What to Consider When Choosing a Family Law Attorney

If you’re going through a divorce, or dealing with any other issue related to your family, such as child custody or support, you need legal guidance from a good family law attorney. Without one, you could miss important deadlines and end up with a settlement that’s unfair to you. You can use FindLaw to find a qualified lawyer that has extensive knowledge of state and local laws in your area.

What to Consider When Choosing a Family Law Attorney

There are several considerations when selecting the best family law attorney in Cleveland Ohio for your case. You’ll want to look for an experienced attorney who has a proven track record of success and is familiar with the court system in your county and region. You should also choose an attorney who charges reasonable rates for his or her services. Most attorneys charge hourly and will increase their rate as the complexity of your case increases.

For example, if your divorce is contested, you’ll need to negotiate the terms of your separation and work out an agreement on issues like child custody, property division and alimony. A contested divorce is more complex and will take longer than a non-contested divorce. During a contested divorce, the parties will need to present their cases in front of a judge who will make binding decisions on any disputed issues.

A reputable lawyer will have the expertise to handle any legal issue that arises in your case, whether it’s complex or simple. A good family law attorney will listen to your concerns, and provide sound advice on what steps to take to ensure the best resolution for your situation. He or she will also prepare all necessary legal documents and advocate on your behalf in court.

If you are considering a divorce, you’ll want to hire a family lawyer who has experience in handling complicated divorces. A skilled divorce attorney can help you negotiate a fair divorce settlement and minimize your financial expenses. You should also consider hiring a Cleveland divorce attorney who has extensive experience in handling spousal support matters.

You can file for a no-fault divorce in Cleveland if you and your spouse agree on all the terms of your separation, including child custody, visitation and alimony. Fault-based grounds for divorce include adultery, extreme cruelty and bigamy, but these are rarely used in today’s legal system. If you can’t resolve your disagreements, you can file for a dissolution of marriage instead of divorce.

Jonetta J. Kapusta-Dorogi, Attorney at Law, works with Cleveland families on legal issues like contested and uncontested divorces, child custody, visitation, child support and spousal support. Her practice focuses on helping non-traditional couples and families, including gay, lesbian and transgender families. She also assists clients with adoption, parentage actions and estate planning matters. She practices in both state and federal courts in the region. She has more than 35 years of legal experience and is a member of the Norman S. Minor Bar Association.