- DivorceThe collaborative divorce process is often less time consuming, less expensive, and less emotionally tricky than a standard divorce that must be worked out in court. As a result, collaborative divorce is becoming increasingly popular in Ohio.
- Child SupportWhen going through a divorce, some of the most important details will relate to your children. This includes not only custody and parenting time rights (formerly known as "visitation" in Ohio) but your right to receive or obligation to pay child support as well.
- Child Custody and VisitationWhat was once known as " child custody ” is now referred to as “allocation of parental rights and responsibilities.” The parenting plan is often the most crucial and contentious piece of any family law dispute. Our attorneys work hard to develop creative and flexible parenting plans with our clients to accommodate today’s busy lifestyles while ensuring that children have the benefit of two loving and involved parents, whenever possible.
- AdoptionBut unbeknownst to many prospective adoptive step-parents, the adoption process can be surprisingly legally complicated, even when you aren't going through adoption agencies in Ohio. That's why we encourage families to work with a trusted adoption attorney or adoption law firm. At Laubacher & Co., our Cleveland family law attorney will work with you to ensure you can proceed with confidence. We can help make sure all procedures are correctly followed, all documents are correctly filed, and represent you in front of the court that will be granting the adoption in Ohio. Though the adoption process can take some time, an attorney can help you avoid unnecessary delays or complications and protect your step-parent adoption rights. An Ohio adoption doesn't have to be complicated, reach out to an attorney today to help you with the process of adopting a child.
- PaternityEstablishing paternity for a child enables both parents to have legal rights and support that child in a meaningful way. As a result, filing a paternity case can help mothers and prospective fathers contribute more actively to their child's life and ensure they receive the aid they need to thrive.
- Premarital AgreementRecent studies have found that millennials obtain prenuptial agreements more than any previous generation—and for good reason. Although they suffer from negative publicity, a prenuptial agreement can help you forge a stronger bond with your spouse and protect your assets in the event you eventually file for a divorce.
- GuardianshipGuardianship cases can be confusing, particularly if you find yourself unexpectedly involved in one. Prospective guardians often have various questions, including: What is the difference between a guardian and a conservator? What will I need to do? How do I navigate my case?
- Spousal SupportIn a spousal support (or alimony) arrangement, one spouse supplies their ex-spouse with financial support after divorce. This financial support allows the spousal support recipient to maintain the same quality of life post-divorce that they enjoyed while married.
- Legal SeparationIf you wish to live separately from your spouse without formally ending your marriage, you have the option to file for a “legal separation” in Ohio. Legal separations follow many of the same procedures as divorces, and separating spouses can enter into binding agreements to cover things like financial support and sharing time with the couple’s children to help facilitate an amicable separation.
- AnnulmentSometimes marriages simply do not work out. While some couples seek to separate for a time hoping to one day resolve their issues and get back together, there are other instances where one or both spouses seek to officially end the marriage for the benefit of everyone involved. There are several different ways to end a marriage in the state of Ohio, including a divorce, dissolution of marriage, and an annulment or nullity of marriage.
- Child AbuseIn any proceeding for the establishment or modification of child custody, the Ohio courts must make their determinations based on the best interests of the children involved. If either parent has been convicted of or pled guilty to a crime involving child neglect, "the court shall consider that fact against naming that parent the residential parent and against granting a shared parenting decree." The Ohio courts will also consider whether either parent has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to child abuse or a sexual offense involving a member of his or her household.
- Kidnapping
- Workers Compensation
- Severance Agreement
- Construction Litigation
- Personal InjuryMary Gael joined Laubacher & Co. in 2020 after graduating from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. During law school, Mary Gael worked at a personal injury law firm in Rocky River, Ohio, where she learned essential litigation skills. She also interned with the Honorable Judge Christopher Boytko at the Northern District of Ohio, United States District Court during law school. Mary Gael worked on Cleveland-Marshall’s Journal of Law and Health and served as the Articles Editor during her final year of law school.
- Medical Malpractice
- Estate PlanningEstate planning and probate are complex legal processes that many people find either confusing or uncomfortable. However, having an estate plan is vital if you want to preserve your legacy, and understanding probate can help you prepare a robust estate plan that meets your needs.
- WillsA last will and testament – A last will and testament determines how you will distribute assets to beneficiaries and repay any existing liabilities (like debts) once you pass away. It is also where you name a guardian for your minor children.
- Power of AttorneyA power of attorney – A Health Care and Financial Power of Attorney (POA) appoints an individual to care for your health and finances if you become medically incapacitated.
- Probate
- Bankruptcy