Getting a Divorce in Ohio
Paul R. Panico, Experienced Columbus and Central Ohio Divorce Attorney
It might have taken you by surprise. It might not have been a surprise at all. Either way, being served with divorce papers tends to put emotions on overdrive, knots in your stomach and unanswered questions in your head.
You don't have to take immediate legal action. This is a time to think things through, and to act according to your own best interests, rather than react to the situation at hand. Our firm represents men and women in divorce proceedings throughout Columbus and central Ohio. We will help you understand the law and what your options are. We will provide reassurance and guide you through the process step by step — no matter how long it takes.
Talk to us; we will listen. Contact our lawyer for all types of divorce and its related issues, including:
- Dissolution
- Contested divorce
- Property division
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Post divorce modifications
- Civil protection orders
- Divorce appeals
There are many factors to consider in a divorce. Here in Franklin County, and throughout Central Ohio most courts and magistrates are concerned with the welfare of any children, and seek a fair and equitable distribution of the assets and debts. You and your spouse will need to have substantial discussions on toptics such as "Parenting Time", often referred to as Child Custody and Visitation. What assets do you have? Is there a family residence, investment property and/or accounts, retirement accounts such as IRAs, pension or a 401k? What about vehicles, business ownership, professional practices (such as medical or dental offices), closely held or family business interests? How will the debts be divided between you, and will child or spousal support be due to one of the parties?
Divorce in Columbus Ohio Doesn't Have to be an Expensive Legal Battle
Many couples are looking for ways to cooperate with one another to resolve these issues with dignity, minimizing the emotional and financial impact while working through a difficult transition. You may have what appear to be deep and genuine disagreement on some issues related to the children, or how assets will be divided, but it is possible to work through these issues and reach a fair solution. There are creative ways to structure support payments to minimize tax ramifications, and to keep as much of the assets you now have so that you can work forward from a stronger position.
Many couples are still able to file a "dissolution" even with substantial assets, children and complex investment and retirement issues. Our firm will work with you to understand all of the aspects of your unique situation, and give you the peace of mind to help relieve some of the stress which has built up. We are committed to providing the best combination of advice, experience, expertise, a cooperative attitude and responsive attention while keeping costs within reason.
There Are Times When You Have to Stand Firm in the Divorce Process.
It can be a matter regarding your children or an issue of principal. If your spouse is totally unreasonable or antagonistic, has drug or alcohol problems, or suffers from other emotional related illness or issues you will need an exerienced attorney to stand up for your rights and to aggressively protect your interests, and we are prepared to do so.
Whichever path your divorce takes, our firm will bring a compassionate yet tough and practical approach to helping you get through it with the minimal possible impact. We would also like to add that we know how to achieve the results in more than just one way. In practice for nearly 20 years, attorney Paul Panico has the kind of credibility among his legal peers that goes a long way toward reaching fair agreements outside of court. However, he is experienced and effective at trial and capable of being as aggressive as he needs to be to get good results.
How long any particular divorce will take depends on several things: The level of acrimony between the spouses, the number of children, the length of the marriage, the assets involved and so on. For instance, a contested divorce can take more than a year to finalize. By contrast, a dissolution or negotiated contested divorce can be over relatively quickly — especially if the services of a private judge are retained.
If you live in central Ohio and cannot come to us, we will come to you.
If need answers or information about divorce, separation and the law in Ohio — you will find them here.
For a free consultation — call 866-505-0110 or contact us at our Columbus, Ohio, law offices.
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