Canton Family Law Attorney

Ohio Counties, we Practice Family Law

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle

At Slater & Zurz, our Canton family law attorneys can assist with any type of matter, whether you are struggling with the decision to separate from your spouse or need help obtaining child support. Our legal team has over 32 years of experience and can help you navigate your legal options.

Types of family law cases and issues we handle include:

• Divorce
• Dissolution of marriage
• Legal separation
• Spousal support
• Contested divorce
• High net worth divorce
• Prenuptial and premarital agreements
• Parental rights
• Child support
• Child custody
• Paternity

If you are facing these or any other family law issues, our attorneys may be able to help. Our Canton family law attorneys will handle your case with the personalized attention it deserves, customizing our representation to meet the needs of you and your family.

What Are Grounds for Divorce in Ohio?

According to Ohio law, a plaintiff must be a state resident for at least six (6) months before legally filing for divorce. Additionally, a person must file for divorce in the correct county. A Canton family law attorney can help you understand whether you meet the residency requirements for divorce.

A person may file for divorce on the following grounds:

• Incompatibility;
• The couple has lived separately for at least one (1) year;
• One spouse was already married at the time of the current marriage;
• Wilful absence of the other spouse for at least one (1) year;
• Adultery;
• Extreme cruelty;
• Fraudulent contract;
• Gross neglect of duty;
• Habitual drunkenness;
• The spouse is imprisoned; or
• The spouse has already obtained a divorce in a separate jurisdiction.

At Slater & Zurz, we know how difficult a divorce can be. We understand the immense stress it can bring to an individual and their family. Our attorneys are here to help. Our goal is always to represent our client’s best interests while utilizing strategies to keep the process as simple and straightforward as possible.

Common Issues in a Divorce

In most cases, one or more aspects of the divorce are contested. Parties in a divorce generally have competing interests, but proceedings do not have to be contentious. A highly experienced Canton family law lawyer can help minimize disputes by reaching a favorable resolution that ultimately takes less time and less money.

Issues commonly discussed in divorce proceedings include:

• Property division
• Child custody
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Tax implications
• Asset and debt distribution
• Pension and retirement plans

Many commonly contested issues can be incorporated into the divorce decree. If you are considering or have decided to file for divorce in Ohio, the most important thing you can do is consult an attorney. Without the help of an attorney, you may not receive a favorable outcome in the case.

Divorce vs. Dissolution of Marriage

In some cases, both spouses may seek to end the marriage. Ohio allows for both parties to file for a dissolution of marriage. Unlike a divorce, neither party must have a legally acceptable reason (grounds) for seeking the divorce in a dissolution of marriage.

Under Section 3105.63 of the Ohio Revised Code, a petition for dissolution of marriage must be signed by both spouses and have an attached separation agreement. The separation agreement must provide for the division of all property owned by the parties, spousal support (if any), allocation of parental rights and responsibilities, child support, and more.

What Is a Legal Separation?

In some cases, a couple may desire to legally separate without ending their marriage. A legal separation is a court order that deals with all of the issues normally accounted for in a divorce or dissolution of marriage without ending the marriage.

Legal separations are often sought due to religious or cultural reasons. Legal separation follows many of the same procedural requirements as a divorce, including the six (6) month residency rule, and there must be grounds or a legal reason for the separation.

Factors Considered in Spousal Support

One of the first questions that most people ask when seeking a divorce, dissolution of marriage, or legal separation is whether they are entitled to or will be required to pay spousal support.

The court looks at several factors when determining whether spousal support (also referred to as alimony or spousal maintenance) is appropriate and reasonable. The court has broad discretion in determining the amount, terms, and duration of the spousal support.

Factors that may be considered when determining spousal support include:

• All sources of income of the parties;
• Earning abilities of the parties;
• Ages of the parties;
• Physical, mental, and emotional conditions of each spouse;
• Retirement benefits held by both parties;
• Length of the marriage;
• Standard of living established during the marriage;
• Whether the parties have minor children, which would make working outside the home inappropriate;
• Education of the parties; and
• Assets and liabilities of the parties.

The court may also consider factors like the tax consequences for either spouse and any other aspect that the court finds “relevant and equitable.” If you are seeking spousal support or are unsure whether you will have to pay spousal support, call now to speak directly with a Canton family law attorney.

Protecting the Rights of Your Child

In addition to spousal support, child custody, and support issues remain among the most hotly contested matters in family law proceedings. In a divorce, legal separation, or dissolution of marriage, the court will allocate parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the minor children of the marriage.

At Slater & Zurz, our Canton family law attorneys can help with:

• Child support orders and modification
• Child custody and visitation
• Guardianship
• Paternity
• Grandparents rights
• Fathers rights

The court will always attempt to act in the best interest of the child or children. Generally, during legal proceedings, the court will either adopt a shared parenting plan or will name one parent the residential parent and legal custodian while granting the other parent continued contact with their child or children.

Contact our Canton family law attorneys today for assistance if you are facing child custody or support issues.

Why You Should Hire a Canton Family Law Attorney

Family law matters are complex issues that are rarely resolved amicably without the assistance of legal counsel. It is generally in your best interest to retain an attorney as early in the process as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights, meet all legal deadlines, and file the appropriate paperwork for your case.

Whether you are filing for divorce, legal separation, or seeking child support, there are several factors to consider. The court will look at almost every aspect of your life to determine what is fair and equitable. Without the help of a skilled Canton family law attorney, you may not receive the resolution you want or deserve.

How We Can Help

For over 40 years, the attorneys at Slater & Zurz have been helping families get through difficult times. We are our client advocates, first and foremost, always seeking to achieve their desired outcome. Knowing that conflict can cause irreparable harm if not handled properly, we work tirelessly to resolve matters quickly, efficiently, and with the least amount of discord possible.

If you are involved in a family law matter, we are here to help. We are conveniently located at 4450 Belden Village Street, NW, in Canton. Let us assist you in getting a favorable disposition to your case. Call our Canton family law attorneys now to get started.

Contact Our Canton, Ohio Office

Family law matters are never easy, but they don’t have to be impossible. Our Canton family law attorneys can help you through this, guiding you through the legal process and helping you understand your rights.

Get the objective, compassionate representation you need. We can also help with paternity issues, prenuptial agreements, division of property, enforcement of court orders, high net-worth divorces, and more.

Contact our Canton, Ohio office at (330) 968-2547 to speak directly with an attorney about your family law case. Get started today with a no-obligation consultation.