Divorce

Deciding to file for Divorce is difficult. You may be afraid of your spouse’s reaction. You may be worried about your children. You may be worried about finances. You may not understand the process.

It is critical to have an experienced and skilled lawyer to protect your interests. The outcome of your case will affect your property, debt, and income for years to come. The lives of your children will be affected.

Your lawyer at Malarcik Pierce Munyer Will will be on your side, to make sure you get the best possible result. We lead you through the process so that you understand what is happening, and you can move forward when it is over, knowing that all of the issues have been resolved.

One spouse files a Complaint for Divorce, stating “grounds” or a legal reason for divorce. The other spouse answers with his or her own “grounds.” Often there will be temporary orders for child and spousal support while the case is pending. Sometimes there are restraining orders to prevent harassment, hiding money and other assets, or taking children out of the state.

The court will set a schedule for the exchange of financial information and there will be regular meetings at court to check on the progress. Both parents will need to attend a parenting class. Sometimes the court will appoint a lawyer to represent the children, or order a parenting evaluation to help the court decide where the children should live.

Most Divorce cases settle before trial, based on the negotiations between the spouses and their lawyers. If they do not, then the lawyers will present evidence to the court and a judge will decide each issue.

The financial issues that the court will decide include:

• Division of assets: bank accounts, retirement accounts, real estate, personal property
• Division of debts: credit cards, loans, mortgages, taxes
• Spousal support (alimony): how much and how long
• Business interests: ownership or buyout of family businesses
• Attorney fees and court costs

The court will also determine:

• Where the children will live
• How time with the children will be shared
• How holidays will be shared
• Who will provide health insurance for the children
• Who will pay child support and how much

If you and your spouse can reach agreement on these issues with the help of your lawyers before filing for Divorce, then Dissolution of Marriage may be another option for you.

The process of divorce often raises unpleasant feelings and additional questions. It can be very emotional, even when both spouses want the marriage to be over, which makes it hard to think clearly. Dividing assets, especially retirement accounts, can be very complex. There are tax issues to be aware of. You will get the best result if you have a knowledgeable lawyer by your side.

At Malarcik Pierce Munyer Will, we take the time to counsel each of our clients about the issues, the process, and the possible outcomes. We will be as aggressive as necessary to protect your interests. We put our years of experience and knowledge to work for you.

Divorce is a life-changing event. It will affect your future, both financially and emotionally. The process will move more quickly and smoothly when you have a skilled lawyer working for you.

Call us today: (330) 253-0785.

Our offices are located in downtown Akron, at 121 S. Main St., Ste. 520. We serve clients in courts throughout Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and the surrounding areas.