Family Law Lawyers in Columbus, OH

Columbus Family Law Firm Dedicated to Supporting Women

Filing for a divorce is never an easy decision. You might be concerned about its effect on your children, your financial stability, and the reaction from friends and family members. It is natural to feel overwhelmed.

Here at WSM, we are committed to helping women navigate family law matters and ensure the best possible future for our clients.

We have created a law firm dedicated to women and understanding the unique challenges that they face.

Not only will our Columbus family law lawyers guide you through the legal process and fight for your best interests and the interests of your children, but we are also here to listen when you need it, and provide a source of support, both during and after divorce.

How you settle a family dispute could affect you and your children for the rest of your lives. Therefore, it is essential that you have a Columbus family law attorney who is committed to your best interests and is able to fight for a positive outcome fiercely.

Our approach to the attorney-client relationship is unparalleled. We will support you throughout the legal proceedings to ensure that you are in the best position to move on with your life.

Contact us today at 380-210-4413 and arrange a free consultation. 

Our Ohio Family Law Firm serves counties surrounding Columbus including: Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway, and Union.

The Divorce Process in Columbus Ohio

Deciding to file for divorce is never easy.

As a result, many women we work with have been unhappy for many years and when the decision is finally made, most of them want to get it over with as soon as they can.

In Columbus, Ohio, divorce proceedings begin when you or your spouse file a divorce complaint with the family court. The court will then serve formal divorce papers to the other spouse, requiring them to submit an Answer and Counterclaim. At this point, the divorce could proceed in various ways depending on individual circumstances.

It is also possible for both spouses to agree and file a petition jointly. If you can file for an uncontested divorce, then it could be over fairly quickly.

However, even if you both want a divorce, you may not agree on all the factors involved. Factors such as child custody, division of assets, spousal support, child maintenance, and who will keep the family home are often hotly debated issues.

The best way to navigate these challenges and protect your legal rights is to seek help from a divorce attorney at WSM. We are here to guide you through the process from beginning to end and beyond.

We can help you draft your divorce complaint or respond to your spouse’s complaint and will provide comprehensive legal counsel throughout all your proceedings.

[Read: Columbus Women’s Guide to Divorce]

Dissolution vs. Divorce in Ohio

At WSM, we want what’s best for our clients: moving the divorce proceeding along quickly and with as little stress as possible.

That is why we offer dispute resolution, which allows you to settle your divorce outside the contested divorce process using mediation. Mediation has many benefits. It costs less, protects children from the divorce process, is faster, and is more private.

You may think that you cannot possibly come to amicable agreements with your ex-spouse. However, our Columbus family law attorneys are highly skilled in mediation and are prepared to support you through the process while ensuring your interests and your children’s interests are priorities.

If an agreement cannot be reached, we will be prepared to fight for you in Court and will continue to do everything possible to streamline divorce litigation. 

Divorce Considerations

During a divorce, it is essential that you have a law firm by your side that understands the importance of family law issues.

WSM can help you secure a favorable outcome in issues such as:

Child Custody in Columbus

Child custody cases can be extremely stressful to navigate, and it is essential that you have a Columbus family law lawyer by your side to support you and ensure the right outcome.

The court must determine the Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities based on what they believe to be in the child’s best interests.

Even if you use mediation to create a parenting plan, it must still be approved by the Ohio family court. In general, the judge will want to create as little disruption to children’s lives as possible.

WSM can help you make the strongest possible case for child custody using evidence to back up your arguments.

Child Support

The Ohio Family Court upholds that both parents are required to contribute to the child’s financial needs. The judge will use each parent’s respective income to determine their financial obligation.

Typically whoever earns the most will need to pay child support to the other parent. Unless they themselves are the primary custodians. We can help you secure the best possible child support arrangement.

Ohio Property Division

Another challenging issue for ex-spouses is property division. Ohio upholds an equitable distribution law, which means that both spouses are entitled to fair and just shares of their marital property after divorce.

Marital property is all property the couple acquired during their marriage. This may include a home, investments, joint bank accounts, vehicles, and all income earned by both spouses during their marriage.

Separate property, which is anything that each spouse obtained before marriage, or inherited during marriage, will continue to belong to that individual.

Equitable distribution does not necessarily equate to equal distribution. The goal is fairness; rather than a 50/50 split, the court will evaluate the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and each spouse’s unique needs to determine property division.

If you and your partner come to a decision using mediation, the judge will need to approve your decision.

WSM can help ensure that you receive a just and fair share of the property. We will help you gather strong evidence and secure your financial situation in the future. This is especially important in cases that involve high-value assets and where the primary source of income is a self-owned business.

Spousal Support/Alimony

Most of the time, one spouse earns more than the other. Following a divorce, the higher-earning spouse may be required to pay alimony to the other. Alimony is designed to ensure that an ex-spouse can maintain a standard of living following a divorce. The court will make a decision based on many factors, including if one spouse sacrificed job opportunities to care for children.

High-quality law firms such as the spousal support lawyers at WSM can provide the legal assistance necessary to ensure that your financial interests are protected. It is essential that all financial factors are taken into account, including stock options, deferred compensation, and other benefits.

Domestic Violence

If you are suffering domestic violence, then it is essential that you get yourself and your children to a place of safety as soon as possible. You also need a Columbus family law attorney who has dealt with domestic violence before and understands the care and consideration your case deserves.

Our Columbus divorce attorneys take any family law case involving domestic violence very seriously. We will help keep you safe, secure protection orders for you and your family, and gather the evidence needed to ensure that the courts understand the full extent of your experiences.

How to Find the Right Family Law Attorney in Columbus

Hiring representation for your case is a highly personal choice. You want the best Columbus family law lawyers on your side to secure the best outcome for yourself and your children.

Many women want a female attorney they feel comfortable talking to, but they still want to make sure that they have the skills, experiences, and resources to support them. Our team of super lawyers is committed to women in family law matters and has the skills necessary to handle even the most complex cases.

Hari Sathappan, a male attorney on our team, has also dedicated his life to helping women. He is esteemed in his profession and was elected to the Ohio State Bar Association Council of Delegates. He is committed to giving women the tools they need for a bright future post-divorce.

Local and Trusted Columbus Family Law Attorneys

When seeking experienced legal counsel for family law matters in Columbus, look no further than local and trusted family law attorneys who understand the complexities and emotional challenges of these cases. These professionals are well-versed in Ohio’s family law statutes, ensuring that clients receive personalized guidance through divorce, child custody, and asset division proceedings. By prioritizing communication and a client-focused approach, they empower individuals to make informed decisions that secure their rights and protect their future. Their deep understanding of local legal procedures ensures that every aspect of your case is handled with precision and care.

Columbus family law lawyers stand out for their dedication to advocating for equitable outcomes in even the most challenging situations. Whether resolving disputes through mediation or representing clients in court, they bring extensive experience and a commitment to achieving favorable results. These trusted advocates aim to minimize stress while navigating sensitive issues like spousal support, high-conflict divorces, and co-parenting arrangements. With a focus on practical solutions and compassionate representation, they strive to guide clients toward a fresh start with confidence and stability.

Questions to Ask a Potential Columbus Family Law Attorney

Although we are confident that we can provide you with the highest quality support, we know that every law firm claims to be the best. Therefore, to help you gain the confidence you need to make an informed decision about representation, here are some questions that you can ask in your free consultation:

• How long have you practiced family law in Ohio?

• Is there anything unique about my case?

• What approach would you use for handling my divorce?

• Can you show me testimonials from previous clients?

• How long will my case take?

• How quickly can I expect a response from you if I have questions?

These questions can help you determine whether your potential attorney has the experience necessary to handle your case. In addition, they should be able to quickly assess the challenges of your case and should be able to provide a rough timeline.

Your Columbus family law attorney should be willing to try mediation first to save you time, stress, and money, and they should be accessible to you when you need them. That does not mean that they are available 24/7, only that they should respond to you promptly and are willing to be a source of support.

Ohio Family Law Matters Beyond Divorce

At WSM, we can help you with all family law matters:

Divorce Modification

Once your divorce decree has been issued, it is difficult to modify. However, it is normal for circumstances to change, and with the help of a Columbus family law lawyer, you can amend a divorce decree to meet changing needs.

To do that, you will need to submit a motion for modification to the court. Your attorney can help you do so and ensure that you have the evidence needed to justify changes. For example, changes in income, relocation, illness, or if you have discovered hidden assets.

Contempt Proceedings

Divorce decrees are legally binding, which means that if your ex violates the terms of the agreement, then you can file a contempt proceeding.

If, for example, they fail to pay child support, the court can seize their property or even put them in jail to ensure compliance.

WSM will provide the legal guidance you need in these situations and do everything possible to streamline the experience. 

Protect Your Future with an Experienced Columbus Family Law Attorney

No family law attorneys come close to matching WSM when it comes to divorce representation for women.

We are the only firm in the Columbus, OH, area that exclusively represents women, and we have years of experience addressing our clients’ unique concerns.

By committing ourselves to improving the lives of women, we can provide comprehensive legal support through every phase of the divorce process. We will ensure that you have the tools you need to move on to the next chapter of your life in the best way possible.

We have the experience, skills, and resources to help you navigate your divorce case, no matter how complex it may be. For more information, contact us today at 380-210-4413 to schedule a free consultation.