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Six areas of family law. One steady team.

Each area below explains what it is, how it usually goes, how long it takes and what it costs. No surprises later.

01

Divorce and dissolution

Ohio has two ways to end a marriage. A dissolution is for spouses who agree on everything. A divorce is for couples who still have issues to settle, whether by negotiation, mediation or a judge.

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How it usually goes

  1. Free consultation, then your written plan within 3 business days.
  2. We gather finances and draft the separation agreement or the complaint.
  3. We negotiate or mediate the open issues.
  4. A short final hearing makes it official.

Time and cost

Timeline
6 to 10 weeks for an agreed dissolution. 9 to 18 months for a contested divorce.
Fees
$2,400 to $3,200 flat for a dissolution. Contested divorces bill hourly at $285, with a written estimate.

Good to know

At least one spouse must have lived in Ohio for six months before filing. Ohio divides marital property equally unless an equal split would be unfair.

02

Custody and parenting time

Ohio calls custody "allocation of parental rights and responsibilities." Parents can agree to a shared parenting plan, or a judge decides based on the child's best interest. Either way, the plan should fit your children's real week.

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How it usually goes

  1. We map your children's school, activities and current routine.
  2. We draft a schedule and decision-making plan.
  3. We negotiate with the other parent, often through mediation.
  4. The court reviews and adopts the plan.

Time and cost

Timeline
2 to 4 months for an agreed plan. Disputes can take 6 to 12 months.
Fees
$3,500 flat for an agreed plan or modification. Disputed cases bill hourly with a written estimate.

Good to know

Orders can change when circumstances change, such as a move, a new work schedule or a child's needs. More about custody in Ohio

03

Child and spousal support

Ohio calculates child support with a statewide worksheet based on both parents' incomes, the number of children, health insurance and child care. Spousal support has no formula, so the facts and the argument matter more.

How it usually goes

  1. We collect pay stubs, tax returns and benefit costs.
  2. We run the guideline worksheet and check it against your budget.
  3. We negotiate the amount or ask the court to set it.

Time and cost

Timeline
6 to 12 weeks for an agreed modification.
Fees
$1,800 flat for an agreed modification. Contested support bills hourly.

04

Mediation

In mediation, a neutral person helps both of you reach an agreement. Nobody is forced to sign. Most couples settle in 3 to 5 sessions and spend far less than they would in court.

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How it usually goes

  1. A private screening call with each of you.
  2. Two-hour sessions, in person or by video.
  3. A written memorandum of agreement after the last session.
  4. Each of you can have your own lawyer review it.

Time and cost

Timeline
3 to 5 sessions over 4 to 8 weeks.
Fees
$240 per hour, usually split 50/50.

Mediation is not a fit when there is a history of abuse or one person cannot speak freely. We screen every case before the first session.

05

Protection orders

If a family or household member has hurt or threatened you, you can ask the court for a civil protection order. A judge can issue a temporary order the same day you file, followed by a full hearing.

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How it usually goes

  1. A same-day call to understand what happened and keep you safe.
  2. We prepare and file the petition with you.
  3. The court can grant a temporary order the same day.
  4. We prepare you and represent you at the full hearing.

Time and cost

Timeline
Full hearing usually within 7 to 10 court days of the temporary order.
Fees
$1,500 flat through the full hearing. Ask about reduced fees.

06

Adoption

We handle stepparent and relative adoptions from the first form to the final hearing. Most of our adoption hearings end with family photos in the courtroom.

Two parents read a book with their toddler on a bed at home

How it usually goes

  1. We confirm consent requirements and gather records.
  2. We file the petition and arrange any required home study.
  3. The court sets a final hearing.

Time and cost

Timeline
4 to 8 months for most stepparent adoptions.
Fees
$2,800 flat for a stepparent adoption, plus court costs.

Not sure which one fits? Ask us.

The first 30 minutes are free. You leave with a clear next step.

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