Benefit From Our Experience in Family and Criminal Law

Divorce and dissolution are both ways to terminate a marriage.

A dissolution is when both partners agree on all issues related to separation, including property division, settlement of debts, spousal support/alimony, child support, and child custody. The process can take 30-90 days from the time you submit your petition for dissolution.

With both partners working together, dissolution is often less costly and time-consuming than divorce.

A divorce is a contested action, meaning the couple disagrees on one or more of the issues related to separation. The process usually takes a year or more, most often ending in a settlement. Should a trial be necessary, Emily has proven success in the courtroom to ensure your interests are fully protected.

No two cases are alike and therefore the divorce process is different for everyone. The sooner you hire an experienced, client-focused attorney, the more efficient it will be. We can provide valuable counsel, practical and objective solutions, and help relieve a bit of stress.

For most clients the process of divorce follows these basic steps:

1. Consult an attorney

Start with a free consultation. Emily will listen, address your concerns and help you determine next steps.

2. Meet residency requirements

Ohio law requires at least one spouse to live within the state for at least six months prior to the divorce filing.

3. File a complaint

Often referred to as divorce “papers”, the complaint is served to the other party, but divorce cannot be granted for at least six weeks after the other party is legally notified. If no answer is filed, the court grants the divorce. If an answer is filed, the case proceeds to court.

4. SEEK TEMPORARY ORDERS

The divorce process usually takes a year or more. If partners disagree on issues like where children will live, or how bills will be paid, the court will issue temporary orders until the divorce is finalized.

5. “Discovery” process & negotiation

Both parties participate in this process which involves written questions, document requests, interviewing witnesses, taking depositions, and sometimes an investigation by Guardian Ad Litem.

6. Reach a settlement or proceed to trial in court

Most often we’re able to help clients reach a settlement, but in the rare instances that a trial process is necessary, Emily has extensive court experience and proven success.

How do I get custody?

An unmarried woman who gives birth to a child is the sole residential parent and legal custodian of the child until a court issues an Order otherwise. However, a court designating the residential parent and legal custodian of a child shall treat the mother and father as standing on equal ground when making the designation. A Father in Ohio must file a complaint in Juvenile Court to establish his rights as a father. Juvenile Court will determine, custody, parenting time and child support.

Co-parenting apps

Communication is key, and a little support can go a long way. We’ve heard good things about these apps:

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OurFamilyWizard

Penalties for OVI convictions depend on the circumstances of the offense, as well as the number of prior OVI convictions an offender has, but can include:

• $375 to $20,000 in fines

• 3 days to 15 years jail time,

• Placement of an interlock device on the offender’s vehicle,

• Drivers’ intervention program,

• Yellow OVI Plates,

• Alcohol monitoring system,

• Alcohol and drug treatment programs,

• Vehicle Immobilization or Forfeiture,

• Driver’s license suspension or revocation, and/or

• Court costs and fees.

In Ohio, an OVI offense is a misdemeanor or a felony which means, in addition to the penalties listed, there could be collateral consequences to a conviction, including:

• Professional Licenses

• Immigration Status

• Security Clearances

• Gun Rights

• Parenting Rights

• College Admissions and Financial Aid

• Voting Rights

• Adoption Rights