Dissolution and Divorce Attorney in Toledo, Ohio
The end of a marriage is one of the most significant transitions a person can experience. It often brings emotional strain, financial uncertainty, and difficult decisions that can affect every part of your life. Whether your situation is cooperative or highly contested, having experienced legal guidance is essential. At the Law Office of Attorney David Shook, we help individuals and families throughout Toledo, Ohio, navigate the dissolution and divorce process with clarity, preparation, and steady support.
With more than 34 years of experience in family and protective law, Attorney David Shook provides trusted counsel during one of life’s most challenging moments. Our firm is built on personalized attention, honest communication, and legal strategies designed to protect your interests and help you move forward with confidence. Whether your case involves child custody, support, property division, or complex financial matters, we work to ensure that your rights and long-term well-being are protected.
Attorney Shook is licensed in Ohio and Michigan and is a member of the Toledo Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and the State Bar of Michigan. After briefly practicing with another firm from 2022 to early 2025, he reestablished his solo practice with a renewed commitment to client-centered service. Today, our firm focuses on family law matters that require strong advocacy and experienced legal judgment, including dissolution, divorce, custody, spousal support, motions to show cause, and protection orders.
Understanding Dissolution in Ohio
Dissolution is Ohio’s cooperative method of ending a marriage. Unlike divorce, dissolution relies on mutual agreement rather than litigation. Both spouses must work together to resolve every issue related to the separation before filing anything with the court. Once those agreements are complete, the terms are presented to the court in a separation agreement, and the judge finalizes the dissolution after a brief hearing.
Requirements for Dissolution
To proceed with a dissolution, spouses must agree on:
• Division of marital and separate property
• Allocation of debts
• Parenting time and custody arrangements
• Child support obligations
• Spousal support
• Any other legal matters related to ending the marriage
Because both parties must agree on every detail before the case is filed, dissolution is often faster and less costly than contested divorce litigation. It can also be less stressful, since spouses avoid the adversarial nature of courtroom disputes.
However, cooperation does not mean you should forgo legal advice. The terms of your dissolution will shape your financial stability, security, and family arrangements for years to come. Attorney Shook helps clients understand their rights and negotiate fair, thorough agreements. We ensure that details are not overlooked, assets are properly identified and valued, and parenting arrangements support the best interests of the children.
Creating a Strong Separation Agreement
A detailed separation agreement can prevent future conflict. Our firm assists with:
• Evaluating the marital estate
• Reviewing retirement accounts and pensions
• Addressing business ownership interests
• Drafting parenting schedules that fit the family’s routine
• Ensuring child support complies with Ohio guidelines
• Considering future needs such as college expenses or relocation
• Protecting separate property and premarital assets
We focus on providing clear, organized terms that both parties understand and can rely on long-term.
Divorce in Ohio
Divorce becomes necessary when spouses cannot agree on important issues or when cooperation is no longer possible. Unlike dissolution, divorce allows the court to resolve contested matters. Divorce may be filed on no-fault grounds such as incompatibility or on fault-based grounds that include adultery, abandonment, extreme cruelty, or habitual drunkenness.
Attorney David Shook represents clients in both contested and uncontested divorce proceedings in Toledo and Lucas County Domestic Relations Court. Divorce cases can involve several stages, and each stage requires preparation and careful attention to detail.
The Divorce Process
Although every case is unique, the divorce process typically includes:
- Filing a complaint for divorce
- Serving the other spouse
- Temporary orders regarding finances or parenting
- Discovery of financial and personal information
- Settlement negotiations
- Mediation when ordered
- Pretrial conferences
- Trial if issues cannot be resolved
Each step involves important decisions that may affect your rights and future stability. Attorney Shook helps clients understand their options and prepares them thoroughly for every stage of the case.
High Conflict Divorce
Some divorces involve serious disputes related to finances, children, or conduct during the marriage. These cases may require:
• Temporary restraining orders
• Detailed financial investigations
• Expert evaluations
• Testimony from counselors or educators
• Review of communication patterns
• Protection orders
• Preparation for trial
Our firm has extensive experience handling complex and contentious divorce litigation and works to protect clients from intimidation, manipulation, or unfair settlement pressure.
Property Division and Financial Matters
Dividing assets and debts is often one of the most difficult parts of ending a marriage. Ohio follows the equitable distribution model, which means marital property is divided fairly rather than equally. What is considered fair depends on the circumstances of the marriage and each spouse’s financial situation.
Identifying and Dividing Marital Property
Marital property may include:
• The marital home and other real estate
• Vehicles and personal property
• Bank accounts and investments
• Retirement accounts and pensions
• Stock options and employment benefits
• Businesses and professional practices
• Personal belongings and valuables
Attorney Shook helps clients identify marital and separate property, value assets, and negotiate divisions that are reasonable and well documented. Special attention is given to retirement accounts that require Qualified Domestic Relations Orders or division of pensions.
Division of Debt
Marital debt must also be divided. This may include:
• Mortgages
• Personal loans
• Credit cards
• Medical bills
• Tax obligations
• Student loans under certain circumstances
We help clients understand their exposure to joint debts and work to negotiate terms that protect their long-term financial stability.
Spousal Support
Spousal support, often called alimony, may be awarded based on several factors, including length of marriage, income levels, earning capacity, health, and contributions to the marriage. Attorney Shook helps clients pursue fair support arrangements, whether seeking or contesting support.
Custody, Parenting Time, and Support Issues
Divorce cases involving children require special care. Parenting arrangements, support obligations, and decision-making responsibilities must be addressed with the child’s best interests in mind. Attorney Shook helps parents:
• Establish parenting schedules
• Create shared parenting plans
• Pursue sole custody when necessary
• Calculate child support
• Address school choice and medical decisions
• Present evidence of involvement and parenting strengths
If parents cannot agree on these matters, the court will decide based on statutory best-interest factors.
Temporary Orders During Divorce
While the divorce is pending, the court may issue temporary orders relating to:
• Parenting time
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Use of the marital home
• Payment of bills
• Custody arrangements
These temporary orders often shape the tone of the entire case. Our firm works to ensure that temporary orders reflect fairness and meet the immediate needs of both the parent and the child.
Modifying or Enforcing Divorce Decrees
Life can change significantly after a divorce is finalized. When circumstances shift, you may need to modify an existing order involving custody, support, or parenting time. You may also need to enforce an order through contempt proceedings if the other party fails to meet their obligations.
Attorney Shook assists clients who need to update their orders or respond to modification requests. We also represent clients seeking enforcement when the other party refuses to comply with court-ordered terms.
Choosing Between Dissolution and Divorce
Dissolution and divorce both legally end a marriage, but the processes differ significantly. Choosing the right path depends on your circumstances, communication with your spouse, ability to compromise, and goals for the future.
Dissolution May Be Right For You If:
• You and your spouse can work cooperatively
• You agree on the division of assets and debts
• You can reach a parenting agreement
• You want a faster, more private process
• You want to reduce conflict
• You prefer to avoid litigation
Divorce May Be Necessary If:
• You cannot agree on key issues
• There is a history of conflict or dishonesty
• One spouse refuses to participate in negotiations
• There are concerns about finances or hidden assets
• Safety concerns or protection orders are present
• Litigation is needed to resolve disputes
Attorney Shook helps clients evaluate their situation honestly and choose the legal approach that best protects their future.
Focused on Your Future
The end of a marriage is difficult, but it can also be the beginning of a more stable and hopeful future. With the right legal support, you can move through the process with confidence and clarity. The Law Office of Attorney David Shook is committed to helping clients make informed decisions, protect their rights, and secure a fair and workable resolution.
Contact a Dissolution and Divorce Attorney in Toledo, Ohio
If you are considering dissolution or divorce in Toledo or Northwest Ohio, Attorney David Shook is ready to help. Our firm provides experienced and supportive representation for every stage of the process.
Call us at (419) 779-2027 or contact us through our online form to schedule a consultation. We are here to guide you toward a stronger and more stable future.