Cincinnati Family Lawyer

Trusted Cincinnati Family Law Attorney

When a legal issue arises between members of a family, emotions and tensions can run high. You deserve someone you can turn to for support through this difficult time. For many folks, a family law issue is the first occasion they have to visit the Hamilton County Domestic Relations Court. Legal proceedings can be both overwhelming and intimidating, but with the legal help of a compassionate Cincinnati family lawyer, you can navigate the unknown with confidence.

About Hoberg Law: Preparation, Planning, Protection

Family law matters can become high-stakes situations. The outcome of a case can affect how your family functions for years to come. That is why you need an experienced and skilled attorney to help you through the associated legal processes.

At Hoberg Law, we bring more than a decade of experience advocating for family law clients to the table. We approach each case with the dedication, respect, and empathy our clients deserve.

When you step into our office at 4030 Smith Road in Cincinnati, you are more than a case number to us. You are a person with a unique background, a family to protect, and specific concerns to address. From the first time you contact us, we are committed to helping you protect your rights and reach a stable and healthy family situation.

Common Areas of Family Law in Cincinnati, Ohio

A family law dispute in Cincinnati can be one of the most difficult things an individual has to go through. Most people want their case to end in a way that limits conflict and preserves their relationships while prioritizing their rights. Despite this, no matter how amicable you try to remain with your family member, a family law case can disrupt your entire life and pose several challenges, which is why a lawyer’s presence in your case is so essential.

At Hoberg Law, we have helped clients through a wide range of different family law cases and are ready to focus our time and attention on you. The most common areas of family law that we deal with include the following:

• Divorce. Even the most amicable of divorce cases can still prove to be a challenging transition. Ohio has a divorce rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents, so these cases are by no means uncommon. In Cincinnati, a couple can pursue a divorce even if they are unable to reach an agreement on issues related to their divorce, such as the division of property or the custody of any minor children, but these divorces are considered to be contested.
• Dissolution. In Section 3105.63 of the Ohio code, the state of Ohio recognizes an alternate route to divorce, known as dissolution. In a case of dissolution, both parties are able to reach agreements regarding the topics involved in their divorce, like the custody of their children and the division of any marital property. At Hoberg Law, we can help ensure that everything is correctly filled out and filed in order to petition the courts and make things official.
• Child custody. Some of the most emotionally difficult situations in family law are issues relating to minor children. In the United States, around 21.9 million children have a parent who resides outside of the primary household, making issues of child custody not uncommon. Custody of minor children, when left up to the courts to make decisions, can be awarded based on several factors. These factors may include:
  • The mental and physical well-being of both parents
  • The condition of each parent’s home
  • The location of each parent
  • The relationship shared between the child and their individual parents
  • If there is any history of domestic violence or substance abuse on the part of either parent
  • The wishes of the child
• Property division. When a couple seeks to end their marriage in Cincinnati, all property that was acquired or gained value throughout the course of the marriage, regardless of whose name the property is in, is subject to be divided between the couple in an equitable manner, but not necessarily equally. Shared marital property that is subject to an equitable division can include the following:
  • Any real estate holdings or related mortgages
  • Retirement benefits of either parity
  • Vehicles, boats, RVs, and jet skis
  • Household goods and home furnishings
  • Bank accounts
  • Pension plans
  • Personal loans
  • Credit card debt
• Marital agreements. While some people might believe that it is in poor taste or it is unromantic to set up a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, it can actually protect you in case of a future divorce. At Hoberg Law, we can meet with you and help you draft a marital agreement that fits the unique needs of your case. Most of these agreements can help with matters such as property division and debt protection.
• Domestic violence. If you are the victim of domestic violence, a family lawyer is here to help you take a stand. Ohio is no stranger to cases of domestic violence, with state agencies receiving 14 crisis calls every hour on average. The team at Hoberg Law is here to help you obtain a restraining order that can keep your abuser away from you and your loved ones and ensure your safety.
• Post-decree modifications or enforcement. Sometimes, in certain family law matters, such as those involving custody or property division, you may need legal assistance even after the judge has handed down a final decree. For example, you may wish to change custody arrangements should your work schedule begin to conflict. We can help with that. We can also help enforce decrees if your ex-spouse is being uncooperative.

Why Hire a Family Lawyer From Hoberg Law?

Going through a family law dispute can feel like an impossible task. At Hoberg Law, our Cincinnati family attorneys have a strong background in advocating for our clients and working to understand every facet of their case. In most cases, we can help you and the opposing party find a workable solution outside of the courtroom.

However, in other cases, going before a judge might be the only way forward, and we understand that this can be frightening. When you hire a family lawyer from Hoberg Law, we can be there to guide you through every step or issue that might arise. We strive to help you find amicable solutions by making you fully aware of all your legal rights and the options available in your case.

What to Expect in a Family Law Case in Cincinnati

Most people do not often have legal issues that require attorneys, negotiation, or courtroom appearances, so these experiences can feel daunting, especially in high-stakes situations like divorce and child custody. However, a lot of the anxiety surrounding the process can be mitigated by familiarizing yourself with how family law cases work and the stages of proceedings.

Whether you are filing for divorce, for custody of a child, or another action in family court, the general process is similar. The basic steps are as follows:

• Consultation. The first step is to consult with a family law attorney to discuss your situation and your goals. Your attorney can help you understand your legal situation and can advise you of the next steps you should take.
• Filing. The next step in the family law process is to file the petition for whatever action it is that you wish to take. This usually involves filling out a document and submitting it to the relevant court along with any supporting information that might be required.
• Discovery and negotiation. After you file the initial petition, the other party involved in the case (spouse, ex-spouse, co-parent, etc.) can respond to the action. Their legal representation and your attorney can then gather pertinent information and work toward a resolution.
• Resolution or trial. Many cases can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, but some cases require the oversight of a judge to reach a conclusion. If you and your legal counsel have not successfully reached a solution through discussion, the final step in a family law case is a courtroom trial, during which lawyers for you and the other party in the case can present arguments and evidence, and the judge can make a decision.

Not all cases follow this series of steps perfectly, and there may be setbacks or changes that cause a case to slow down or move back a step in the process. For example, if a couple is filing for divorce in Ohio and decides halfway through the process that they would prefer to convert the proceedings to a dissolution of marriage instead of a divorce, it is possible to do so, but that creates an extra step in the process.

In terms of timelines, some family law cases can be resolved very quickly. For example, if a parent files for a change in the child custody agreement, and the other parent agrees, there is no need for negotiation or mediation. Actions like this can sometimes be finalized within a matter of weeks, as long as there is no conflict involved.

On the other hand, in cases of contested divorces or high-tension child custody battles, proceedings can stretch on for months or years. Several factors can contribute to the length of time it takes to resolve a case. Some of them include the following:

• Need for mediation. In a perfect world, all family law matters would be resolved through amicable discussion. Unfortunately, that is not the reality. In some contentious cases, parties in a family law matter might require mediation or arbitration to help them reach an agreement. This process can take weeks or months, depending on the court’s caseload and the complexity of the issue.
• Uncooperative respondent. If one party in a family law case is completely uncooperative and chooses to object to every step in the process but also does not provide alternative solutions, it can take a long time to reach a resolution.
• Caseload. Sometimes, family law courts are inundated with cases, and proceedings simply take longer to work through. This court congestion can cause delays.

Regardless of how complicated your case may be, we at Hoberg Law are ready to walk you through every step of the process. We can keep you informed regarding the progress in your case, and we can work to expedite it as much as we are able.

FAQs About Cincinnati, OH Family Laws

How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Ohio?

The cost to hire a family lawyer in Ohio can vary widely between individual lawyers and practices. Usually, attorneys charge for their time by the hour. In most cases, attorneys ask potential clients for an up-front deposit, called a retainer fee, to begin using their services. After clients pay retainer fees, attorneys usually bill their actual working time against the retainer. This way, clients don’t receive individual invoices for every hour the attorney works.

What Does a Power of Attorney Do for Child Custody?

When a power of attorney is in place for child custody, it grants the agent the temporary authority to make decisions for the child as specified in the power of attorney document. Each power of attorney is different, and the agent can be given specific decision-making powers while a parent or other guardian retains other powers. For example, a power of attorney agent could have the legal authority to take a child to the doctor, but not to withdraw them from school.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Divorce in Cincinnati?

The cost to get a divorce in Cincinnati depends on the circumstances of the divorce and whether the divorcing spouses agree on the terms of their divorce. The filing fee is $325 for a couple without children and $375 for a couple with children. In addition to filing fees, couples may spend thousands of dollars on mediation or attorney fees, as well as other associated court fees if the divorce is contested and requires court resources to resolve.

Is Ohio a 50/50 Divorce State?

No, Ohio is not a 50/50 divorce state. In some states, all marital property is divided equally in a divorce, meaning each spouse gets half of everything that is considered community property. In other states, including Ohio, the process of property division is more focused on equity than equality. This means that the courts consider each spouse’s financial situation, lifestyle, ability to work, and other factors in order to divide property fairly, but not necessarily equally.

Speak With a Trusted Cincinnati Family Lawyer Today

At Hoberg Law, our Cincinnati family attorneys are experienced advocates, ready to find solutions for anyone going through a family law dispute. We are focused on protecting your rights and ensuring you and your loved ones are kept safe and advocated for. If you find yourself dealing with a family law matter, look no further than our firm. We are here to help. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation.