At Gavvl Law, our attorneys can assist you with the dissolution of marriage process by helping you draft and file the necessary documents that comply with state and local requirements. This service is focused on preparing and submitting the dissolution paperwork without any court appearances included. Please note that filing fees may vary by county and will be billed separately from our flat fee. If you need more extensive support throughout the dissolution process, we also offer full representation options.

Dissolution of Marriage

$1,750.00

Quantity

Limited scope representation allows you to choose specific aspects of your case where you need legal help, such as drafting documents or providing advice. This option gives you more control and can be more affordable, but it does not include court appearances or complete case management.

Full representation means our attorneys handle your entire case from start to finish. This includes all legal documents, court appearances, and ongoing support. It’s ideal if you want comprehensive assistance and peace of mind throughout the process.

Choose the option that best fits your needs and budget!
Petition for Dissolution: You and your spouse will need to complete all of the required documents in order to file your Petition for Dissolution with the court. This includes a Separation Agreement, signed by both parties, that outlines how you will divide property, assets, and debts. If you and your spouse have minor children, this will also need to include a signed Shared Parenting Plan (for joint custody arrangements) or a Parenting Plan (if one parent will have sole custody). The Petition for Dissolution will not move forward with the court unless these agreements are signed by both parties as well as all other documentation required by your local court.

Final Merits Hearing: Once the Petition for Dissolution has been successfully filed with the court, they will schedule a final mertis hearing. This hearing takes approximately 15 minutes and is either held in person or virtually, depending on the county. At this hearing, you and your spouse will confirm that you are in agreements with the terms submitted to the court and confirm that you are requesting that the court terminate your marriage. Given the nature of this hearing, parties are often comfortable moving forward without an attorney present. For our limited scope services, this hearing is not included in the flat fee.

Finalization: Following the final merits hearing, you will recieve a copy of your Decree of Dissolution signed by the Judge, often by mail a few weeks after the hearing date. The date that the Judge signs the Decree will be the date that your marriage will be deemed legally terminated.
Both a divorce and dissolution have the same legal effect of terminating your marriage.

DIVORCE VS. DISSOLUTION:

Dissolution: Spouses agree on all aspects of their separation, including how they want to address custody and the division of property, assets, and debts. All required agreements and paperwork must be completed and signed by both parties prior to filing with the court. Only one hearing is required to finalize the termination of marriage. This is often a faster and less costly route than divorce.

Divorce: Spouses do not agree on all aspects of their separation and may require intervention by the court to decide issues related to custody, property, assets, and debts.

WHEN IS A DISSOLUTION THE BEST CHOICE?

Before proceeding with a dissolution of marriage, it’s crucial to ensure that you and your spouse agree on all aspects of your separation, including custody arrangements and the division of property, assets, and debts. A dissolution is only a suitable option for couples who have reached consensus on these issues and are ready to finalize their agreements.

If you and your spouse are not in agreement on all matters, it may be more appropriate to consider filing a Complaint for Divorce.

If you and your spouse start the process of dissolution and find that you do not agree on all aspects of your separation, Gavvl Law can assist you by converting your dissolution process into a divorce complaint. Please note that an additional fee of up to $1,000.00 may apply for this conversion, depending on the work already completed for the dissolution.

Our team is here to guide you through this process with compassion and expertise!