Divorce is a stressful event for any couple, but it’s especially tough for children. A reputable divorce lawyer can help you work through issues like property division, custody and alimony to minimize the impact on your family. While cost is important when hiring a divorce attorney, it shouldn’t be the primary deciding factor. It’s best to hire an attorney who understands your needs and will fight to protect your rights.
When searching for a Cleveland divorce lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who has experience with all aspects of family law. Nickolls Law Firm is a full-service family law practice that offers both collaborative and litigation services for clients in Cleveland and surrounding areas. Its attorneys are experienced in divorce mediation and have a reputation for treating their clients with compassion and respect. Online reviews from former clients indicate that this is a great choice for anyone looking for a seasoned divorce attorney.
In addition to being experienced in divorce mediation, a good Cleveland divorce attorney should be familiar with the state laws regarding property division and alimony. Ohio is not a community property state but does follow what’s known as an equitable distribution model for the division of assets and debt during divorce. This means that judges will try to divide a couple’s property equally, unless doing so would be unfair.
If you have children, your Cleveland family lawyer will also be familiar with the state’s laws on child custody and visitation. They’ll be able to guide you through the process of negotiating a parenting plan and will fight to protect your rights in court if necessary.
One of the most common questions asked by divorcing couples is whether or not they can date while going through the process. While it is legal to date while a divorce is ongoing, it’s generally not recommended. This is because any interaction or relationship you have with a new person could be brought up during the divorce process and may affect your outcome on issues like child custody and alimony.
It’s also important to remember that divorce lawyers are typically paid by the hour, so if you start dating while your divorce is in progress, it will be more expensive. Lastly, it’s important to keep in mind that it is a crime in Ohio to represent both spouses in the same divorce. If you choose to use the same attorney as your spouse, a conflict of interest will arise and it’s unlikely that your case will be handled fairly.
When searching for a good Cleveland divorce lawyer, it’s a good idea to ask friends and family members for recommendations. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to interview several candidates. Ask each how quickly they respond to emails and phone calls, how transparent they are about their fee structure and what their hourly rates are. It’s also a good idea to ask each candidate about their experience with cases similar to your own.