Why is Discovery in Ohio Divorce So Confusing? Here are the First Steps you Should Take!
Discovery in a divorce or dissolution case can be a confusing part of the litigation process. It occurs in the initial pre-trial aspect of the proceeding. The ultimate purpose or goal of discovery is to make sure that both sides have all the relevant information about the factual particulars of the case. It is designed to avoid “trial by ambush” and to encourage negotiations between the lawyers after having a full understanding of all potential evidence. Ohio law allows for attorneys to request and receive almost anything which “could” lead to admissible evidence at trial. So, the scope of permissible discovery is very broad!
I. Discovery/Disclosure in a DISSOLUTION:
In a dissolution action, the entire proceeding is premised on each party making a complete disclosure of all his/her assets and liabilities to the other. The “discovery” is intended to be informal and cooperative as both parties need to come to a 100% agreement on all issues before the action is even filed with the Court.
Basic “discovery” is accomplished in the exchange of the fully completed Financial Disclosure Affidavits between them. The … Read More... “Discovery Basics in an Ohio Divorce”