Divorce

WORKING WITH MARY PAPCKE AS YOUR DIVORCE LAWYER

When you seek out divorce attorneys in Parma, Ohio, you need to find one that will be sensitive to your unique situation and represent your best interests at all times. That’s what you can expect from Mary Papcke. As a divorce lawyer located in Parma, Ohio, Mary works with clients throughout northeastern Ohio that, for whatever reason, must end their marriages. If you find yourself in that situation, Mary can help you understand the options—dissolution or divorce—and guide you through the relevant steps.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MARY PAPCKE AS YOUR DIVORCE ATTORNEY
Dedicated to serving your interests, Mary will stay in constant communication with you throughout all stages of the proceedings. She will help you evaluate various courses of action, advise you on how to proceed, discuss related issues that could arise (such as bankruptcy), and provide you with a realistic assessment of your case—before, during, and after the divorce.
In addition, you can count on Mary to:
  • Anticipate legal issues you may not have considered and help ensure that no undue delays or unresolved legal issues complicate the divorce proceedings.
  • Make sure that all required forms are properly filled out to avoid errors or delays, and to keep copies of all the documents filed in court on your behalf.
  • Accompany you to court-appointed conferences, hearings, and depositions, and advise you on proper court decorum (including how to dress for court appearances and what to expect during a cross-examination).
  • Help protect your interests with respect to marital property and spousal alimony, recommend strategies for safeguarding your assets and credit, find "hidden" assets and arrange for property appraisals or business valuations as necessary, and minimize joint obligations that arise during the divorce proceedings.
  • Negotiate and settle issues related to child custody and visitation, prepare orders for temporary visitation and custody arrangements, and calculate and argue for fair spousal and child support.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DIVORCE IN OHIO
Divorce laws are different in every state. As your divorce attorney in Parma, Ohio, Mary Papcke fully understands the intricacies of Ohio divorce law and will help you through the process. Briefly, here’s what you should know about getting a divorce in Ohio.
  • If you and your spouse agree to an uncontested divorce, you can file for a dissolution of your marriage instead of a divorce. This is a simpler, more streamlined process.
  • You can get a divorce without a lawyer; all necessary forms and advice are online. However, divorce can be emotionally taxing and procedurally difficult. A divorce lawyer can help you navigate the complexities and often achieve a better outcome.
  • You or your spouse must have lived in Ohio for six months before filing for a divorce and in the county in which you are filing for at least 90 days.
GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE IN OHIO
If your divorce is contested, you must have grounds for a divorce. Ohio recognizes ten grounds in addition to the no-fault grounds for dissolution:
  • Bigamy
  • Incompatibility
  • An out-of-state divorce
  • Imprisonment in a state or federal prison
  • Adultery
  • Extreme cruelty
  • Fraudulent contract
  • Habitual drunkenness
  • Living separately for at least one year
  • Gross negligence of duties
THE DIVORCE PROCESS IN OHIO
Each divorce is unique and can take any number of directions. Some are completed in months. Others can drag on for years. However, the process is generally as follows:
  • A divorce complaint is filed, and the “defendant” must respond to it within 28 days.
  • The case will be heard within 90 days of filing. During this period, the court may order conciliatory procedures such as counseling.
  • Written disclosures of personal financial details are exchanged.
  • If children are involved, both parties must agree to a parenting plan that outlines custody, visitation, and the child's care after divorce. If you and your spouse cannot agree on child custody, a trial must take place.
  • Your attorney may need to file requests for pretrial orders while your divorce is pending. This can help decide issues that come up during the divorce process, such as visitation schedules and responsibility for paying bills.
  • A judge hears evidence, deliberates, and then renders a decision (such decision is called a decree). The divorce is then official.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact Mary Papcke, your Parma, Ohio, divorce attorney at 440-743-7000.
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