Get a Divorce Attorney You Can Trust

Divorce mediation for New Albany, OH, and the greater Columbus area.

Cooke Demer Legal Team | New Albany, OH

Aggressive, Top-Rated,
Compassionate Divorce Attorneys

Divorce wasn’t the path you imagined. Yet here you are, navigating a challenging time that seems more complicated than you ever expected. It’s not just about signing papers and moving on—there are tough decisions ahead, like:

Division of property agreements
Debt division
Child custody arrangement

Don’t do it alone.

You deserve a legal team with extensive experience who will fight for what matters most to you.

Cooke Demer Legal Team | New Albany, OH

Meet Our Team

You Deserve The Best.

Our New Albany divorce lawyers have earned numerous accolades, including:

David J. Demers

Over 75 jury trials successfully led by David J. Demers in state and federal courts across Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Nevada

John P. Johnson

John P. Johnson, board-certified in Family Relations Law by the Ohio State Bar Association and AV Preeminent rating awarded

Adam J. Bennett

Adam J. Bennett’s extensive appellate litigation experience, having argued before the 10th District Court of Appeals and the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals

Andrew P. Cooke

Andrew P. Cooke’s distinguished role as Special Counsel to the Attorney General of Ohio and hearing examiner for various state entities
In your fight for child custody and in dividing up marital assets you deserve the best divorce attorney in New Albany, Ohio.

“Attorney John Johnson handled my dissolution case and was always responsive and attentive to my needs. I highly recommend him for assistance on domestic matters as he is experienced, responsive, and genuinely cares about his client’s case and outcome. Highly recommend his representation.”

-Geoff Spall, Client

What You Need To Know About
Filing For Divorce in Ohio

Residency Requirements

Here’s what you need to know to file for divorce in Ohio:
  • One spouse must have lived in Ohio for at least 6 months.
  • You’ll also need to have resided in the county where you file for at least 90 days.

Grounds For Divorce

In Ohio, the grounds for divorce can vary depending on the circumstances. Legally recognized grounds include (§ 3105.01):

  • Incompatibility (if both parties agree)
  • Living separately for at least one year without cohabitation
  • Adultery
  • Extreme cruelty
  • Willful absence for one year
  • Habitual drunkenness
  • Gross neglect of duty
  • Fraudulent contract
  • Imprisonment of the spouse
  • Obtaining a divorce outside of Ohio that doesn’t release the other spouse from the marital obligations

Whether you’re filing on fault-based or no-fault grounds, it’s essential to understand how these options affect your case.

Fault Divorce vs. No-Fault Divorce

The state of Ohio allows you to file for either a fault-based or no-fault divorce.

Most couples choose a no-fault divorce, which means both parties agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken due to incompatibility or because they’ve been living separately for at least one year.

On the other hand, a fault-based divorce is filed when one spouse can prove the other is at fault for issues like adultery, extreme cruelty, habitual drunkenness, or abandonment.

Understanding which option fits your situation is key, and our knowledgeable divorce attorneys are here to help you handle the process.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

In Ohio, divorces are either contested or uncontested.

  • Uncontested Divorce: You and your spouse agree on everything—property, custody, support. It’s faster, cheaper, and simpler, with minimal court involvement.
  • Contested Divorce: When you can’t agree on key issues, a judge steps in to decide. The divorce proceedings process takes longer and can be more stressful, but we’re here to protect your rights and guide you through it.

Whether your divorce is smooth or complicated, our family law firm has you covered.

What You Can Expect: Your First Meeting With a Divorce Lawyer

Do your research.

Come prepared with the basics of your case and even light research about the attorney you are meeting with.

Prepare your questions.

Write down key questions you have about your rights, the process, and what you can expect from the attorney. Be sure to get clarity on any next steps.

Bring helpful documents.

Gather financial documents, prenuptial agreements, and any additional forms or documents relevant to your case. Every detail matters.

Know your goals.

It’s important to have a clear idea of what you want from the divorce. Are you looking for custody? Assets? Child Support? Know your desired outcomes heading into this first meeting.

Complete any documentation.

Fill out any required forms, such as a contact form, ahead of time so your meeting can be productive and focused.

Arrive on time.

Show up ready to get things moving—punctuality sets the right tone for your case.

Take Control of Your Future with Cooke Demers Attorneys at Law, LLC

Don’t face this difficult time alone. Partner with our family divorce lawyers to protect what matters most.

Hiring A Divorce Lawyer:
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who loses the most in a divorce?

A: Divorce outcomes vary greatly depending on the circumstances, but with skilled legal representation, you can ensure your rights are protected and minimize potential losses.

Q: How much does a divorce cost in Ohio?

A: Divorce costs in Ohio typically range from $4,000 to $15,000, depending on factors such as contested issues, the complexity of assets, and whether children are involved. Experienced attorneys can help manage expenses.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Ohio?

A: While it is not legally required to have an attorney, having an experienced divorce lawyer can protect your interests and ensure the process is handled correctly.

Q: What type of lawyer is best for divorce?

A: An experienced family law attorney who specializes in divorce and has a strong track record in achieving fair settlements is essential to guiding you through the process.

Q: Do I have to tell my partner if I met with a divorce attorney?

A: No, consultations with a divorce attorney are confidential, and you are not obligated to inform your spouse about the meeting.