Top Best Family Lawyers | 21716 Available

Erika M. Smitherman was born in Norwalk, Ohio and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1993, where both of her parents were teachers. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University, with minors in both English and Philosophy. Her spring 1997 graduation in the Horseshoe was rained out; however, her graduation was made official when she picked up her diploma from a box on the floor of the French Field House! While at Ohio State, Ms. Smitherman’s activities included serving as a University Ambassador, chairing several programs in the Student Alumni Council, working as a Resident Advisor, serving on the Homecoming Steering Committee, and membership in the Sullivant Society Honorary. Ms. Smitherman remains active in the Ohio State Alumni Association. After graduating from Ohio State, Ms. Smitherman furthered her studies at Capital University Law School. There, she served as a mentor to first year students, worked in the Admissions Office, and was a member of the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. While at Capital, Ms. Smitherman interned at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and practiced her research and writing skills. After graduating from Capital in May 2000, she was sworn into the Ohio Bar in November 2000. Ms. Smitherman began employment at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in the Consumer Protection Section and later, she simultaneously worked in the Chief Counsel’s Staff. As an Assistant Attorney General, she investigated consumer complaints, effectively mediated settlements, litigated against companies accused of statutory violations and prepared confidential court papers, legal memoranda, and briefs for trial and appellate proceedings. Ms. Smitherman became an Assistant Chief Legal Counsel in the Auditor of State’s Office, focusing on the Cleveland and Youngstown regions. While there, she provided legal advice to state auditors, trained government officials to effectively apply state laws to their specific municipalities, and collaborated with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office regarding unique litigation on behalf of the Auditor. After a few years in a small solo practice, Ms. Smitherman became a child advocacy attorney for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Franklin County. At CASA, she represented the best interests of children who were found by the court to be abused, neglected and/or dependent. Many of these children were placed in the custody of Franklin County Children’s Services for their own protection and Ms. Smitherman helped to ensure that the children received appropriate services and treatment by working closely with the child’s Guardian ad Litem and the Juvenile Court. She also provided training to volunteers who were appointed by the court to serve as Guardians ad Litem. It was through Ms. Smitherman’s involvement with CASA that she met Judge Elizabeth Gill of the Franklin County Domestic and Juvenile Court and subsequently accepted the invitation to become her staff attorney. While working with Judge Gill, she prepared published legal opinions, performed legal research and analysis on complex matters of family law, assisted the Judge in preparing for hearings and trials, reviewed and commented on dissolution paperwork submitted to the court for review, and facilitated the pro se dissolutions and civil protection orders on the date of hearing. During her time with Judge Gill, Ms. Smitherman developed an interest in the private practice of family law and appreciates the opportunity she had to learn from such a fine mentor. Ms. Smitherman is a member of the Columbus Bar Association and Women Lawyers of Franklin County. She is admitted to practice in all state and local courts in Ohio and in the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio. Ms. Smitherman serves her community on the Board of Directors of Faith Educare, volunteers as her daughter’s Girl Scout Leader and is an active member of her church. Ms. Smitherman resides in Canal Winchester with her family including Troy, who is a firefighter/paramedic for Madison Township, and their three children: two sons, who are avid soccer players, and one daughter, who is working toward her black belt in karate. They share their home with their dog and cat. Ms. Smitherman and her family enjoy spending time together during family movie nights, swimming, traveling, camping, jumping on their trampoline, biking to the covered bridge, volunteering at community and charity events, and spending time with family and friends.

Independence divorce attorney Oliver L. Herthneck practices family law, because it offers an opportunity to ensure that no two days are alike. More than that, it also affords an opportunity to develop relationships with people by helping them through one of their most difficult moments.. The divorce process can take some time, and there are no guarantees. However, Mr. Herthneck is the kind of attorney who will do whatever possible to help protect your rights and the rights of your children.. “I want my clients to understand that they are gaining an advocate who is willing to fight for them and who will always keep them in the loop as to the status of their case, and various options moving forward, including the pros and cons with each,” Mr. Herthneck said.

Tayane M. Oliveira is an associate attorney with Brodzki Jacobs. She concentrates her practice on family law matters.. Ms. Oliveira received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Florida Atlantic University in 2013. She received her Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law in 2017.. Prior to joining Brodzki Jacobs, Ms. Oliveira represented clients in general civil litigation matters. Tayane is originally from Brazil and enjoys traveling, reading, and exercise in her free time. She is fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and is also a certified Supreme Court Family Law Mediator.. We treat you like family, only better!

I started a law firm called Good Life Legal. We are a little different and here is how:. 1) We use fixed fees. That means we tell you exactly what you will pay us upfront. Most other lawyers bill by the hour. Would you hire someone to build a house and pay them by the hour? We wouldn't either. How do you know if you are getting a good value if you don't know the cost?. 2) We only take a limited number of clients per attorney. Many attorneys just take every client who comes through the door and then struggle to help them all. We limit the number we take so that we will have enough time to help each of our clients.. 3) We focus on Divorce-Related Family Law. When attorneys practice in multiple disciplines, their attention is split. We do our best to focus on just one thing, Divorce-Related Family Law. If you have questions, I hope you will call me. I want to help you in any way that I can. If you have questions on your mind, get them answered and you will start to feel better.

I am also a Certified Public Accountant in Florida and New York and certified by the AICPA in Financial Forensics and certified by the NACVA as a Financial Forensic Analyist.

I am a collaborative family attorney and family law mediator.  I am committed to being a healer and not a destroyer of families.  I am committed to helping families find their own solutions to their individual and unique family isses.  I am committed to working with my colleagues, both in the legal profession and other professions such as the mental health and financial fields, to open the lines of communication and facilitate problem solving within the team arena.  I am committed to helping families create their own solutions, restructure their families respectfully and learn valuable communication skills that will serve them for as long as they need or want.  I am committed to educating the public that there is another way to divorce and it doesn't have to be destructive.  Call me for more information.

Skills and Specialty:. 1989 - present: Certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a Specialist in North Carolina Family Law;. 2001: Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate;. 1999: Completed course in Motor Vehicle Collision Reconstruction, Texas Engineering Extension Service, Texas A & M University.. Additional background:. I was born in Gastonia, North Carolina in 1950 to Herbert Reece Kelso (1928-2008), and Becky Hope Kelso. I was their only child. As a child, I spent a lot of time driving midget race cars and working in my dad's garage, particularly on Volkswagens. In fact, while in high school, my dad and I built a Volkswagen that we took from a junk yard. It had red metal flake paint and a sun roof. It was my pride and joy and got me back and forth to college. While in high school, I played football for four years and was selected for North Carolina Boys State. My parents encouraged me to go to college, so in 1969 I entered Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina. After obtaining a degree in history, I attended the University of South Carolina School of Law and obtained a law degree in 1975. I returned to Gastonia, North Carolina to practice law. In the early part of my career, I practiced real estate law, helping couples to purchase homes. In 1978, I opened my own office and became more of a courtroom attorney. I tried civil cases and criminal cases. In all, I have tried more than 100 jury trials in my career. Although I had always attended church, in 2000 I became involved in a Disciple Bible Study Class at River Hills Community Church. During my second year in the Bible study, I answered God's call to enter seminary in 2003. At first, I felt I would become a pastor, but later, it became apparent to me that God had another plan for me. So, after graduating from seminary in 2006 with masters degrees in divinity and Christian counseling, I returned to the practice of law. I joined the Christian Legal Society, and since returning to law practice, I have tried to conduct my practice as a ministry to the people that we serve. In June 2009, I founded the Christian Family Law Association, Inc., a nonprofit organization of attorneys and legal service providers who make the decision to view their family law practices as a ministry. See, . Our goal is to equip family law attorneys to view their family law practices as a ministry.

Experienced Family attorney serving clients in United States and surrounding areas.