PERRYSBURG FAMILY LAWYER

Are you struggling with a family law dispute? If so, you would benefit from competent legal advice. Family court is no place to try and represent yourself, so contact a Perrysburg family lawyer at Groth & Associates today.

Each member of our team has deep experience in all types of family law disputes. Our office keeps our client’s confidentiality at the forefront of everything we do, as we strive to seek sensible resolutions to difficult legal problems. There is no time like the present to contact us.

DIVORCE & MARITAL DISSOLUTION

Divorce is never an easy decision to make. Nevertheless, one or both spouses eventually realize that there is no future to the marriage, so they decide to legally end it.

In Ohio, couples can choose between divorce or marital dissolution. There are important differences that you must be aware of.

To seek marital dissolution, a couple must reach an agreement on all issues, such as child custody, child support, alimony, and the division of marital property. This is Ohio’s version of “no-fault” divorce, and it is a good choice for those who can work amicably with their spouse to establish the terms of their separation.

By contrast, divorce is contested. A couple cannot reach an agreement on one or all critical issues, so a judge must decide them. Our Perrysburg divorce lawyer has helped many men and women end their marriages in an efficient manner, so please reach out to our firm today.

CHILD CUSTODY & CHILD SUPPORT

Separating when you have children presents unique problems. Child custody can be one of the most tense issues to solve in family law. Ideally, parents will devise a custody arrangement that works for them. But when they can’t agree, Ohio Revised Code § 3109.04 states that a judge will allocate parental rights based on the best interests of the child.

Not all custody and support issues arise in the context of divorce. If you were never married, you can still seek custody and support, though men might need to establish paternity first. A man is also not responsible for child support until he is established as the father.

Child support calculation is often straightforward and is based on guidelines created by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. These guidelines look at many factors, such as the number of children supported and each parent’s income. Judges can sometimes depart from the guidelines in cases where a child has exceptional needs or where another consideration supports it.

SPOUSAL SUPPORT (ALIMONY)

No one should be bankrupted when divorcing. Nevertheless, spouses often have different amounts of assets and earning potential, which can leave a lower-earning spouse in a tough spot once they receive a divorce decree. Accordingly, Ohio law allows spouses to seek alimony.

No one is entitled to spousal support, but a judge can award it after looking at all relevant factors, such as the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s age, future earning potential, and the marital standard of living.  A seasoned Perrysburg family law attorney can make all the difference when requesting alimony.

DIVISION OF MARITAL PROPERTY & DEBTS

Some states are community property states where couples split all assets 50/50. That’s not the law in Ohio. Instead, we are an equitable distribution state. Couples can divide their marital assets and debts themselves. But when they disagree, a judge will divide them fairly after looking at all relevant factors.

There are many disputes that arise with property division:

• Was the asset one spouse’s separate property, which they can leave the marriage with? Or is it a marital property that must be divided?
• Was the asset a gift or inheritance of one spouse? If so, they can take it with them when they divorce.
• Who took out a loan and for what purpose? Did both spouses benefit from a debt, or did only one?

MODIFICATION & ENFORCEMENT

Many disputes arise following a divorce or dissolution. For example, your ex might not follow the child custody schedule and deny you time with your child. Or your ex could be refusing to pay child support or alimony as required by a judge. In other cases, you might want to move out of the state, but the other parent is objecting.

Seeking modification or enforcement is difficult. Many people are surprised they cannot simply take an action themselves. For example, if you lose your job or become disabled, you must continue to pay child support and alimony until a judge relieves you of this responsibility.

When it comes to enforcement, judges have many powers to coerce your ex to follow the divorce decree. One option might be a contempt citation, which can result in fines or time in jail. Our Perrysburg family lawyer can help you seek contempt or another resolution.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & ORDERS OF PROTECTION

No one should suffer abuse in silence. An Ohio protection order can force your partner to move out of your home and will prevent him or her from contacting you or your family. We can seek a protection order on your behalf while divorcing or even if you are not married.

RESOLVING FAMILY LAW DISPUTES EFFICIENTLY

Not every family law dispute needs to end up in court. Our clients often reach a sensible agreement with the other side, allowing them to move on with their lives quickly. But you need a lawyer who is as committed to efficient, effective representation as you are.

At Groth & Associates, our Perrysburg family law attorneys are experienced in all types of dispute resolution. We can help you mediate or participate in a collaborative divorce where both sides are committed to finding common ground.

We also understand how some clients benefit from arbitration, where they present their dispute to a panel of arbitrators to decide. Arbitration is private, unlike divorce. High net-worth individuals often prefer arbitration because it allows them to avoid airing dirty laundry in public.

SPEAK WITH OUR PERRYSBURG FAMILY LAWYER FOR FREE

Groth & Associates provides compassionate, steady guidance to men and women during a family law dispute. Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.