DOMESTIC LAW
Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody
At Latif Law, LLC we understand that family law issues are emotionally tolling and can constitute some of the most stressful periods of your life.
We strive to make the legal process as simple as possible so you can focus on taking care of yourself and your family.
​
We are experienced in family law issues, including divorce, dissolution, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, post-decree matters, and civil protection orders.
Issues we can help with:
Divorce
​
When you're going through a contentious divorce you need an attorney who knows the intricacies of the law and who will fight for your best interests every step of the way. Latif Law, LLC has experience handling even complex divorce cases and prides itself on offering personalized service tailored to each client.
Dissolution
Sometimes parties can amicably reach a resolution about about how they wish to resolve all relevant issues of their separation, including marital property and debt division, child custody and visitation, and child support and spousal support. Even though it may seem straightforward, it is always wise to have an attorney advise you before signing any documents which could have a lasting effect on your life.
Child Custody
When the best interests of your most precious family members are at stake, don't take chances trying to navigate the complex legal system by yourself. Latif Law, LLC is experienced in child custody issues and will provide attentive guidance to ensure your children are in good hands.
Child Support
Child support calculations take into account a variety of factors and can seem confusing at times. Latif Law, LLC understands how child support is calculated in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, along with how parent's incomes, expenses and possible deviations are typically handled by the courts.
Spousal Support/ Alimony
Latif Law, LLC can assist you in evaluating your rights and responsibilities with regard to spousal support, separate vs. marital property and a wide variety of other attenuating issues. Set up a consultation today to see how we can assist you!
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Divorce and Family Law
1. What is the difference between a divorce and a dissolution?
​
A divorce is a contested proceeding in which the parties do not agree either to terminate the marriage or the terms upon which the marriage will be terminated. A dissolution is essentially an agreed divorce where the parties negotiate the terms of the termination of their marriage through their attorneys. Once an agreement has been reached, the parties can enter into a Separation Agreement or a Shared Parenting Plan and then Petition the court jointly to terminate their marriage.
​
​
2. How much do you charge for a divorce or dissolution?
We strive to provide you with individualized cost-effective service, we ask that you set up an initial consultation with us in order to discuss cost. During your 30 minute consultation, we can discuss all of your legal options and make a determination as to your retainer fee. A retainer fee is a deposit, or advance-payment from you, which we will deposit into a separate trust account, against which we will charge our work in your case, and for which we will account to you monthly.
We may, in some cases, later ask for an additional retainer if the original sum deposited turns out to be inadequate. We don't have a standard set retainer rate. The amount of the retainer fee that we will request differs from case to case depending upon things like the anticipated complexity of the case, the amount of financial responsibility involved, the client's ability to pay, the amount of work that must be done at the outset, etc.
In cases where there is a short term marriage, few marital assets and debts, and you and your spouse agree on the terms of your divorce, our firm will work hard to help you quickly and efficiently get through the process and avoid unnecessary legal fees. Often times we will charge a reasonable "flat fee” for these types of cases.
3. How much is the initial consultation?
Your first 30 minute consultation is completely free!
​
​
Shared parenting is when both parents of the minor child(ren) are named the legal custodians. As legal custodians the parties agree to equally share in the child(ren)’s upbringing. The parties enter into a Shared Parenting Plan which outlines each of the parent’s rights and responsibilities relating to the child(ren). Some of things in the Plan can include: a parenting time schedule, an order for child support, an order designating which parent will provide the child(ren) with health insurance, an order designating one of the parents as the school placement parent and the right to claim the child(ren) as an income tax dependency exemption.
​
5. How is child support calculated?
​
Child support is calculated in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. There is a child support worksheet which is used to calculate a support amount. Under the Code, the amount of child support is determined based upon the parents’ incomes and the expenses related to the child(ren). Parents can also agree to deviate—upward or downward—from the calculation amount if certain factors are present. We can further explain the details of this process at your consultation.
​
6. How is spousal support calculated?
​
Unlike child support, Ohio does not have a worksheet or formula for determining the amount or duration of spousal support. Latif Law, LLC can assist you in evaluating your rights and responsibilities in this regard.
​
7. I don’t know where my spouse is, can I still get a divorce?
​
Yes. In accordance with the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, Latif Law, LLC can help you proceed with an uncontested divorce even if your spouse’s address is unknown.
​
8. What is a private domestic hearing or private judge?
​
If you are interested in filing an agreed/uncontested divorce or dissolution, we can arrange to have your final hearing in our office or any private setting of your choice. The benefits to having a private domestic hearing is that the hearing can be scheduled around your convenience and you can get the earliest possible hearing date. You also won’t have to deal with the headache of battling downtown traffic or parking.
​
​
9. What is a Guardian ad Litem?
​
A Guardian ad Litem ("GAL”) is an attorney appointed by the court or selected by the parties to represent the best interest of the minor child(ren) in certain domestic relations and juvenile court proceedings. After a thorough investigation into the child(ren) and the parties, a GAL will make a recommendation to the court regarding the child(ren) and their placement.
​
10. What is a Civil Protection Order (CPO)?
​
A civil protection order ("CPO”) is a restraining order that prohibits a spouse, family member, or other member of your household from having any contact with you following an incident or threat of domestic violence. These orders can also make temporary awards of custody, child support, and spousal support. A violation of any of the terms of a CPO can result in immediate arrest.
​
​