Bugbee & Conkle, LLP represents and advises clients who are experiencing domestic problems. Whether these matters are on the verge of litigation or have already proceeded to litigation, our lawyers guide clients through domestic issues, exercising care to ensure all our clients' rights and interests are protected. With offices in Toledo, Ohio, our attorneys are able to represent clients throughout northwest Ohio in such domestic matters as the following:
DIVORCE
Divorce is an adversarial proceeding in which the parties are legally terminating their marital relationship. Our attorneys represent and counsel clients in the termination of their marital relationship by reviewing and valuing all assets and debts of the parties. Divorce may also involve parental rights and support issues.
DISSOLUTION
Dissolution is different from divorce in that the parties have agreed upon a settlement of all issues. Dissolution involves the creation of a separation agreement which must ultimately be filed with and approved by the court. Just as in a divorce, the parties must still show grounds for dissolution. Additionally, the separation agreement must encompass support and parental rights issues if relevant to the situation.
LEGAL SEPARATION
A Legal Separation does not end the marriage, but invokes the court's authority to declare the parties to be "legally" separate. In a Legal Separation, the court divides the assets and debts as it would in an action for divorce. Once the court grants a legal separation, the rights and obligations with respect to support, property, and debts are determined.
CHILD SUPPORT
Child Support is calculated using statutory guidelines. Our attorneys help clients evaluate whether child support is likely to be calculated according to the statutory guidelines or whether the court may deviate from the guidelines. Factors which may result in a deviation include: time spent with the children; children's participation in private school; children's health; or the best interests of the children.
PARENTING RIGHTS
Child custody is more commonly referred to as the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. The court will determine the appropriate allocation based on what is in the best interest of the children.
SPOUSAL SUPPORT
Spousal support, more commonly known as alimony, is determined by evaluating a number of statutory factors including the income, earning capacity, lifestyle, age and education of the parties, and duration of the marriage, to name a few.
If you have any questions regarding a domestic matter, please contact John F. Wetli (jwetli@bugbee-conkle.com) or Harvey C. Miller (hmiller@bugbee-conkle.com) at (419) 244-6788 or use the e-form under the Contact Us menu item on this site.
