As a family law attorney for 25 years, I am often asked what is the difference between a divorce and dissolution. In Kentucky, there is no difference as all cases proceed as dissolution and Kentucky is a “no-fault” divorce state.
Essentially, the historical difference is that a divorce has contested issues, while a dissolution the parties agree on the issues at hand. Since I practice family law in Ohio, they still recognize the difference between divorce and dissolution. A dissolution can only be filed if the parties agree on all issues: custody, parenting, division of assets, debts, marital and non-marital property, child and spousal support (if any). If the parties do not agree on all issues (or if they agree on nothing), then the case proceeds as a divorce.
Kentucky lawyers and courts often refer to contested and non-contested cases. The contested cases are essentially divorces, while the non-contested cases are equivalent to the Ohio dissolution. Virtually all attorneys charge on an hourly basis, however some non-contested and relatively simple divorces/dissolutions can be charged on a flat fee basis.
Regardless of whether your case is contested or not, it is wise to have an experienced family law attorney discuss with you and review your case prior to signing any Agreement. For a conslutation in Northern Kentucky or Cincinnati, call Michael Bouldin at 581-MIKE, 859-581-6453 or email [email protected].
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