Columbus: (614) 228-2100 - Cleveland: (216) 333-5200

Cleveland, Ohio Divorce & Dissolution Lawyer

A city skyline with buildings lit up at night.

Contact a Cleveland, Ohio Divorce & Dissolution Lawyer Today

Friedman Law Offices provides the highest quality legal representation, affordable rates, and fast service to get your divorce or dissolution filed and finalized as quickly as possible.  Call today for a free same-day telephone consultation with a qualified Cleveland, Ohio divorce & dissolution lawyer.

Friedman Law Offices is ONLY accepting uncontested divorce and dissolution cases in the Cleveland area.

Get your Cleveland Uncontested Divorce or Dissolution WITHOUT GOING TO COURT!

Getting a divorce or dissolution is stressful enough without having to deal with the trouble of having to go to court.  At Friedman Law Offices, all of our Cleveland, Ohio divorce and dissolution cases are directed to a private judge – this means that your final hearing will take place in the comfort of our office and you will never have to step foot inside a courtroom.

What is a private judge?

Under Ohio law, a retired judge may register to serve as a private judge.  If the parties in a divorce or dissolution agree to use a private judge, the entire matter can be finalized without ever having to go to court.

Here are just a few of the advantages of using a private judge:

  • All hearings take place in the comfort and privacy of our office – you never have to go to court.
  • Using a private judge is fast – you don’t have to wait a long time to finalize your matter. Dissolution cases can be heard on the 31st day after filing and uncontested divorce cases can be finalized on the 43rd day after filing.
  • Hearings can be scheduled at your convenience – even on weekends – there is no need to take a day off work.

Cleveland, Ohio Uncontested Divorce & Dissolution Fees

NO FINE PRINT – NO GUESSING – NO SURPRISE CHARGES.

Dissolution (With Children) Dissolution (Without Children) Unontested Divorce (With Children) Uncontested Divorce (Without Children)
Legal Fee $2,500 $1,500 $2,500 $1,500
Private Judge Fee $150 $150 $150 $150
Filing Fee/Court Costs (Cuyahoga County) $200 $150 $300 $200
Total Cost $2,850 $1,800 $2,9950 $1,850
  Dissolution (With Children) Dissolution (Without Children)
Legal Fee $2,500 $1,500
Private Judge Fee $150 $150
Filing Fee/Court Costs (Cuyahoga County) $200 $150
Total Cost $2,850 $1,800
  Divorce (With Children) Divorce (Without Children)
Legal Fee $2,500 $1,500
Private Judge Fee $150 $150
Filing Fee/Court Costs (Cuyahoga County) $300 $200
Total Cost $2,950 $1,850

Requirements to be eligible for an Uncontested Divorce or Dissolution?

1. Jurisdiction & Venue:  One of the parties must have been a resident of the State of Ohio for at least 6 months on the date that you file; and, a resident of the county where you will be filing for at least 90 days;

2. Complete Agreement: You and your spouse must have reached an agreement on ALL of the following issues: The division of all real estate (if any); the division of all personal property; the division of all debts; the payment of spousal support (if any); the allocation of parental rights (if there are children); and the payment of child support (if there are children). Additionally, both parties must agree to have a private judge appointed to preside over the final hearing.

What happens if my spouse and I are unable to reach an agreement on a particular issue?

Unfortunately, not all couples can agree on the division of assets and debts and the allocation of parental rights.  If you cannot reach an agreement you will have to file a contested divorce.  With a contested divorce the court will decide on how to resolve the dispute.  A contested divorce can be a very expensive and time-consuming matter.

What is the difference between an Ohio Divorce and an Ohio Dissolution?

The primary difference between an uncontested divorce and a dissolution is that with a dissolution, BOTH parties must attend the final hearing. With an uncontested divorce, the plaintiff can attend the hearing with a witness.  If both parties intend to come to the final hearing I suggest that you choose a dissolution rather than a divorce.