216.696.8700

Practice Group

Cleveland Family Law Attorneys

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.

Learn More About Our Divorce Practice

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
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.

Learn More Our Child Custody Practice

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
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

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce: What’s the Difference?

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce: What’s the Difference?

Contested vs. Uncontested: At first glance, the distinction between these terms can seem intimidating. "Contested" may suggest a drawn-out legal battle, while "uncontested" sounds simple and straightforward. But are these assumptions accurate when it comes to divorce...

read more

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

“I used John as my divorce lawyer. He is knowledgeable, professional and was very thorough in walking me through all the processes. He was also very attentive to my questions and needs. I can’t thank John enough for helping me through this life changing experience – I highly recommend him!”

 

 

 

– FORMER CLIENT ON JOHN D. RAMSEY, PARTNER
“My biggest concern was that my divorce was going to be a very confusing, scary legal process. It truly wasn’t. The team at KJK worked with me and explained everything and helped put my anxiety at ease.”

 

– FORMER CLIENT ON THE FAMILY LAW TEAM AT KJK
“I would 100% recommend Sarah to anyone requiring the services of a good/reputable divorce attorney. She has the breadth of experience and “moxie” to manage a situation. She knows the law but she also knows and understands the emotions of a divorce matter. She doesn’t manage from afar, but walks with you through the whole process; In divorce, when your mind and heart are so compromised, you need someone you can trust who will be your advocate when you are most vulnerable.”

 

– FORMER CLIENT ON SARAH J. GABINET, PARTNER
“KJK is an excellent firm. They are very friendly and courteous. Janet was sensational. She walked me through my divorce with great understanding and support. It was very difficult for me and I must say I was honored she was my attorney. She was always there when I had a question about my divorce. I highly recommend Janet. We still keep in touch. That’s hard to find these days. Janet and KJK really care about their clients and take pride in what they do.”

 

– FORMER CLIENT ON JANET STEWART, ASSOCIATE
“I really valued how professional and nice everyone at KJK is. You are treated with kindness.”

 

– FORMER CLIENT ON THE FAMILY LAW TEAM AT KJK
“I adore Janet. She made the legal process of divorce not scary. She was always prompt answering my questions. You can tell she is compassionate about people and her career. It truly was like having a really good girlfriend at my side through the whole thing.”

 

– FORMER CLIENT ON JANET STEWART, ASSOCIATE
“Sarah walked with me through one of the most challenging times of my life. She listened and empathized. Her demeanor was not that of a paid counsel – she really cared. Through that process, Sarah become a trusted friend.”

 

– FORMER CLIENT ON SARAH J. GABINET, PARTNER
“I can’t say enough about them. Karen has a great sense of humor, was prompt answering my thousands of questions and always helpful and patient (THANK YOU, KAREN!!) with me. And Janet is awesome. One of the kindest, smartest, most hard working people. I’m super grateful that they were there to help guide me through.”

 

– FORMER CLIENT ON JANET STEWART, ASSOCIATE, AND KAREN TRUAX
“When I started my divorce/dissolution process I asked my son, who was also an attorney, if he could provide a list of reputable firms. I wanted someone who would seek an amicable dissolution, but if it came to it I wanted someone also able to, let’s say “let the dog off the chain” when/if needed. I interviewed the lead attorneys of the 6 law firms recommended. When I selected KJK, and more specifically Sarah Gabinet, I knew I was in good hands. She listened patiently and walked with me through the process. She didn’t waste time, she was direct and efficient. Sarah is both professional and personable.”

 

– FORMER CLIENT ON SARAH J. GABINET, PARTNER
“My divorce was finalized in 2016. Years later, Sarah Gabinet is still my friend! That’s a true friendship, not an attorney-client relationship. That’s what I value most! For Sarah, it was never just business. SHE CARES!”

 

– FORMER CLIENT ON SARAH J. GABINET, PARTNER
“I really enjoyed working with [Carly] and am so grateful for [her] support in making everything happen quickly! I feel like I’m at an age where more of my friends and family will be going through a divorce and I will highly recommend you!  You really made this process very smooth for me.  Thank you!”

 

– FORMER CLIENT ON CARLY BOYD, PARTNER
“Before hiring KJK my biggest concern was my children and their wellbeing, as well as not being taken advantage of in the court room during a high-conflict custody case. The team at KJK put my mind at ease from the moment I first spoke with them (after failed attempts with other firms). What I value most about KJK is the relationship dynamic and being able to reach out at any time, in any way. Janet was always very thorough and communicative regarding any hearings and trials we went through, always keeping me in the loop & turning to me for the final decisions. I have already referred KJK to several others, based on their professionalism and expertise in high-conflict cases!”

 

– FORMER CLIENT ON JANET STEWART SCALLEY, PARTNER

Contact

CLEVELAND OFFICE

1375 East Ninth Street

One Cleveland Center, 29th Floor

Cleveland, OH 44114-1793

216-696-8700

 

 

COLUMBUS OFFICE

10 West Broad Street

One Columbus Center, Suite 2500

Columbus, OH 43215

614-427-5731