Greene County Family Law & Divorce Attorneys
The law firm of Kirkland & Sommers is a team of experienced family law attorneys providing legal services in Greene County, including Bellbrook, Fairborn, and Beavercreek. Unlike some law firms, our law practice specializes in one area and one area only: family law. Combine this dedicated and focused approach on family law with a team of professionals who have been practicing law for more than 100 combined years, and you’ll understand why Greene County residents put their trust in the family law lawyers at Kirkland & Sommers.
Are you considering a divorce?
Divorce is a significant legal matter that requires careful consideration and professional legal advice. Not only does it denote the end of a marriage, but it also necessitates the division of assets, and sometimes the involvement of child support and other domestic relations matters.
To navigate through such an intricate legal issue, hiring a reputable Greene County family law attorney can make a world of difference. Lawyers trained in family law not only provide you with the necessary legal guidance, but they also empathize with your situation, lending a supportive hand during the invariably tough times.
Understanding Contested Divorce
When it comes to divorce proceedings, not all cases are straightforward. Particularly challenging are contested divorces. In such situations, spouses cannot agree on key issues like child support, the division of property, or child custody, creating the need for legal representation to navigate the complexities.
Common Issues in Contested Divorce
Issues that may lead to a contested divorce can range from financial disagreements to allegations of domestic violence to discrepancies regarding child custody. Legal matters like these require an experienced family law attorney equipped to handle the intricacies of such cases. Not only can they offer guidance on the best means of addressing the issue at hand, but they will also ensure your rights are safeguarded.
Dissolution of Marriage: An Overview
Another route for ending a marriage is dissolution. Unlike a contested divorce, this process is usually more manageable. Both parties agree on all matters including division of assets, child support, and spousal support, before filing a joint petition for dissolution.
Benefits of Choosing Dissolution over Contested Divorce
Choosing dissolution of marriage over a contested divorce can be beneficial, primarily in maintaining a peaceful relationship amongst all of the parties, especially when minor children are involved.
Moreover, opting for dissolution is generally less costly, less time-consuming, and, with the guidance of a qualified family lawyer, could lead to a fair and agreeable outcome.
The Role of a Family Lawyer in the Dissolution of Marriage Process
While a dissolution seems straightforward, having competent legal counsel is crucial. A family law attorney can help in documenting all assets and debts accurately, drafting a fair separation agreement, and ensuring the process adheres to the legal guidelines in Greene County.
Whether you find yourself embroiled in a contested divorce or contemplating dissolution of marriage, consider enlisting the services of a proficient family law attorney. They can substantively lighten the burden of dealing with weighty legal matters and reliably steer you towards an optimal resolution.
Child Custody and Visitation
Child custody issues can be challenging and emotionally charged. There are two types of custody that a court might award: physical and legal custody. Understanding what each type means can significantly impact how you approach your custody case with your divorce attorney.
Physical custody refers to where your child will live, while legal custody relates to decision-making power over essential aspects of the child’s life, like education, healthcare, and religion. These issues can frequently be agreed upon by both parents, but sometimes, they need to go to court. The court will prioritize the child’s best interests. Thus, having an experienced child custody lawyer in your corner can help present your case in the best light, assisting you in securing favorable custody and visitation rights.
Understanding Visitation Rights and Parenting Time
Often, the parent who does not have physical custody gets visitation rights. These are necessary to maintain a consistent relationship between the child and both parents. An experienced Greene County family law lawyer can help you understand, and fight for, your visitation rights and parenting time in court.
Remember, social media can influence your visitation rights, as courts may view your online behavior when deciding what is in the best interest of the child. Always exercise caution when posting on social platforms regarding family matters, seeking advice from a family lawyer when in doubt.
Child Support
Child support is a legal obligation, not a choice. In Ohio, the amount of support is calculated by a structured formula developed by the state. There may be adjustments based on the amount each parent’s amount of parenting time, but in general, this is one of those legal matters where you won’t have a lot of choices.
Domestic Violence and Civil Protection Orders
In cases of domestic violence, your first priority must be the safety of you and your children. Once you are safe, getting legal representation becomes critical. If a parent is deemed harmful or threatening, your lawyer can fight for the safety of you and your child by seeking protective custody orders or a civil protection order. Alternatively, if you have been accused of domestic violence, it is crucial to defend the allegations. Findings of domestic violence can have significant effects on not only the divorce process, but also on background checks and other consequences outside of court.
Domestic relations cases encompass a wide spectrum of issues, including child custody, visitation rights, child support, and domestic violence. A knowledgeable and experienced law firm can provide the legal support you need to navigate these intricate issues.
Other Practice Areas
Did you know that family law attorneys do more than handle divorces? While that may be the largest practice area for most family lawyers, our law office can also help you with:
- Divorce and Legal Separation
- Child custody and Visitation rights
- Child and Spousal Support
- Civil Protection Orders
- Asset and Debt Division
- Adoption and grandparents’ rights
Don’t Face These Legal Issues Alone
Whether you’re facing a child custody battle, dealing with domestic violence, seeking visitation rights or navigating child support, you shouldn’t have to face your family law case alone. The reputable Greene County family lawyers at Kirkland & Sommers can help guide you through these complex situations and work towards your best possible outcome.
Call For a Free Consultation at Kirkland & Sommers
If you are in need of legal assistance for any family law matter, our office offers free consultations and we stand ready to assist you. Our skilled family lawyers are here to provide you with the compassionate and knowledgeable representation you deserve. Your justice is our top priority! Your free consultation is just a call or a click away!