Experienced Family Law Legal Guidance For Cincinnati
DeBra Law, LLC, is a boutique law firm that offers personalized legal services for those facing divorce and other family law issues. We are dedicated to providing dependable counsel and aggressive advocacy. When you hire our firm, we can take the time to listen to you and make sure that we always maintain an open line of communication.
Our Cincinnati family law attorney has extensive experience handling a wide range of family law matters, including:
- Divorce and dissolution
- Marital property division
- Spousal support
- Child custody
- Parenting plans
- Contempt cases
- Modifications
Personalized Legal Strategies For Your Unique Situation
Just as every family has its differences, each family law case is unique. As you face this challenging time, it is important to have a firm on your side that can tailor its representation and approach to meet your specific needs and goals.
Perhaps you simply want to resolve your legal situation as quickly as possible so that you can move on with your life. We can help with that. If you are concerned about getting the support that you and your child need after divorce, our legal team can assist you in obtaining a fair settlement. If you and your spouse cannot agree on custody matters and a parenting plan, we can help you negotiate the terms and ensure that your child’s best interests are kept central.
Going through a divorce is one of the most challenging times a person can face. The good news is that you do not have to bear the burden alone. DeBra Law, LLC, is here to stand by your side every step of the way.
Answering Common Questions About Family Law In Ohio
Family law questions often arise during difficult times. We’ve provided answers to some common inquiries below.
How long does divorce take in Ohio?
The answer to this question will depend largely on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. In a contested divorce, the parties disagree on at least one matter, whether it’s child custody, property division or spousal support. Essentially, the divorce may take as long as it takes to resolve the dispute.
Sometimes this can happen in a matter of months; other times, the divorce could take more than a year to finalize. It all depends on whether the divorcing spouses can come to an agreement with the help of their attorneys.
With an uncontested divorce, one spouse files for divorce, and the other spouse fails to respond within the allotted 42 days. That is when a judge may grant the divorce. In any case, if you are planning to file for divorce, it is highly recommended that you seek counsel from a divorce attorney before filing.
Our divorce attorney at DeBra Law, LLC, can assess your situation and help ensure that your divorce filing is expedited and handled smoothly, and that your rights and interests are protected from day one.
Note: An uncontested divorce is not the same thing as a dissolution. Read on to learn more.
What is dissolution, as opposed to divorce?
In Ohio, dissolution is an alternative to divorce, but the end result is the same. A big difference is that dissolution can greatly reduce the time and cost of divorce. If you and your spouse agree on every aspect of your divorce and do not need any involvement from a judge, then dissolution may be an option for you.
With dissolution, you and the other party draft your own settlement agreement and present it to the court. Then a hearing is scheduled for 30 to 90 days later, and at that hearing, a judge will finalize the dissolution if you and your spouse are still in agreement about all aspects of your divorce.
Note: Even if you decide to seek a dissolution instead of a traditional divorce, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced divorce attorney before agreeing to a divorce settlement. Unfortunately, many people have signed away important custody and property rights by agreeing to a dissolution before seeking legal counsel.
How is marital property divided in Ohio?
In Ohio, marital property is divided between divorcing spouses on the basis of “equitable distribution.” It’s important to understand that equitable distribution is meant to be fair and sometimes, “fair” does not mean “equal.”
Multiple factors must be considered when seeking a fair division of marital assets and liabilities, and equitable distribution often becomes complex when disputes and high-value assets are involved.
For more on equitable distribution in Ohio, please see our property division overview.
Can I modify my custody and support agreement after my divorce?
If you and your family have experienced a significant change in circumstances after your divorce was finalized or the court issued a custody or support order, it may be possible to petition for a modification.
For example, if your child’s needs have changed significantly, or if a relocation with your child is in your child’s best interests and not a violation of the other parent’s parental rights, then the court may grant a modification.
In these cases, it is always best to have an experienced family law attorney on your side. Modifications of custody and support must be approved by the court, and failing to get court approval could result in a motion for contempt of court.
For more on contempt and how it relates to custody, support and property division, please see our overview of the right to file a motion for contempt.
These answers cover some basics, but family law is rarely simple. If you’re dealing with a divorce or other family matter, professional guidance can make a difference. Our attorneys are here to help you understand your options and protect your interests. Get in touch with us to discuss your situation.
Contact Family Law Attorney Ryan Debra Today
To arrange a consultation, please call us in Cincinnati at 513-548-5920 or complete our contact form. We represent clients throughout Hamilton, Clermont, Warren and the surrounding counties.