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Custody Determination

When making a custody determination, a court will review and consider a variety of factors and make its determination based on the best interests of the child(ren). Our attorneys will fight to protect your parental rights. We represent both mothers and fathers throughout Northeastern and Northwestern Ohio counties.

Shared Parenting Plan

Our experienced family law attorneys will guide you through the custody process and explain the various options, including full custody, legal custody, physical custody and shared parenting. In most cases where the parties are able to communicate, shared parenting will be the solution. Although one parent may be designated residential parent for school purposes, both parents jointly share decisions concerning the child. Ohio encourages parents to amicably agree on shared parenting arrangements for custody and visitation. A cooperative environment and joint parenting generally leads to less emotional stress for the parties and child(ren) and can greatly reduce financial costs in a divorce or parenting proceeding.

Court Decision

If a shared parenting plan cannot be reached, our attorneys will petition the court for an appropriate judicial custodial determination, including a temporary custody order. When making a custody determination, the court will consider a host of factors including, but not limited to, the needs and safety of the child(ren), your ability to serve as a custodian and facilitate visitation with the other spouse, the relationship between the parents, and the wishes and best interest of the child(ren).

If you have questions about child support, parental rights, or other concerns about a divorce, visit our Family Law page or contact one of our family law attorneys.

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Our family law attorneys work with our business, financial, tax, estate planning and bankruptcy attorneys as well to provide our clients with a comprehensive approach to all their family law needs. If you have a family law matter, please contact one of our family law attorneys as soon as possible to find out how they can help.

Dissolutions

A dissolution requires cooperation and involves a separation where the parties can agree to all aspects of dissolving their marriage, i.e., property division, custody and support. This method of terminating a marriage is quicker and more cost-effective. Read more about a dissolution.

Property Division

Ohio utilizes an equitable distribution process to ensure that all of the marital assets and debts are equitably divided between the parties. Equitable does not necessarily mean “even” but, more importantly, “fair.” In other words, when a court seeks to divide the marital estate, it will do what is fair and appropriate; often times this results in an “even” division but sometimes it does not. Read more about property division.

Child Support

Child support is determined using a formula taking into consideration the number of children you have, the income of the parties, the parenting arrangement, medical care costs, daycare costs, who receives the tax dependency exemption(s) and various other factors. Read more about child support.

Spousal Support

Spousal support is left within the discretion of the particular judge assigned to your case. Read more about spousal support.

Modifications

Our attorneys can assist with domestic relations and juvenile court related support modification issues. Read more about modifications.

Guardian ad Litem

Our attorneys are experienced at selecting and working with Guardian ad Litems to aid the parents and the court in making custodial and visitation determinations. Read more about Guardian ad Litem.

Domestic Violence

If you or a family member has been assaulted or harassed by a present or former household member, our family law attorneys will take action and protect your family. Our attorneys will be there for you at every step, as you engage in one of the most difficult times of your life. Read more about domestic violence.

Parental Relocation

Whether you are the relocating parent or you want to dispute the relocation of the other parent, our family law attorneys are familiar with the laws surrounding parental relocation and out-of-state parenting issues. Read more about parental relocation.

Enforcement of Court Orders

It is important to take legal action to enforce orders of the court and to ensure that you receive the proper support, property, or parenting time. Read more about enforcement of court orders.

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement is a contract between two parties in contemplation of marriage. These agreements usually address property issues in the event of a divorce, dissolution or death. Read more about prenuptial agreements.