Skilled And Compassionate Divorce Lawyer In Lebanon

The decision to end a marriage can be a daunting and emotional experience, filled with uncertainty about the future. You may find yourself facing difficult decisions about child custody, property division or financial support – all while trying to envision a new path forward.

If you are confronting these challenges in Ohio, you need a dedicated divorce lawyer who truly understands what you are going through and will fight vigorously for your rights and future.

I am Juliette Gaffney Dame, and I have founded The Law Office of Juliette Gaffney Dame to provide personalized, compassionate legal support to those facing the challenges of divorce. After years of honing my skills at a respected law firm in Ohio, I chose to establish my own firm in Lebanon, Ohio, to continue helping families and communities throughout southwest Ohio.

With more than 15 years of experience practicing Ohio family law, I have guided numerous individuals through the divorce process, from amicable separations to high-conflict cases. Whether through divorce, dissolution or collaborative law, you can trust that I will work tirelessly to protect your interests and help you move forward with confidence.

Divorce-Related Services

My practice as a divorce lawyer covers a wide range of divorce-related matters, including:

• Gray divorce for couples ending long-term marriages later in life
• Military divorce, addressing the unique challenges faced by servicemembers and their spouses
• Uncontested and contested divorces
• Divorce mediation
• Annulment
• Property division, including cases involving complex assets and liabilities

If you are grappling with complex financial matters or navigating the emotional challenges of the divorce process, I am here to provide the support and legal guidance you need. As your divorce lawyer, I can help you make informed decisions that align with your long-term goals and best interests.

What Is A Wife Entitled To In A Divorce In Ohio?

In Ohio, when a couple decides to end their marriage, the property and asset division is not determined by gender. Instead, it is based on various factors unique to each relationship. Following equitable distribution laws in Ohio, courts aim to divide marital property fairly but not necessarily equally.

As your divorce lawyer, I am here to walk you through what you might receive in your divorce:

1. Property division: You have a right to an equitable share of your marital property. This includes assets you and your spouse acquired during your marriage, such as homes, vehicles, retirement accounts and investments.
2. Spousal support: Also known as alimony, the court may award this financial assistance based on several factors. These include the duration of the marriage, income, earning capacity, standard of living, and each spouse’s age, health and education.
3. Child support: If you have children, you may be entitled to receive or obligated to pay child support. Ohio uses a specific formula that considers both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the custody arrangement to calculate these payments.
4. Child custody: Both parents have equal rights to custody. The court prioritizes the best interests of the child when making custody decisions.

Using my extensive knowledge and experience as a seasoned family law attorney, I will thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case. My job is to guide you through each step, ensuring you fully understand your rights and every legal option available to you.

Can Spousal Support Be Modified?

Yes, spousal support payments can be altered, so long as the original divorce paperwork requested that the court retain jurisdiction over spousal support and there must be a change in circumstances for a court to approve a suggested change. The most common reason to request a spousal support amendment is a change in income, such as an involuntary loss of employment or a raise. Major health issues can also warrant a support alteration if the parent’s ability to earn an income is affected. Additionally, if a spouse retires, they can request that their payments be reduced due to their decrease in income. Finally, if the recipient of spousal support remarries or begins cohabiting with another individual, they may no longer be entitled to compensation. What may not qualify for a change of spousal support is important too. If the obligor spouse is fired or quits their job, the court may consider that a voluntary change of employment and not change the terms of spousal support.

How Does Ohio Handle Property And Debt Division?

Ohio is an equitable distribution state, which means that all assets and debts are split amongst both spouses in a fair, not equal, manner. Marital property, which includes any assets or debts obtained during a marriage, is subject to division during a divorce and will be distributed based on the length of the marriage and each spouse’s financial situation. Separate property is not divided during a divorce and includes assets acquired before the marriage, as well as inheritances, gifts and legal settlements during the marriage.

How Long Do You Have To Be Separated Before You Divorce In Ohio?

Unlike some states, Ohio allows you to file for divorce immediately if you meet the residency requirements. To qualify, you or your spouse must have lived in Ohio for at least six months before submitting your divorce petition and the county you wish to file in for at least ninety days prior to filing for divorce or dissolution. However, while there is no required separation period, the divorce process itself takes time. Here is what you need to know:

1. No-fault divorce: You can file for divorce based on “incompatibility” or living separate and apart for one year without interruption. For the latter ground, you will need to demonstrate that you and your spouse have been living in different residences.
2. Fault-based divorce: Ohio also allows fault-based grounds for divorce, such as adultery or extreme cruelty. These do not require any separation period.
3. Dissolution of marriage: If you and your spouse agree on all terms, you can file for dissolution and no “grounds” are needed. This process typically moves faster than a contested divorce but still requires a 30-day waiting period after filing before the court finalizes it.
4. Cooling-off period: In a contested divorce, Ohio law requires a minimum six-week waiting period after your spouse receives legal notification. This cooling-off time allows both you and your spouse to carefully reflect on your decision to end the marriage before the court finalizes the divorce.

Navigating Ohio’s divorce laws can be complex, with various timelines and legal considerations to consider. As your divorce lawyer, I am here to advocate for your interests and guide you through each step of the process, from filing to final decree.

Seek Help From A Knowledgeable Lebanon Divorce Lawyer – Schedule A Consultation Today

If you are facing a divorce in Ohio, it is essential to have a seasoned and knowledgeable legal advocate by your side. Whether you are considering divorce, have questions about Ohio’s laws or need representation in court, I stand ready to provide the support and advice you need.

Contact my office today by calling 513-599-8979 or filling out a form online. Your path to a new chapter begins with a conversation.