Family law pertains to all matters related to the family unit, such as Domestic Partnerships, Marriage, Divorce, Child Support, Child Custody, Alimony, and other family matters.
Divorce
The end of a marriage is often devastating. This is especially true when the spouses are not able to resolve their differences amicably. Conflict with your soon-to-be ex can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and a desire to get the matter over with as quickly as possible. It is important to remember, however, that how you resolve the matter will have serious consequences when it comes to your long-term future. These consequences can impact your finances, the relationship you enjoy with your children, and more. It is important that you retain an attorney who will protect your interests. Our divorce lawyers handle contested cases throughout Ohio and they pride themselves on providing the highest level of service. We are ready to assist you. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Uncontested Ohio Divorces
Few things are as stressful as the end of a marriage. Fortunately, there are times where spouses are able to be amicable with one another and come to an agreement as to how they will dissolve their union. For those who can reach an agreement, Ohio’s uncontested divorce process allows the matter to be handled quickly, efficiently, and at a lower cost than a contested case. It is important to understand, however, that an agreed upon dissolution must be handled properly. A mistake in your filings can result in the case being delayed or, worse, litigation at some point in the future. By retaining an experienced lawyer you can help to ensure that your case is handled properly and that you are able to move on with your life. Our uncontested divorce attorneys handle matters throughout much of the state and they are ready to assist you. Contact us today.
Child Custody Matters
As a parent you want nothing but the best for your children. Unfortunately, there are instances in which your child’s other parent may be failing to hold up their end of that ideal. These instances can include disagreements over education, extracurricular activities, or situations in which the child is actually being placed in danger. When the needs of your child are not being met then it may be necessary for you to file a case and obtain custody. When this dilemma arises it is important that you retain an experienced attorney to assist you. Our child custody lawyers have decades of combined experience and they stand up for Ohio families. If you require assistance then contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Ohio is like many other states in that it presumes that the parents should share joint custody of a child. This means that the Family Court Judge will begin each matter with the assumption that the parents should have the child for an equal amount of time. The Court will only vary from this assumption, and award a parent primary custody, when it is shown that joint custody would not be in the child’s best interests. When determining what is in a child’s best interests, the Court will consider factors which include, but are not limited to:
- The needs of the child
- The ability of each parent to meet those needs
- The source of any conflict between the parents
- Whether there is a history of violence between the parties
- The need for the child to maintain a relationship with any siblings
The first step in a custody case is to file a Petition with the Court. If the parents are also going through a divorce, then any custody issues will be decided as part of that process. The other parent will file a response. If a settlement/agreement is not reached then the Court will typically issue a temporary order stating how custody is to be shared while the matter is pending. Each side will then have the opportunity to use a process known as “discovery” to gain information from the other. The case will conclude at a bench trial where the Judge will hear the evidence and make a final ruling on all issues. Litigating such matters requires an understanding of the rules of procedure as well as the rules of evidence. It is important that you retain a lawyer who is experienced in such matters.
Our child custody lawyers have decades of combined legal experience. They will use your initial consultation to give you an honest assessment of your case and to help you understand what to expect from the process. We believe in standing up for families and we are ready to assist you.
Changes Of Child Custody
A parent never stops worrying about their child or children. These worries can be amplified in situations where one shares custody with the other parent. Unfortunately, there are times when your counterpart may be failing to meet the needs of the child. This failure can come in the form of inadequate housing, a lack of attention to the child’s health or education, or from the other parent having developed substance abuse problems. In such a situation it is important that you take immediate action to modify your current court order. Our lawyers handle cases involving changes of child custody. We understand that such matters involve serious situations. We will make your case a priority. Contact us today to speak with an attorney.
Protecting a child's best interests
Ohio allows parents to go back to Court after an initial child custody order has already been issued. A parent may modify their current Order if they can show two things. First, they must show that circumstances have significantly changed since the Judge’s last ruling. Second, they must show that, because of this change, it is now in the child’s best interests for custody and visitation to be modified. When considering what is in a child’s “best interests,” the Court will consider factors such as the wishes of the child (depending on their age and maturity), the ability of each parent to meet the child’s needs, whether there is a history of violence between the parties, and more. Litigating such matters can involve complicated legal issues and it is best to retain an experienced lawyer to assist you.
Our attorneys assist with matters involving a change of child custody. Our counsel have extensive trial experience and we will make sure that your case is presented to the Court in a proper fashion. Most importantly, we will make sure that your rights are protected from beginning to end.
