KJK’s Family Law attorneys are committed to navigating you and your family through the uncertainty of separation and divorce. We are creative problem-solvers, aggressive advocates and accomplished attorneys representing individuals and families throughout Northeast Ohio. Many of our clients and/or their spouses are owners or major shareholders of closely held businesses, so we understand the often-complicated issues connected with business valuations and the tax aspects of divorce.
Serving families of all types, at all stages
We’re here to help:
What We Do
Divorce Attorneys
A divorce is an adversarial legal action between two individuals who are legally married, and the most frequent type of legal matter handled by our Family Law attorneys, who are sensitive to how difficult and emotional these cases can be. Each case is unique and requires particular attention to the details. The purpose of a divorce is to terminate the marriage contract, issue a child custody order, divide marital property and award spousal and child support, if appropriate.
Alternatives to Litigation
Collaborative and Cooperative Processes and Mediation: Some couples want an alternative to an adversarial court process (litigation) when ending their marriage, with the goal of ultimately ending the marriage through a dissolution, rather than a divorce. Non-court processes can be used to resolve financial issues including the allocation of assets and debts, spousal support and child support, and can be used to resolve issues relating to children as well. Couples often find that these processes offer them more control over their own futures and more creativity in the options they explore.
Learn More About Alternatives fo Litigation
Learn More About Alternatives fo Litigation
Child Custody
Child custody matters are often the most personal and challenging cases we handle for clients. Each child custody case is unique and often emotionally trying for the parents involved. Let our knowledgeable team of attorneys help you through the most important and stressful time your family will face. Our attorneys have vast experience in handling child custody disputes, including high-conflict child custody matters involving parental alienation and child abuse.
Child Support
Generally, one parent is required to pay child support to the other parent for the benefit of the minor children. The determination of an appropriate amount of support however can be somewhat complicated -Ohio Courts are now required to consider higher incomes as part of the child support guidelines, as well as the specific amount of parenting time each parent enjoys with the children. If you are facing a child support situation, please contact us to further discuss your case.
Domestic Violence/Civil Protection Orders
Family violence – of any sort – is a scary and difficult subject matter that has become all too common in society. When domestic violence occurs, Our attorneys are trained and experienced to identify and help you find safety and peace if you or a loved one is a victim. Please contact us to discuss your options and take action to defend your family against domestic violence.
Litigation
There are some cases that cannot be resolved by agreement and must be presented to a court to decide the dispute. During this process, decisions are made by a judge or magistrate in the form of a court order. This order is legally binding, and both parties must comply with the order as it is written.
Post-Decree Matters
You may need to modify child support, change custody or parenting time terms or even seek to hold your ex-spouse in contempt of court for failing to follow through with the terms of the decree of divorce or dissolution. If you are in need of assistance with a family law matter that has occurred after your divorce or dissolution is completed, call us, we can help.
Prenuptial Agreements
While no marriage is entered into with the goal of divorce, it is prudent and reasonable to plan ahead in case your marriage has a less than happily ever after. A properly drafted prenup can help you avoid lengthy and expensive divorce litigation.
Learn More About Prenuptial Agreements
Learn More About Prenuptial Agreements
Spousal Support
Spousal support (also commonly known as “alimony”) is the payment of monetary support from one spouse to another. The longer the marriage, the more likely it is that spousal support will be awarded. If you believe you are entitled to a spousal support award or believe your spouse is seeking spousal support, please contact us to discuss your case.
Adoption & Surrogacy Services
Our KJK Family Law attorneys advocate for and advise parties in the process of building their families through assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In addition to guiding the respective parties through their journey, our team of attorneys will draft and review surrogacy agreements between the carrier and intended parent or parents, write legal clearance letters for the fertility clinics and obtain a pre-birth order. Surrogacy carriers must have independent counsel review any agreement between them and the intended parent, and KJK’s Family Law team is experienced and prepared to assist you with this service. The laws regarding assisted reproductive technologies are ever-changing and adapting, which is why it is important to hire an attorney who understands the risks and liabilities associated with the journey in this evolving area of practice.
Divorce Lawyers & Family Law Attorneys Serving Northeast Ohio
Our Attorneys serve families in the following counties:
- Cuyahoga County
- Erie County
- Franklin County
- Geauga County
- Lake County
- Lorain County
- Medina County
- Portage County
- Summit County
Family Law
Read Our Blog
Available Grounds for Divorce in Ohio: What You Need to Know
For many years now, Ohio has been a “no-fault” divorce state. What does that mean, in a practical sense? In order to terminate a marriage, neither spouse has to prove that one or the other is responsible or “at fault” for the demise of the marital relationship. The...
What to Expect at a Final Hearing in a Domestic Relations Lawsuit
You’ve done all the hard work in your divorce or dissolution action. You’ve exchanged any requisite documents and other discovery, made a full and complete disclosure of all your assets, liabilities and income, and completed any requisite court forms. You’ve...
REMINDER: Review Your Beneficiary Designations to Avoid Unintended Consequences
The Wall Street Journal recently published an article involving a scenario that—while significant and possibly worst-case—may be more common than you may think. Specifically, the article describes a scenario under which Margaret Sjostedt, the former girlfriend of a...
Family Law
Attorneys
Practice Group Chair: John D. Ramsey
John D. Ramsey
Partner
Janet Stewart Scalley
Partner
Eva C. Saulnier
Associate
Sarah J. Gabinet
Senior Counsel
Karen Truax
Paralegal
John D. Ramsey
Partner
Janet Stewart Scalley
Partner
Eva C. Saulnier
Associate
Sarah J. Gabinet
Senior Counsel
Karen Truax
Paralegal
Contact
CLEVELAND OFFICE
1375 East Ninth Street
One Cleveland Center, 29th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44114-1793
COLUMBUS OFFICE
10 West Broad Street
One Columbus Center, Suite 2500
Columbus, OH 43215