Xenia, Ohio Divorce & Family Law

Xenia, Ohio Divorce & Family Law

Xenia, Ohio Divorce & Family Law
Few of us get married and anticipate our marriages failing, however a large percentage do. We understand that the process of ending a relationship is traumatic, and we are here to help.

Divorce, Legal Separation, or Dissolution of Marriage

When you are no longer able to live compatibly with your spouse, you have a few options in Ohio. When both of you agree it is for the best to end your marriage, a simple dissolution of marriage is possible. This process is usually faster and less contentious than the contested divorce process and involves having both parties agree on issues including property division, child custody, and other matters.

Legal separation can be pursued if you hope to be able to eventually reconcile your differences, or if you or your partner have strong religious beliefs which would bar you from going through the process of divorce.

When you are facing the end of a relationship, you will have many questions and issues which must be addressed. We can help provide you with answers and make sure you understand your legal options. Once you have determined which option is right for your situation, we can help you through the legal process.

Child Custody, Support & Modifications of Orders

One of the most challenging parts of dissolving a marriage is reaching an agreement regarding custody of the children of the marriage. Parents may or may not agree on a suitable custody arrangement, but in either case, both are able to make certain decisions regarding the child’s schooling, religious upbringing, and medical decisions. If you are unable to reach an agreement with the other parent, we can help you demonstrate to the court why you should be the parent who has primary custody of your children.

Child support payments are generally awarded to the non-custodial parent. The formula for determining support payments is based on each parent’s gross income and allowable deductions. In addition, considerations are given for medical coverage, schooling costs, costs of daycare and other factors. We can help you determine what amount of support may be due for the child under Ohio’s child support laws.

Because we can never determine what changes are going to occur in our lives, Ohio courts recognize the fact that in some instances, custody and support orders may require modification. Custody may need to be altered because of changes in work hours, living circumstances, or other changes. Support payments may need altering due to changes in income of one parent, when a parent remarries and has another child, or when a parent or child has a medical issue. Since the courts have specific rules pertaining to when these orders can be modified, we can help you determine if your situation warrants requesting a modification of a support or custody order.

Visitation & Grandparent Rights

Both parents have a right to spend time developing a relationship with their child, regardless of which parent has sole custody. When parents cannot agree on terms for visitation, the courts will get involved. We can help you determine what works best for your children and make sure the court understands your position regarding visitation.

Additionally, under Ohio Revised Code (ORC), in Section 3109.051, grandparents also have a right to visit with their grandchildren. In many cases however, there may need to be an attorney involved to help ensure these rights as this area of the law can be somewhat complicated.

Whether you and your spouse have agreed to mutually dissolve your marriage, or there are areas of contention, you can contact the law office of Attorney Laura E. Pendry to help you with all areas pertaining to divorce including custody and child support issues. We serve clients in Xenia, Beavercreek, Bellbrook, Jamestown, Cedarville, Fairborn, Centerville, Kettering, Dayton, Waynesville, Wilmington, and surrounding areas.
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