one of the most consequential legal processes you’ll face. The decisions made in these cases affect your finances, your living situation, and your children for years. You deserve counsel that treats your case with the preparation it requires.

Richard L. Morris Co., L.P.A offers initial consultations for individuals facing a disputed divorce in Columbus and throughout Franklin, Delaware, and Fairfield Counties. Call us at (614) 656-4252 to speak with our team and take the first step toward addressing the issues in your case.