Can I refuse to agree to a legal separation and/or divorce that my wife is creating with her lawyer? What could happen?

If you refuse, your wife can file a legal action for a separation and the court will proceed to determine the issues of property division, if requested, and support. In that action, you can seek conciliation however judges are loath to order that step if one party does not wish it. In the separation, you can seek allocation of parental rights that can include custody, either shared or sole. The fact of the matter is that courts in Ohio will generally not force a spouse to remain married when that spouse wants out of the marriage.

THE ANSWER PROVIDED is for general informational purposes only. This attorney does not intend to give legal advice. Evaluating the statutes and case law, as well as any relevant court documents together with a more detailed factual analysis could result in a different response. The attorney does not intend to create an attorney/client relationship by the response. Anyone seeking legal advice should always consult with retained legal counsel for a full evaluation of his or her claims.