The Law Office of Juliette Gaffney Dame

Call 513-599-8979 For Compassionate Assistance

The Law Office of Juliette Gaffney Dame

Find A Path Forward That Respects Your Needs And Values.

Trust A Seasoned Family Law Attorney In Lebanon With Your Case

When family issues require legal intervention, you need a trusted and experienced family law attorney who truly understands the emotional journey you are on. I am Juliette Gaffney Dame, and I have dedicated my career to guiding families through some of life’s most personal and challenging legal issues.

With more than 15 years of experience in family law, I have had the privilege of helping countless families in Ohio navigate the complexities of divorce, child custody and other legal issues. I established The Law Office of Juliette Gaffney Dame in Lebanon, building upon my years of practice with an esteemed law firm in Ohio.

While my solo practice is new, I bring with me a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Ohio family law. This allows me to continue providing my clients with skilled representation and empathetic guidance.

As a meticulous family law attorney, I provide individualized attention to each client, addressing their unique needs with the highest level of professionalism and care.

My practice encompasses a wide range of legal matters to support families:

In collaborative law cases, I work alongside a team of professionals and neutral parties to resolve family law matters constructively, outside the courtroom. This approach often involves financial specialists and family relations professionals, allowing us to develop comprehensive, tailored solutions for your unique situation.

With my extensive background and focused approach, you can trust that you are working with a highly experienced and compassionate family law attorney. I am committed to ensuring you are fully informed and well-prepared throughout the legal process. If you are facing family law challenges in Warren County, contact me today. Let us discuss your situation and explore the legal options available to you.

What Assets Can You Lose In A Divorce?

As a seasoned family law attorney, I have seen firsthand how a divorce can impact a person’s financial security and overall well-being. That is why it is essential to understand what assets you may be at risk of losing in the dissolution of your marriage.

In Ohio, the law requires an equitable distribution of marital property during a divorce. This means the division of assets is not always a 50/50 split. The court will consider a variety of factors, including the length of your marriage, your income and earning capacity and the contributions you and your spouse made to the marriage. These factors will influence the distribution of various assets, including:

  • Real estate, including your family home
  • Retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and pensions
  • Investments, such as stocks and bonds
  • Business interests and vehicles
  • Marital debts, such as credit cards and loans

The thought of losing these assets can be overwhelming. However, it is essential to remember that not all property is subject to division. Specifically, separate properties, such as inheritances, gifts or assets acquired before the marriage, are not subject to division in a divorce.

However, divorce cases often involve complex asset classification. For instance, if you used marital funds to improve your separately owned property, the court could classify part of it as marital property. Similarly, a business you started before marriage might have grown in value during your marriage due to joint efforts. In such cases, the court might view the increase in value as marital property, even if the business itself remains separate.

If you are worried about losing assets in your divorce, do not face this challenge alone. As a knowledgeable attorney in Lebanon and Warren County, I stand ready to guide you through the complexities of asset division and help you make informed decisions during this critical time.

Am I Responsible For My Spouse’s Debt If We Divorce?

In Ohio, the marital property landscape includes not only assets, but also debts acquired during the marriage. This means that, in a divorce, you may be held jointly liable for your spouse’s debts.

However, there are some important exceptions to keep in mind. These include:

  1. Premarital debts: Debts your spouse incurred during the marriage typically fall under the separate debts category, making him solely responsible for repayment.
  2. Debt where you did not benefit: If you can prove that you did not benefit from the debt in any way, you may not be responsible for it.
  3. Marital agreements: If you have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in place, it may outline specific guidelines for dividing debts in the event of a divorce.

Dealing with debt can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when combined with the emotional challenges of a divorce. As your family law attorney, my job is to carefully review your financial situation to determine which debts are marital and which are separate. Together, we can negotiate a fair division of these debts as part of your divorce settlement.

Your divorce decree does not affect creditors, making it crucial to address debt division during the divorce process. If your former spouse fails to pay the debt assigned to them in the divorce, creditors still come after you if your name remains on the account.

To protect your financial interests, you might consider implementing the following strategies:

  • Transferring joint debts into individual names
  • Including indemnification clauses to your divorce agreement
  • Closing joint accounts
  • Negotiating lump-sum payments

Property division and debt allocation often become the most contentious and complicated aspects of a divorce. As your lawyer, my goal is to help you achieve a fair settlement that safeguards your finances and sets you up for a stable future post-divorce.

What Is A Conflict Of Interest In A Divorce?

When facing divorce, you need an attorney who can fully and impartially represent your interests. A conflict of interest in divorce occurs when an attorney’s ability to represent you is compromised due to competing obligations or personal interests. This can be particularly problematic in cases involving sensitive matters such as spousal abuse.

In divorce cases, conflicts of interest can take several forms:

  • Dual representation: An attorney cannot represent both you and your spouse in the same divorce or dissolution proceeding.
  • Personal relationships: Conflicts arise if your attorney has a personal, financial or business relationship with your spouse, key witnesses or anyone significantly involved in your divorce.
  • Same firm representation: If the lawyer representing your spouse is from the same firm as your attorney, this constitutes a conflict.

A lawyer found engaging in any of these forms of conflict of interest should be reported to the State Bar. Additionally, a conflict of interest can compromise your legal representation and potentially harm your case, whether it is a straightforward no-fault divorce or a complex situation involving child support or spousal support. The attorney representing you should be a trusted advocate, free from any conflicts that could compromise their ability to represent your best interests in all family law matters.

With me in your corner, you can rest assured that you have a legal ally taking this issue very seriously. Transparency is a cornerstone of my practice. Throughout my career, I proactively disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may impact my clients’ cases. If an issue arises, I will promptly notify you and discuss the best course of action.

Protect Your Family’s Future With A Lebanon Family Law Attorney

As a family law attorney committed to guiding families in Warren County, I offer more than just legal advice; I provide tailored solutions that put you and your family first. Whether you face complex custody disputes or need to file a restraining order against an abusive spouse, I will vigorously defend your rights throughout the legal process.

Call my office today at 513-599-8979 or reach out to me through my online form. Let us work together to secure a better future for you and your loved ones.