DOMESTIC RELATIONS

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At Zashin & Rich Co. L.P.A., the practice of domestic relations law has been the bedrock of the firm since its founding in 1981. Zashin & Rich practices domestic relations law throughout Ohio in trial and appellate courts, as well as the Supreme Court of Ohio. Andrew Zashin and the Domestic Relations Team at Zashin & Rich are experienced handling interstate Domestic Relations cases involving child custody disputes.

Specifically, the firm's domestic relations practice includes the following sub-categories:

Divorce / Dissolution:
The divorce process terminates the marriage contract that binds a man and a woman. Divorce law often requires the determination of property division, child support, spousal support, and allocation of parental rights and responsibilities.

Like divorce, the dissolution process also terminates a party's marriage. This process is generally more amicable than a divorce because rather than instituting a lawsuit to terminate the marriage, the parties jointly file a petition to end their marriage. This process often requires a greater degree of trust between the parties. Like the divorce process, dissolutions require separation agreements, and often the determination of parental rights and responsibilities.

When representing clients in divorces and dissolutions, Zashin & Rich vigorously pursues our clients' interests to achieve optimum results.

Property Division:
At the termination of a marriage the parties must divide property acquired during that marriage. Often this process is simple. On other occasions, however, this process is complex because property is not always acquired as a result of marital effort. This results in a differentiation between "marital property" and "separate property." Unlike marital property, separate property is not subject to division at the termination of a marriage. Zashin & Rich addresses these determinations with the utmost care.

Moreover, dividing property is not always a "50/50" proposition. Although Ohio courts generally presume a 50/50 division of marital property, they retain the authority to deviate from this guideline. Consequently, it is essential to value businesses, pensions, residential and commercial real estate, household furnishings and jewelry. Zashin & Rich has years of experience handling extensive and complicated property divisions. In addition, Zashin & Rich has close relationships with the finest experts in various fields who aid in the valuation process that becomes the focus of many complex property divisions.

Spousal Support/Child Support:
A spousal support award, sometimes known as alimony, is made on the basis of several factors. The factors considered include, but are not limited to, the respective incomes of the parties, relative education levels, relative health, standard of living of the parties, duration of the marriage, retirement benefits, tax consequences of an award and any other factors that the court deems relevant and equitable under a given set of circumstances.

Zashin & Rich represents both the potential payor and payee in spousal support cases and has the experience necessary to achieve the most beneficial results possible for our clients.

Although child support is based on guidelines set forth in the Ohio Revised Code, it is sometimes critical to persuade the opposing party or the court to deviate from those guidelines. Understanding the nuances of child support laws can often help either the payor or the payee benefit from child support litigation. At Zashin & Rich, we educate our clients in order to make the child support laws work for them.

Parental Rights and Responsibilities (Child Custody):
Child custody litigation is often the most difficult process an individual can experience. The lawyers at Zashin & Rich are sensitive to this fact and work hard to make the process work for its clients. In Ohio, a child's living arrangements are based on what is best for that child. Determining the child's "best interest" is at the heart of custody litigation. Zashin & Rich fights aggressively to present its clients in their most favorable light.             

Domestic Violence:
The laws surrounding domestic violence have changed in recent years. The result of a domestic violence proceeding can dramatically impact a domestic relations matter. It is, therefore, necessary that a domestic relations litigant understand the ramifications that domestic violence proceedings can play in their case. Zashin & Rich has experience handling domestic violence matters from the perspective of the victim and the accused, in both civil and criminal courts, and counsels clients regarding their rights in light of such proceedings.

Post Decree Litigation:
Obtaining a favorable settlement or result becomes illusory when the opposing side defaults on court-ordered obligations. In regard to both financial matters or child related issues, Zashin & Rich has the knowledge and skill necessary to enforce these obligations through post decree motion practice invoking the continuing jurisdiction of the Domestic Relations Court.

Pre-Nuptial Agreements:
Zashin & Rich represents individuals who are confronted with issues arising from pre-nuptial agreements. Sometimes a person contemplating marriage needs to draft a pre-nuptial contract in order to protect their interests. Other times, an individual is presented with such a document and requires representation to review its terms to assure that it is fair. In either case, Zashin & Rich has the resources and experience necessary to protect our client's interests prior to marriage.

In sum, Zashin & Rich Co., L.P.A. has the ability and experience to handle even the most complex and delicate domestic relations matters with sensitivity and effectiveness.

If you would like more information concerning this practice area,
please contact Andrew A. Zashin.