Hyde Park Female Divorce Lawyer
WSM are proud to be female-led. Although female lawyers are still the minority, we understand how women can offer a level of dedication and understanding that is unmatched, especially when it comes to representing women in family law matters.
If you have a preference to work with a female attorney, then you have come to the right place. WSM exclusively represents women and is highly attuned to their needs in family law matters.
People prefer female attorneys for many reasons. You may feel more comfortable confiding in women, or you may prefer to speak to someone with the shared experience of motherhood and divorce as a woman. Or perhaps you have had bad experiences with men, and it would be better for your mental well-being to seek female representation. Whatever the reason, we’ve got you covered.
Our law firm understands the unique challenges women face in family law matters. Most women have a deep concern for their financial security, children’s wellbeing, and how friends and family will react, and this can feel overwhelming.
We will give your case the personal attention it deserves and will do everything possible to secure your future so you can move forward with confidence.
Our attorneys prioritize mediation wherever possible, minimizing court involvement, and therefore time and cost. We are skilled in and court of the courtroom and are committed to the best interests of our clients.
A divorce decree could impact you for the rest of your life, so you should do everything possible to secure the right outcome.
Contact us today to arrange a free consultation with an experienced family law attorney in Hyde Park, OH, at 380-212-3731.
Using Mediation to Streamline The Divorce Process in Hyde Park, OH
At WSM, we want what’s best for our clients, and most of the time that means streamlining the divorce process as much as possible. For us, legal services and mediation go hand-in-hand.
Our attorneys are trained mediators and will do what they can to settle divorce matters at the negotiation table. This empowers our clients to come to personalized arrangements while saving them time and money. It also helps protect children from a long, legal battle.
Any plan that you and your partner are in agreement on will still need to be approved by a judge.
Of course, this isn’t always possible, which is why we are equally skilled in the courtroom and are prepared to represent you on any lingering issues.
We come highly recommended by our previous clients and are always happy to provide testimonies and examples of previous cases in your free consultation/
Family Law Issues and Divorce
Divorce is usually complicated, and it is rare for ex-spouses to agree on all issues raised, especially if there are children involved. It is important that you do what is necessary to protect your interests because divorce decrees are legally binding, and they could impact you for the rest of your life.
When you agree to legal representation from WSM, we will do everything possible to secure favorable outcomes on issues such as:
Child Custody
In divorce cases involving children, child custody is often the issue that causes the most concern. Everyone wants what’s best for them, but people commonly disagree about what that means.
At WSM, our top priority is also the well-being of children, and we will can help you and your ex-spouse formulate a parenting plan that meets your needs.
In Ohio, traditional terms such as joint or sole custody are no longer used, instead, the court assigns the ‘Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities.’
We will use mediation to help you work out a parenting plan that suits your needs, and those of your family. We will then submit it to the court for approval.
You may think that you cannot possibly sit and talk to your ex-spouse, however, our attorneys do an amazing job of helping couples work through their issues, and where this is not possible they can help you put your case forward to a Judge.
In general, the court will look to minimize disruption to the child’s life and keep both parents involved, unless there is a reason not to do so.
If you believe that your ex-spouse is a danger to your children then we can help you to evidence your claims.
Child Support
Usually, the spouse who earns the most will be required to pay child support to the other, unless they themselves care for the child the majority of the time.
Spousal Support/Alimony
For some people, spousal support is incredibly important, it ensures that they can continue to maintain the same standard of living and don’t have to worry about financial burdens after divorce.
Your divorce attorney will ensure that if you sacrificed work to care for children or a home, this is considered. Our goal is for you to leave your marriage feeling confident about your future, and able to comfortably maintain the life you have built.
Property Division
Ohio divides property through ‘equitable distribution, with the goal being to split the property in a ‘fair and just’ way, which doesn’t always equate to a 50/50 split.
Property is split into types, separate and marital. Separate property is personal property that belonged to each individual before marriage and continues to do so afterward.
Marital property covers everything attained by either party while they were married including vehicles, joint bank accounts, investments, and property. This should be split in a fair and just way, considering factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contribution, the primary caregiver of children, and each person’s needs.
Your Hyde Park divorce attorney can help you negotiate property division and submit your plan to the court for approval.
Family Law Matters After Divorce
Once a divorce decree is finalized, you will feel relieved that your legal needs have been met and that you are ready to move on with your new life.
However, new issues can still arise. Our legal team at WSM is committed to all family law matters, including those people face after divorce, including:
Contempt Proceedings
If your ex-spouse repeatedly fails to meet their legal obligations set out in the divorce decree such as failing to pay spousal support or failing to care for children, then you can hold them accountable.
A Hyde Park family law attorney will help you file a contempt proceeding, the Judge may seize assets or use threaten a jail sentence to ensure compliance.
However, it is important to know that visitation and spousal or child support are separate issues. If your ex is failing to meet their obligations, you cannot punish them by limiting visitation. The court will not look favorably on you for limiting visitation, instead, seek help from a law firm.
A divorce lawyer from WSM can help you file a contempt proceeding and will do everything possible to ease your stress.
Divorce Modification
If you need to change anything about your divorce decree, then you can file a ‘Motion for Modification’. It isn’t easy, but the court also understands that sometimes it becomes impossible to comply with the agreements you set in the past.
A divorce lawyer will help ensure you have the evidence required. You will need to show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances such as the discovery of hidden assets, a new job or job loss, changing needs of children, or relocation.
Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, we have worked with many women who have suffered domestic violence, for some it is the very reason that they want to work with a female attorney.
At WSM, we understand the importance of quick action, emotional support, and dedication to your case.
We also understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help. But the female attorney dedicated to your case will help get you to a place of safety quickly and will work to make sure that the court understands the extent of your experiences. This will be important when you are fighting for things like child custody.
If you are in immediate danger, contact the Ohio Domestic Violence Network at 1-800-934-9840 or 911.
Hyde Park Female Attorney FAQ
How much does a divorce cost in Ohio?
The cost of divorce varies case by case, but we will discuss everything with you in a free consultation so that you can make an informed choice. We pride ourselves on being able to use mediation to keep costs down for our clients.
Who pays attorney fees in child custody cases?
Usually, you are responsible for your own attorney fees. However, if your ex-spouse earns significantly more, the Judge may order them to reimburse your costs.
What if my ex-spouse does not want the divorce?
Although your ex can technically contest a divorce, as long as you can evidence proper grounds, you can keep moving forward.
Can I be represented by another woman?
We are proud to be female-led, we understand that some women would rather be represented by a female attorney, and we can always accommodate.
Do grandparents have custody and visitation rights?
Grandparents are able to fight for custody and visitation rights, although it isn’t easy. Parents have constitutional rights to custody unless you can prove that it is not in the child’s best interests for them to be the primary caregiver. If you are a grandmother hoping to secure legal custody, then contact us as soon as possible.
What can I expect from temporary orders?
Divorce decrees can take some time to finalize, therefore the court may first enforce a temporary order in the meantime. This may include instructions for who any children should live with and who stays in the marital home.
A temporary order can also prevent ex-spouses from seeing or speaking to each other, especially if there has been any abuse.
Do courts favor the mother over the father?
Ohio courts are required to make decisions without gender bias. This means that mothers are not looked at more favorably than fathers.
Contact The Divorce Lawyers at WSM Today
WSM is the only law firm in the Hyde Park area that is dedicated solely to the needs of women. Our female attorneys are on hand to offer the commitment, experience, resources, and skills needed to handle your case.
If you are looking for a female attorney who can offer the legal services you need, but who is also prepared to lend a sympathetic ear when you need it then look no further.
We are prepared to handle even the most complex cases and are committed to protecting your interests, and those of your children, if you have any.
Contact us today at 380-212-3731 to schedule a free consultation.