Representing You Through The End Of Your Marriage
Even if both parties decide that a divorce is the best solution for the future, they are still facing a process that can be complex and complicated by emotions. As a family law firm, Abney Law Office, LLC, is prepared to guide clients through the process, no matter the scope. Our lawyers can represent Canton clients – and clients throughout Ohio – in a divorce that involves multiple properties, children, extensive assets or family businesses. Look to our firm for clear direction and honest answers.
What Is The Divorce Process?
The divorce process initially consists of filing a complaint for divorce. Once filed, the court sets a temporary orders hearing in which the court issues interim orders. These orders cover very important matters such as spousal support (alimony), child support, property division, living arrangements including housing issues, financial orders, etc. The temporary orders hearing is very important as the court may order the parents to reside together or separately, maintain joint or separate bank accounts, etc. The court will also schedule a pretrial hearing. At the pretrial, the parties will have an opportunity to apprise the court as to the status of the case and request further interim orders. Finally, if the case does not settle, it proceeds to trial. The divorce process can take anywhere from six months to two years.
Factors That Will Be Addressed
Numerous factors must be addressed through the divorce process. Every case is different, but factors can include:
- Property division
- Debt division
- Spousal support
- Ongoing child support payments and factors impacting these costs
- Parenting plans, including sole, joint and physical custody
- Parenting time or visitation
- Dividing a family business
Do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney to discuss your specific case. Whether you are seeking divorce or dissolution of the marriage, our firm is prepared to provide the strong guidance you need.
Spousal Support And Alimony
One topic that is closely related to divorce is spousal support. Also called spousal maintenance or alimony, spousal support refers to the financial order that assists a spouse in getting back on his/her feet or maintaining the quality of life as provided during the marriage. Spousal support orders can be short term or can continue throughout a spouse’s life. The court has a good deal of flexibility in ordering spousal support. Typically, the spousal support order is used to “equalize” the parties’ incomes to some degree for a percentage of the years of marriage. Spousal support may be tax-deductible and may also have tax ramifications for the recipient.
There are numerous factors that can contribute to the determination of spousal support, including:
- The duration of the marriage
- The income of the parties
- The ages and the physical, mental and emotional conditions of the parties
- The relative earning abilities of the parties
An experienced family law attorney can carefully look at your specific situation, and provide clear, honest guidance about your divorce or spousal support matter.
Legal Representation In Divorce Matters
If you have further questions regarding divorce or your rights to spousal support, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our Canton office. We can be reached by phone at 330-453-3890.