There is a high likelihood that at some point in your life, you will need the services of a Family Lawyer in Cincinnati Ohio. These professionals handle legal matters related to marriage, children, alimony, property division and other familial issues. A Cincinnati family law attorney can provide valuable advice, draft important documents and represent you in court.
Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage. A divorce can be contested or uncontested. In a uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all issues and the judge simply signs a Judgment Entry for Dissolution of Marriage. A contested divorce is more involved and can last much longer. Either way, it is important to have a qualified and experienced domestic relations attorney on your side.
Both contested and uncontested divorces are complicated, especially when there are children involved. A good family lawyer can make the process go smoothly and quickly. They can also help you understand your rights and responsibilities regarding property division, child custody, visitation and spousal support.
If you and your spouse are in agreement on all issues, a negotiated or uncontested divorce can take as little as four months in Ohio. A contested divorce, however, can take up to two years. It is common for couples with children to have disagreements about parenting time, child custody and spousal support.
In cases of domestic violence, a seasoned family law attorney can protect you and your children from harm. A domestic violence lawyer can assist you in obtaining protective orders, filing for a restraining order and working towards a settlement.
Custody
In Ohio, a judge will establish custody and visitation orders based on what is in the best interests of the child. The judge will consider various factors, including the child’s age and maturity level, the parents’ wishes (if they are reasonable), any history of abuse or neglect, and the accustomed standard of living of each parent.
A judge will also determine child support amounts in a divorce or separation case. The amount will depend on each parent’s income and the cost of raising the child. The judge may also consider alimony payments in some cases, if the spouse with primary physical custody has a lower standard of living than the other spouse.
If you are unable to afford the services of a private family law attorney, the county courthouse has a free Family Law Clinic. This program pairs litigants with a volunteer attorney or law student to assist them in their cases. To apply, you must complete a Family Law Clinic Application and an Agreement for Limited Legal Services. You can find the application on the court’s website, or ask a family law attorney for a copy. The application is reviewed and approved by a volunteer attorney or law student, who will then provide legal assistance to the litigant. Call Davis and Associates, Attorneys at Law at (513) 647-0674 for a Free Consultation with a Top-Rated Cincinnati Divorce Lawyer.
