Columbus Family Law Attorney

FAMILY LAW

Family law matters are never easy to resolve because, in most cases, there is no clear solution or obvious answer. This can be particularly challenging when children are involved, finances are tight, and tensions are high. Whether you’re faced with divorce, dissolution or adoption matter, it’s critical to work with a professional who will help you understand your options and make an informed decision.

No matter your reason for contacting a Columbus family law attorney, understanding the law concerning your circumstances and having confidence that you will be represented in a manner consistent with your expectations is our goal. Our team at Winkler Legal in Columbus, Ohio has over 23 years of experience helping families and handling complex family law issues. We work with our clients every step of the way, from reviewing options to representing them in court. We are dedicated to providing empathetic and effective family law services to our Columbus clients, from dissolution of marriage to spousal support claims.

When you first meet with our legal team, we get to know your case from your perspective, identifying your priorities and setting realistic outcomes. Family law involves protecting your most valued and precious personal relationships. As such, it is important to identify the short-term and long-term impacts of decisions made in the course of your legal proceeding. Our Columbus family law attorney walks you through the many considerations you can expect to encounter, and the best ways to deal with them.

The emotional and financial strains of family law cases can put stress on even the strongest family relationships, and the outcome will have a lasting impact on your financial and emotional well-being moving forward. Whatever your reasons for contacting a Columbus family law attorney, Dirk Winkler of Winkler Legal can help. Contact us today for a free consultation, and learn all about our family law services below.

Columbus Dissolution of Marriage Legal Services

At Winkler Legal, we understand that marriages can end by agreement where couples are able to resolve their marital differences amicably. If you and your spouse agree on the terms and conditions of ending your marriage, then dissolving the marriage is the most appropriate and effective option.

In Ohio, a dissolution of marriage, also known simply as a dissolution, is a legal proceeding in which both spouses reach an agreement regarding the termination of their marriage. At Winkler Legal, we represent a spouse in dissolution negotiations and advise clients as to their rights and responsibilities under Ohio Law.  Typically, dissolutions are less expensive, less stressful, and more straightforward than a divorce and offer individuals more control over the final results of their case.

For this reason, Winkler Legal offers Central Ohio residents an affordable flat-fee dissolution service that includes preparation of all the necessary legal documents, court filings, and attendance at the final hearing. It is not uncommon for Winkler Legal to represent one spouse, while also working with the non-client spouse to complete the required dissolution of marriage paperwork.

Depending on your circumstances, a dissolution of marriage in Columbus may address a variety of issues, including:

• Allocation of Marital Assets
• Payment of outstanding marital debts
• Spousal Support (when appropriate)
• Child Custody and Support
• Parental Rights

If you want to end your marriage by dissolution, please schedule a free 15 minute consultation with Winkler Legal to see how we can help.

Columbus Divorce Attorney

Divorce is one of the most difficult experiences to go through and can put immeasurable stress on a family. At Winkler Legal, it is our goal to make it easier for you and your family. In Ohio, a divorce is an adversarial proceeding where spouses sue one another to end the marriage. A divorce proceeding is particularly challenging because it involves court appearances and deliberation, making it more time-consuming and expensive than a dissolution. A divorce proceeding also requires significant preparation in order to properly protect your rights and advance your objectives. At Winkler Lega, we have the legal experience to gather and analyze case-relevant information so that we are prepared for every contingency in your divorce matter.

Our Columbus family law attorney works with you every step during your divorce proceeding.  A divorce proceeding involves gathering significant amounts of financial and personal information relating to the marriage.  We will critically analyze marital assets and marital liabilities, income sources, parental relationships, and any marital misconduct allegations. During the divorce proceeding, we represent you and assert your rights at court.  If necessary, we will also address spousal support, child support, and child custody.

Columbus Annulment Attorney

Sometimes, divorce isn’t the right choice for you and your partner, and in these cases, an annulment may be the best option. Unlike a divorce, an annulment essentially cancels a marriage, negating it completely. However, in Ohio, the qualifications for annulment are very strict, and it can be difficult to realize. If you believe that annulment is the right, the Columbus annulment attorney at Winkler Legal can help. We work with you to review your case and determine the best course of action to follow. There are several possible grounds for annulment in Ohio, such as:

• Your marriage was never consummated
• An individual was forced or coerced into marriage against their will
• A spouse was underage
• The presence of an undissolved previous marriage
• Mental incompetence
• Fraud
• And more

Columbus Legal Separation Attorney

Unlike dissolution, divorce, and annulment, a legal separation does not end your marriage. When a couple agrees to legally separate, they will choose to live apart but remain married. A legal separation deals with the same issues in a dissolution or divorce – allocation of marital assets and liabilities, spousal support (if appropriate), child custody, and child support.  The biggest benefit to legal separation is that it gives spouses time to evaluate their marriage and confront the range of issues that it may be facing. If you’re having trouble with your marriage but don’t feel like a dissolution, divorce or annulment is the right answer, the Columbus family law attorney at Winkler Legal can help. We work with you to consider all your options, and help you determine what’s best for you and your marriage. A legal separation can be reversed and is a less extreme measure than divorce. If you and your spouse decide that you need to end your marriage, a legal separation makes the divorce process easier ahead of time.

Columbus Prenuptial Agreement Attorney

A Prenuptial Agreement, more commonly known as a “Prenup”, is an agreement made by a couple before their marriage concerning what will be done with their respective assets should the marriage terminate. While many people consider it unseemly to sign a prenup before marriage, it can be a logical and reasonable decision for soon to be married couples to make. If you are considering a second marriage, have children from a previous marriage, have significant wealth and business dealings, entering into a prenuptial agreement may be right for you.  You can only enter into a prenuptial agreement before you are married.  Once you are married, a prenuptial agreement will be of no benefit.  If you’re considering establishing a prenuptial agreement Winkler Legal can help. We can prepare all the required documents and paperwork on your behalf, and ensure that the agreement is clear, concise, and binding.

Columbus Stepparent Adoption Attorney

Adopting a stepchild is one of the most fulfilling and important decisions affecting a child. Often, a stepparent plays a primary role in raising a child in place of one of the biological parents. Under certain circumstances, Ohio law provides for the stepparent to adopt the child. At Winkler Legal, our Columbus family law team has over seventeen years of experience representing stepparents seeking to adopt a child, and the many legal challenges faced when adopting a stepchild. Providing a permanent and nurturing parent–child relationship is the primary goal of a stepparent adoption proceeding. If you’re interested in learning more about stepparent adoption, the Columbus family law team at Winkler legal can help.

Columbus Family Law Attorney Services

Family law cases can be difficult.  Ending a marriage places incredible stress on a household and will have lasting emotional and financial repercussions for years to come. Whatever your reason for seeking legal support, the family law attorneys at Winkler Legal can help. At Winkler Legal, we’re dedicated to providing caring, compassionate, and competent legal services to our clients. We represent Columbus and Central Ohio clients in the following family law areas:

• Family Law Overview
• Divorce
• Flat-fee Dissolution
• Stepparent Adoption
• Annulment of Marriages
• Prenuptial Agreements
• Legal Separation

Whether you’re facing disputes such as divorce, dissolution, child support, adoption, or others, the Columbus family law attorney at Winkler Legal can help. Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more.