SKILLED IN FAMILY LAW CASES
Family law is a complicated practice area that deals with disputes involving families. It is much broader than divorce—though divorce obviously makes up a large percentage of what we do.
If you have a family law issue you need help with, please contact Groth & Associates. We understand that family law disputes extract a heavy emotional toll on everyone involved. Nevertheless, you need someone in your corner who understands how to use the law to your advantage. There are many opportunities for family members to reach an agreement and avoid court, but your Sylvania family lawyer must understand all available options.
For a legal consultation with a Family lawyer serving Sylvania, call (419) 930-3030
ADOPTION
A man cannot be required to pay child support until he is the legal father of the child. If two people were married, then the husband will be presumed to be the father of any children born during the marriage.
Paternity issues often arise when men and women are not married but have a child together. Before the mother can seek child support, however, she needs to establish paternity. Men are free to voluntarily declare their paternity, but if they don’t, then a woman needs to either file suit or contact the local child support agency. A DNA test can prove with certainty whether a man is a child’s father.
Family Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
DIVORCE
Our clients retain a considerable amount of control when it comes to divorce. Specifically, they can work to reach an amicable agreement with their spouse so that their divorce is uncontested and relatively pain-free. When our clients can agree on critical issues, the time and expense for the divorce shrink dramatically.
We also can help if you can’t reach an agreement. Many issues are contested in divorces, such as the division of marital property and debt, along with child custody and child support. Contact a Sylvania family law attorney as soon as possible to review how we can help.
CHILD CUSTODY
Child custody fights are high-stakes family law disputes. Often, parents cannot agree to a custody schedule because one parent wants to move far away or there has been a history of abuse and aggression. Judges do not take child custody disputes lightly and decide them based on the best interests of the child.
We begin work immediately pulling together a strong case on your behalf. A judge can look at almost anything relevant, including each parent’s criminal history, mental health, and finances. We do our best to address any weaknesses in your past (such as a DUI conviction) so that you present the strongest case possible.
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POST-DIVORCE ENFORCEMENT
Disputes don’t end with the divorce decree. For many people, the headaches are only just beginning. Specifically, your ex must comply with the terms of the decree, including the payment of child support and/or alimony. Your ex also must follow the parenting plan. When an ex ignores the decree, we can inform the judge and request appropriate relief. For example, the judge might hold your ex in contempt of court or even change child custody.
MODIFICATION
Life does not stand still after divorce, and you might find that the terms laid out in the divorce decree no longer work for you. If not, you should seek a modification.
For example, you might want to change the parenting plan or child custody altogether. If the other parent agrees, there is no problem—but often there is a fight. The same is true of child support and alimony. Your financial circumstances might have changed such that you want to lower the amount you pay or request even more.
Only a judge can modify the divorce decree, and you should not take drastic action until you seek a modification. Our Sylvania family lawyer can help.
GRANDPARENT VISITATION
Unfortunately, grandparents have limited rights to visitation in Ohio. Generally, grandparents can only seek visitation when:
- the child’s parents are separated or divorced
- a parent has died
- the mother was unmarried when the child was born
Obtaining visitation requires understanding the law in this area. Grandparents cannot make a general plea that seeing their grandchild is in his or her best interest. Instead, they need to show that they fit into one of the exceptions where courts are empowered to grant visitation over the objection of the parents.
PROTECTIVE ORDERS
Domestic violence remains an unfortunate reality in many families. Our clients can protect themselves by seeking an order of protection. This is an order issued by a judge to an abuser instructing him or her to stay away from you and your family. If the abuser violates the terms of the order, then the police can arrest him and he could face additional penalties, such as fines or time in jail.
We can help you seek a protective order or inform the judge when your abuser violates it. We can also help those alleged to have violated an order to fight it off.
PATERNITY
A woman gains rights in her children the moment she gives birth. Not so with men. If a man is married to the mother, he is presumed to be the father. But single men will need to take additional steps to establish paternity.
Paternity matters in two ways. First, a man has no custody rights until he is legally established as the father. Second, a man does not have to pay child support until he is the father.
CONTACT OUR SYLVANIA FAMILY LAWYER TODAY
Domestic violence remains an unfortunate reality in many families. Our clients can protect themselves by seeking an order of protection. This is an order issued by a judge to an abuser instructing him or her to stay away from you and your family. If the abuser violates the terms of the order, then the police can arrest him and he could face additional penalties, such as fines or time in jail.
We can help you seek a protective order or inform the judge when your abuser violates it. We can also help those alleged to have violated an order to fight it off.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Case Evaluation form