MOST CASES CAN BE FILED IN 48 HOURS! 

Columbus, Ohio Divorce & Dissolution Attorney

At Friedman Law Offices, we know that ending a marriage can be a terrifying experience. We know that people stay in unhealthy or dangerous marriages because the fear of the unknown can have a paralyzing effect. At Friedman Law offices, you will receive a non-judgemental analysis of the facts and never get pressured to do anything. We will listen and guide you through this process at your own pace.

Flat Fee Uncontested Divorce and Dissolution Representation

Although we cannot remove all of the stress associated with ending a marriage, we can remove much of the anxiety over legal fees. Our solution is simple – all dissolution and uncontested divorce cases are billed on a flat fee basis. Flat fee billing means the price is set, and the costs will not change if the process takes longer than expected. After handling thousands of divorce and dissolution cases we have found that the best outcomes occur in cases where there is a collaborative effort between the client and attorney. We have also found that when clients pay on an hourly basis, the client feels incentivized to limit communication in an attempt to reduce costs. We want you to be thrilled with the legal outcome of your matter, and we need you to feel comfortable participating in the process. Therefore, we have found that the interests of the attorney and the client are better served using a flat fee billing structure.

The current rates do not include the filing fee, which varies depending on the county where your case will be filed:

Are there additional costs above the flat fee rates listed above?

Yes. The filing fee is not included in the rates listed above because the filing fee varies in each county,

Our flat fee covers an analysis of all pertinent factors essential for informed decision-making regarding the allocation of parental rights and the division of marital property. Focusing on your concerns, we will discuss your goals and the likely outcome if litigation were pursued for each issue. We will then negotiate, draft, circulate, and file all requisite pleadings with the appropriate court, ensuring a streamlined process. Our commitment extends to accompanying you through the final hearing until the judge signs your final decree and the process is complete.

However, it’s essential to clarify what falls outside the scope of our flat fee:

1. Documents for Retirement Account Division: While we handle most documentation, documents related to the division of retirement accounts incur additional costs. These documents, prepared by a third-party company, typically cost about $500 each.
2. Valuations for Social Security Benefits Offset Against State Pensions: Certain valuations may be necessary, such as offsetting social security benefits against state pensions like OPERS, STRS, OP&F, etc. If required, these valuations cost $250 each
3. Analysis by an Actuary: If disputes arise regarding a retirement asset that predates the marriage and continued contributions were made during the marriage, an analysis by an actuary may be required to resolve the matter.

We will discuss these potential costs thoroughly when we discuss the division of retirement benefits in your case. Transparency is paramount to us, so we will ensure you’re fully informed every step of the way.

Allocation of parental rights

No issue is more important for parents than the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. At Friedman Law Offices, we recognize the gravity of this issue and work to tailor a solution that specifically addresses the unique needs of your children and any specific concerns about the other parent. By understanding your concerns, we can tailor our strategy to prioritize your children’s safety, health, and happiness above all else.

This process requires careful consideration of areas of conflict that may arise so we can draft provisions on how those issues will be resolved. This analysis encompasses the parenting schedule, where the child will go to school, the calculation of child support, maintenance of health insurance, allocation of tax dependency exemptions, division of child-related expenses, and any other consideration that may be required by the specific circumstances you are facing.

At Friedman Law Offices, our goal is to ensure that your children’s well-being remains at the forefront of every decision.

Division of property

Achieving a fair and equitable division of marital property sounds simple and easy. However, fairness and equity can be subjective and nuanced, especially when applied to property division. Consider the scenario of a home purchased during the marriage—while it may seem fair to divide the equity evenly, complications may arise upon a closer inspection of the relevant facts. For instance, if one party solely inherited the money used to purchase the home or contributed a down payment from pre-marital assets, things become murky. The legal landscape surrounding property division is nuanced, and overlooking these complexities can have significant ramifications.

At Friedman Law Offices, we emphasize the importance of fully understanding the intricacies of property division before reaching a resolution. Rushing into an agreement without a comprehensive grasp of the legal nuances can lead to misunderstandings and costly renegotiations down the line. Maintaining trust and cooperation between parties is essential for amicable resolution. Any discrepancies or oversights in the initial negotiations can strain this trust and complicate the resolution process.

Financial analysis

Should I keep or sell the home? Navigating the option of whether to keep or sell your home during divorce proceedings can be an overwhelming experience. Emotions can cloud rational thinking, making determining the best course of action challenging. At Friedman Law Offices, we understand the complexity of this decision and are here to guide you through it. Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation of your objectives regarding property division. We recognize that every situation is unique, and we tailor our strategy to meet your goals. Utilizing advanced software, we review the financial implications of various property division scenarios, considering factors such as child and spousal support payments.

We aim to empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your future. By carefully examining the costs and benefits of each option, we can work together to negotiate a resolution that aligns with your best interests.

Division of Retirement Assets: Understanding the nuances of when various types of retirement funds can be accessed and how to divide them equitably requires careful consideration. In some situations, allocating a larger portion of qualified retirement assets to one party while the other receives more liquid assets and non-taxable property may seem beneficial. However, overlooking the long-term implications of such a division can have devastating consequences. Many individuals, particularly younger ones, underestimate the significance of retirement assets, often prioritizing immediate needs over future financial security. We aim to enlighten our clients about their decisions’ potential impact by illustrating retirement funds’ growth potential over time through tools like compounding interest calculators.

Our approach involves thorough education and analysis. We take the time to explain the implications of various property division strategies, ensuring our clients fully comprehend the consequences of their choices. By examining your estimated income and expenses, we strive to empower you to make informed decisions that align with your financial goals and obligations.

 

Do you want to avoid going to court?

Want to get your uncontested divorce or dissolution finalized without having to go to court?  Want to finalize your divorce or dissolution as quickly as possible?  Friedman Law Offices can have your case referred to a private judge for a fast and private hearing conducted via Zoom for only $150.00 extra.