Cincinnati Family Law Attorneys

In Ohio, divorce is adversarial, meaning one party sues the other. Dissolution, by contrast, is mutual between both parties. Both sides agree on property, parenting, and support before filing anything in court. Dissolutions are often faster and less expensive because they avoid drawn-out legal battles. They do, however, require a high level of cooperation, something not every couple can manage. If your relationship has broken down but you're still able to have honest and open communication, dissolution may be the best path for you. If there's conflict over assets or custody, divorce might be necessary.

Many families never set foot inside a courtroom during the divorce process. Ohio allows for mediation and collaborative law, both of which keep the legal process private and cooperative. These methods allow both parties to work together to reach a solution without litigation. They can even employ professionals like financial planners and child specialists. This approach is especially valuable for couples who want to preserve a working co-parenting relationship or to keep costs down. It truly depends on your willingness to engage in good-faith communication.

Child support is primarily calculated using state guidelines, which take both parents' income, the number of children, and parenting time into consideration. But those numbers don't always tell the whole story. Additional expenses, like school fees, extracurriculars, and medical needs, often require specific planning. Parents can negotiate how to divide these costs, and courts will generally approve if the arrangement is fair. If your income changes, or your child's needs have shifted, support orders can be modified. We can help ensure that support is based on real numbers and your child's needs.

It really depends, and there is no blanket answer that applies to every situation. If the house was purchased during the marriage, it is likely considered marital property, which is subject to division. One spouse might keep it and buy out the other's equity. Or it might be sold, and the proceeds are divided. If one spouse owned it before the marriage, it may be treated as separate property, but appreciation and mortgage payments could still be subject to division. Experienced family lawyers will help you figure out what is fair.

You don't have to be married to need a parenting plan or child support. Unmarried parents face the same legal expectations when it comes to providing for their child and determining parenting time. If paternity hasn't been legally established, that may be the first step to take. After that, courts use the same "best interest of the child" framework as in divorce cases. Whether you're trying to establish parental rights or enforce existing ones, our team can help you fight for a fair plan.

Parenting plans and support orders can be modified when circumstances change. Maybe someone moves, loses a job, or remarries. Maybe your child's needs shift over time. Courts expect families to evolve, and the law takes that into consideration. Modifications are not guaranteed. You'll have to show that the change is substantial and ongoing. Presenting a clear case that shows how the proposed adjustment fits the child's best interests and the family's new reality is imperative when seeking modifications.

A simple dissolution can be finalized in a few months when both sides cooperate. A contested divorce, especially one involving property disputes or child custody, may take a year or more. Delays often stem from disagreements and emotional gridlock. That's why our firm emphasizes early strategy and communication. Every case moves at its own pace, but we're here to keep yours from dragging out longer than it needs to.

Ask questions. Look at reviews. Pay attention to how you're being treated during your first consultation. Does the attorney make you feel heard? Do you feel like you're being belittled or talked down to? A good family law attorney will explain the law in plain English and ask thoughtful questions. Ideally, you should feel like you have a sense of control over your situation. We encourage potential clients to take advantage of our free consultation. No pressure, just a chance to learn more about us and get a feel for our approach. We will also explain the law.