Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio
I have to file my "answer" to the complaint for decree of divorce my husband served me and I am doing this pro se. I agree with everything in the decree itself, just not what is in the affidavit of property, income and expenses. Does this mean I am contesting? What needs to be in the answer seeing as how it isn't as simple as a form that needs to be filled out. Is there anywhere I could get a look at one that has already been filed or an example of one. I have all of my forms filled out, ready to be filed but this "answer" really has me confused. Can you help?
1 Answer from Attorneys
You can look up divorce cases in the online dockets for county common pleas courts (i.e. Summit county common pleas, Cuyahoga county common pleas, etc.). Some online dockets have court filings such as an answer to a divorce complaint available for download. For instance, Summit County Common Pleas does this but I believe you have to go that courthouse and use their computers to have access. Whatever county you are in, go to the common pleas courthouse, look up a divorce cases, you should be able to locate the actual files because its supposed to be public record, and then look through them for the type of document you need.
The better option is to hire an attorney so that your interests are best protected. More power to you to do it pro se but you have no recourse except against yourself. I suggest you call several attornies - you might be pleasantly surprised that one or more is more affordable than you thought.
If you wish to discuss this further, feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Simon W. Johnson
www.swjlawoffice.com
(440) 477-6075