As your divorce lawyer, Lisa Sneiderman strives to get you out of your marriage as quickly and with as little drama as possible.
“I’m a zealous advocate for my clients in any divorce, but I take a more collaborative approach, resolving whatever we can in pretrial negotiations. This leaves my clients in the best place emotionally and financially when the divorce is finalized, and that’s always my goal.”
Ohio Divorce: The Basics
- · The divorce lawyer for plaintiff—the person who initiates the divorce—files a petition for divorce with the court.
- · The defendant is notified of the filing and has 28 days to respond. The defendant—either alone or with the help of a divorce lawyer—can accept the terms or contest them and can file a counterclaim for divorce.
- · If the defendant doesn’t respond in 28 days, the divorce is considered uncontested, and a judge will grant the divorce if the terms are fair, just, and equitable.
- · If the defendant agrees to the terms of the divorce, it proceeds to the judge for approval.
- · If the defendant contests it or countersues, the contested divorce begins.
In a contested divorce, Lisa uses the pretrial hearings as opportunities to resolve issues such as child custody and property division. Anything that can be agreed upon during the pretrials means less involvement of a judge at the end. You can reduce the costs and the conflict of even a contested divorce when your divorce attorney takes this approach.
Of course, every divorce is different, and some may require a trial. No matter what your situation, Lisa will work to secure the best results.
Did You Know?
Pursuing a divorce through the courts offers protection that collaborative divorce or dissolution does not. With the court’s involvement, your divorce attorney can protect you and your assets and compel discovery. If you distrust your spouse for any reason, a divorce may be the right course for you.