Divorce Attorney in Dublin

Finding Steady Guidance When Your Marriage Is Ending

If you are thinking about ending your marriage, you may be worried about your children, your finances, and what life will look like a year from now. As a divorce attorney, I help people in the Dublin area move through this process in Franklin County with clarity and support.

I am Catherine M. White, Attorney at Law. I have practiced family law in Ohio since 2001, and my work focuses on divorce, dissolution, custody, and related family matters. I work with clients who live or work in Dublin and throughout Franklin County, and I guide them through each step of an Ohio divorce or dissolution.

Divorce is never just a legal problem. It affects your home, your children, and your sense of stability. My goal is to combine careful legal work with compassionate guidance so you can make informed decisions. 

Take the next step with guidance you can trust – call (614) 426-8720 or schedule a consultation online with a Dublin divorce attorney today.

How I Help With Divorce

When you are facing the end of a marriage, you need more than forms and deadlines. You need someone who will take the time to understand what matters most to you, whether that is staying in your home, maintaining a strong relationship with your children, or keeping conflict as low as possible. I begin by listening carefully to your concerns and your goals, then I explain the range of options available under Ohio law.

I work with clients in both contested divorces and agreed dissolutions, as well as the custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal support issues that often come with them. Many people want to avoid a long, hostile court battle. When it is appropriate, I help clients work toward negotiated agreements or dissolution so they can reach peaceful resolutions and reduce stress and cost. If court hearings become necessary in the Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court, I prepare clients for what to expect and walk them through each stage.

Clear communication is a central part of how I practice. I take time to explain what each document means, what the next step will involve, and how different choices could affect you in the future. My aim is for you to understand why we are taking each step, not just what we are doing. Because divorce often creates financial strain, I offer flexible payment plans so legal help is more manageable while you are adjusting to new expenses and possibly two households.

Understanding Ohio Divorce Options

Before you decide how to move forward, it helps to understand the basic options available in Ohio. The two most common paths to ending a marriage are divorce and dissolution. In a divorce, one spouse files a complaint, and the court resolves any issues that you and your spouse cannot agree on, such as property division or custody. In a dissolution, you and your spouse agree on all issues in advance and file together, asking the court to approve your agreement.

Residency rules affect where you file. In Ohio, at least one spouse must typically have lived in the state for a minimum period before filing. If you live in or near Dublin, your case will usually be filed in the Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court in Columbus. That court handles many divorces and dissolutions for families in this part of central Ohio. The specific path your case takes depends on whether there is agreement on key topics like parenting time, support, and property division.

While every case follows its own course, many Franklin County matters move through similar stages. These often include filing the initial paperwork, possible temporary orders on issues like support or parenting schedules, exchanging financial information, negotiation or mediation, and, if needed, hearings or trial. Throughout this process, the court expects both parties to make full and honest financial disclosures and to follow temporary orders. My role is to help you understand what each step means and what choices you have at each point.

Parenting issues and financial issues are usually addressed within the same case. The court looks at parenting time and legal decision-making for minor children, as well as child support calculations that are guided by Ohio law. Property division and possible spousal support are considered in light of your overall circumstances, such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and future earning potential. I explain how these parts fit together so you can see the full picture, not just one isolated piece.

If you are considering divorce, these early steps can be helpful:

• Gather recent financial records, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and account statements.
• Make a list of major assets and debts, including the home, vehicles, and loans.
• Think about your children’s routines and what a realistic parenting schedule might look like.
• Avoid making major financial moves without legal advice, such as emptying accounts or changing titles.
• Schedule a consultation so we can discuss how Ohio law applies to your specific situation.

Protecting Children & Your Future

For many parents, the most painful part of divorce is uncertainty about their children. You may be worried about where your children will live, how much time you will have with them, and how conflict between adults might affect them. When I work with parents in the Dublin area, I focus on developing parenting plans that support children’s stability while respecting each parent’s relationship with them.

Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court expects parenting plans to address important details such as regular schedules, holidays, and decision-making for education and health care. I help parents think through practical questions, like school locations and work schedules, so proposed plans are realistic for daily life. I aim to reduce surprises and help both parents understand how the plan is likely to function over time.

Your financial future is also a central concern. Property division in Ohio generally focuses on identifying marital property and debts, then dividing them in a way the court views as equitable. That can include the marital home, retirement accounts, business interests, and credit card balances. Support issues, such as child support and possible spousal support, are often intertwined with those decisions. I walk through the options with you, explain how courts commonly approach similar facts, and help you evaluate which proposals best support your long-term stability.

My approach is to explain complex choices in clear, everyday language so you understand the potential consequences before you agree to anything. I strive to keep conflict at a level that does not harm children or drain resources more than necessary, while still working to protect what matters most to you. With careful planning, many clients are able to move into the next stage of life with a clearer sense of direction and a plan for their family.

Why Clients Choose My Practice

When you hire a divorce lawyer, you are choosing someone who will be closely involved in decisions that affect every part of your life. Clients in Dublin and throughout Franklin County often choose my practice because they want direct access to an attorney who is experienced, steady, and personally invested in their case. Since being licensed in Ohio in 2001, I have devoted my work to family law issues, including divorce, dissolution, custody, and related matters.

I earned my law degree from Capital University Law School in Columbus, where I graduated with honors and was selected to the Order of the Curia. My undergraduate degree is in political science from Arizona State University. This background helps me analyze complex situations and explain them in clear terms my clients can use when making decisions. I am a member of the Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Columbus Bar Association, which keeps me connected to developments in family law and local court practice.

When you work with Catherine M. White, Attorney at Law, you work directly with me. I take time to get to know your priorities and your concerns instead of treating you as another file on a shelf. Clients often tell me they value that I return calls, explain documents, and prepare them for what is likely to happen in the Franklin County court system. I also offer flexible payment plans, because I understand that divorce often comes at the same time as higher expenses and major financial changes.

Next Steps Toward Clarity

Reaching out to a divorce attorney in Dublin can feel like a big step, especially if you are still deciding what you want to do. An initial consultation is your chance to tell your story, ask questions, and get a clearer sense of your options under Ohio law. I will listen to your concerns, identify the main legal issues, and outline possible approaches tailored to your situation.

You do not need to gather every document or have every decision made before we talk. During our first meeting or call, I can suggest which records will be most helpful to collect next, such as key financial statements or existing court orders. We will also straightforwardly discuss fees and payment plans so you understand how costs will be managed if you choose to move forward with representation.

You do not have to navigate the Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court on your own. If you live or work in the Dublin area and are facing divorce or dissolution, I welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how I can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between divorce and dissolution in Ohio?

In Ohio, divorce is started by one spouse and allows the court to decide disputed issues, while dissolution is a joint filing where you and your spouse agree on all terms in advance. I can help you evaluate which path better fits your situation and goals.

Will I have to go to court in Franklin County?

Most cases involve at least one court appearance in the Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court, especially for final hearings. How often you appear can depend on whether your case is contested or resolved by agreement. I explain what to expect and prepare you before each appearance.

How much does hiring you for a divorce cost?

The cost of a divorce varies based on factors like how many issues are contested and how much negotiation is needed. I discuss fees at the beginning and offer flexible payment plans to help manage expenses. My goal is to be transparent so there are no surprises.

How long does a divorce usually take here?

Timelines in Franklin County can vary based on court schedules, the complexity of your case, and how quickly agreements are reached. Some dissolutions move more quickly, while contested divorces usually take longer. During our consultation, I can provide a general range based on your circumstances.

How will you keep me informed about my case?

I make communication a priority. I update clients when there are developments, explain upcoming steps, and respond to questions as they arise. You will hear directly from me about filings, court dates, and negotiation progress so you always know where your case stands.

Get guidance for your divorce in Dublin – call (614) 426-8720 or schedule a consultation online to discuss your situation today.