Family Law
Our office can help you in all areas of Family Law.  This includes divorce, dissolution, child custody, child support, and post-divorce motions.

Fast divorce?
The length of time needed to get divorced depends on whether there are property issues or child custody issues that need to be resolved. Generally, it can take 3 months or longer for the entire process. A dissolution is the quickest path to terminating the marriage.

Temporary Orders:
 When the divorce is filed, it may be necessary to ask the court to make temporary orders  about 1) who gets to stay in the house while the divorce is pending, 2) how much child visitation there shall be for each parent while waiting for the divorce to be final, 3) whether there should
be spousal support or child support while the divorce is pending.  

Discovery:
After filing for divorce, your attorney can ask your spouse to provide information about assets, debts, income, and more.  This process allows you to identify all the financial information you need to know to obtain a fair divorce settlement.  If necessary, we obtain information with depositions of your spouse or we issue subpoenas.

Legal Fees and Costs:
Filing fees in Hamilton County are $250.  Attorney fees will depend on how much time is needed to resolve all outstanding issues of property division and child custody. If there are few or little assets, and no argument about child custody issues, legal fees are very reasonable.  If you would like a free consultation about your case, call 621-3200 or email Jon Sinclair.

Property Division:
Ohio is a state that follows equitable distribution rules, which means that property will be divided in a fair and equitable manner.

This means that property acquired during the marriage will be divided equally when possible.  However, property that you owned prior to the marriage and gifts given only to you during the marriage are usually considered separate property, and you can expect to retain it after the marriage.         
                     
Property that is owned by one party prior to the marriage and appreciates during the marriage, such as the family home, is often considered a mixed asset. This means that the appreciation which occurred during the marriage will often be shared equally between the parties.  

Spousal Support:
Ohio has a law (R.C. 3105.18) which states the factors that must be considered when a court awards spousal support. There are no precise ways of determining whether the court will award spousal support and how much it will be.

Every case is different. In a marriage where one spouse gave up a career to stay home with children, spousal support is more likely than in other circumstances. Your attorney will be able to negotiate these issues or argue them in trial.