Family law

Helping give you a fresh start

Are you considering a divorce, dissolution or legal separation? Undoubtedly, you worry about its effect on you and your family. Who will have custody of your children? Will there be shared parenting? Who will pay or receive child support? Who will pay or receive spousal support?

We are experienced family law attorneys who have helped our clients in Butler, Hamilton, Preble, Warren, and Clermont Counties through these difficult times and help move forward with their lives.

Divorce, dissolution, child custody, spousal and child support laws are more confusing than ever. Documents must be filed, children’s rights addressed and property allocated fairly. We find that problems with support payment, parenting rights and restraining orders create seemingly insurmountable emotional tensions. It is our responsibility to make the process as smooth as possible and guide you in finding the best solution.

To get you started we’d like to provide you with some of the information you’ll need to make the right decisions.

Family Law in Ohio

Ohio law allows for a divorce, dissolution or a legal separation. All of these carry unique implications. That is why you should call us first. With our help you will address financial issues and allocate property. Also, you’ll want child custody and support to be allocated fairly to the benefit of the children. We will devise a strategy to obtain an outcome in your best interest.

If you are not married, but have children, the juvenile court has exclusive jurisdiction to allocate parental rights and responsibilities.

Child Support in Ohio

There are child support guidelines in the state of Ohio, but issues regarding whether a spouse is voluntarily employed or underemployed or whether a spouse has revealed all sources of income are common issues. Other factors including parenting time and financial contributions may also impact child support. In any event, we will provide experienced legal advice in your best interest.

spousal Support in Ohio

Depending on the length of your marriage and disparity in income, you may be entitled to spousal support or required to pay spousal support. There are many statutory factors that determine the appropriators, amount and duration of spousal support. Whatever your situation, you can count on experienced legal counsel that puts your interests first.

understanding contempt of court

When one parent is not following a court order—whether involving custody, parenting time, child support, or another parenting provision—you may need to ask the Domestic Relations Court or Juvenile Court to find them in contempt. To do this, you must show clear and convincing evidence that the violation was willful.

This means the other party must have known about the court order and still chose not to follow it. Proving a willful violation can be difficult, and the person bringing the contempt action has the responsibility to show that the other party intentionally ignored the order—not that the issue was caused by circumstances beyond their control.

If you’ve been accused of contempt, you also have the right to defend yourself. You can present information showing that you did comply, that the violation wasn’t intentional, or that there was a valid reason for what happened. These defenses are important in demonstrating that any non-compliance was not willful.

A Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order (DVCPO)

is a court order designed to help protect individuals and families from threats or physical harm. If you feel unsafe or believe you are at risk of physical harm, a DVCPO can provide immediate, enforceable protection.

For those seeking protection:

You can request a DVCPO if you have experienced domestic violence or fear that violence may occur. This order can require the other party to stay away from your home, workplace, or school; stop contacting you; and follow any additional restrictions the court believes are necessary for your safety. The process begins with filing a petition and often includes a same-day hearing for temporary protection. A full hearing is then scheduled so both sides can present evidence.

For those who have been served with a DVCPO:

Being named in a protection order can be overwhelming. A DVCPO is a serious legal matter, and it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities. You will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations at a full hearing. Failing to follow the temporary or final order—even accidentally—can lead to criminal charges, so understanding the terms is essential.

Why legal guidance matters:

Whether you’re seeking protection or defending against a petition, the outcome of a DVCPO hearing can significantly impact your daily life, your family relationships, and even your ability to live in your own home. An attorney can help you understand the process, gather evidence, prepare for hearings, and protect your rights every step of the way.

Bottom line, we guide you through this critical change in life to get you the best possible outcome for you.

contact us today

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Call for a free consultation
513.887.7300
First Financial Bank Building
300 High Street, Suite 604
Hamilton, Ohio 45011