Family law cases in Columbus typically resolve within 6 to 18 months, depending on complexity, court schedules, and cooperation between parties.
Columbus Court Backlog
The Franklin County courts generally have a backlog of 200 to 700 family law cases at any given time, which can affect scheduling and resolution times.
Family Columbus Filing Volume
Monthly filings for family law matters in Columbus are estimated between 80 and 150 cases, including divorce, custody, and support issues.
Family Case Outcomes
Approximately 30% of cases settle before formal filing, 55% resolve after filing but before trial, and around 15% proceed to trial for final judgment.
577 S. High St., Suite 200 , Columbus , Ohio 43215
Practice Areas: Family
Daniel Gurtner holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University and a J.D. from Capital University Law School. Prior to being admitted to the bar, Dan worked for a solo practitioner with a large consumer bankruptcy practice and in the litigation department of a large law firm.. Since beginning his law practice, Dan has dedicated his practice to the areas of consumer bankruptcy as well as domestic litigation. He enjoys professional associations with the American, Ohio State, and Columbus Bar Associations. Dan is also a member of the Credit Education Coalition, American Inn of Courts and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.. When he’s not working he enjoys spending time with his wife and sons, golfing, and cheering for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Jacqueline L. Kemp has been named on the 2017 Ohio Super. Lawyers Top 50 Women Ohio Lawyers list; Top 25 Women Columbus Lawyers list; Top 50 Women Ohio Lawyers list and Top 100 Ohio Lawyers list. She has also been named Lawyer of the Year, Columbus, Ohio - Family Law by Corporate LiveWire. She has recently been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America and has been awarded Lifetime Achievement status by America's Top 100 Attorneys. She practices exclusively in the area of domestic relations.. Ms. Kemp is a partner with Kemp, Schaeffer, & Rowe Co., L.P.A.. She is an OSBA Certified Family Law Specialist and a Fellow in. the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She currently serves as Immediate Past-President of the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Ms. Kemp is. a past Chairman of the Columbus Bar Association Family Law. Committee. She practices in all Ohio counties and is a frequent. lecturer on the topic of domestic relations. She earned her. B.S.B.A. degree, cum laude, from the Ohio State University and. her J.D. degree, cum laude, from Capital University.
1335 Dublin Road Suite 108-B , Columbus , Ohio 43215
Practice Areas: Americans with Disabilities Act, Bankruptcy, Contracts, Discrimination, Family , Labor , Workers Compensation
Henry A. Arnett is a 1976 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Law. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association. He is also very active in the Columbus Bar Association, having served on the Judiciary Committee, the Federal Court Committee and as Chairman of the Labor Law Committee. His law firm, Livorno and Arnett Co., LPA, represents injured workers, Ohio worker's compensation claimants and numerous labor organizations.
471 East Broad Street, Suite 1800 , Columbus , Ohio 43215
Practice Areas: Family
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.
Eric W. Johnson received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University in 1990 and obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron School of Law in 1995. He has been practicing in the area of family law since 1998. Prior to joining the firm, he also worked in the areas of workers' compensation, personal injury, and insurance subrogation, among other general practice fields.. Mr. Johnson joined Sowald, Sowald, Anderson & Hawley in 2004, became a named partner in the firm in 2009, and in 2012 was designated by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Certified Specialist in Family Relations Law.. He is an active member of the Ohio State, Columbus, and Delaware County Bar Associations, serving on the family law committees of each, and is also a member of the American Bar Association’s Family Law Section. Mr. Johnson is additionally licensed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, became fellow of the Ohio State Bar Foundation in 2008, and is a member of Mensa.. Mr, Johnson welcomes all cases in the area of family law where clients expect exemplary effort and especially looks to encourage a greater number of clients to consider the benefits of non-litigation paths to resolving their concerns, including collaborative law and mediation.
Elizabeth J. Zuercher was admitted to the practice of law in the State of Indiana in 2005 and subsequently to the State of Ohio in 2008. She started her career as a criminal prosecutor and has been practicing in the Family Relations Law field since moving to Ohio in 2008. Before joining Friedman and Mirman, Ms. Zuercher was a Staff Attorney for the former Honorable Christopher J. Geer, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch. Ms. Zuercher received a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and went on to receive her Juris Doctorate from Southern Illinois University. Ms. Zuercher is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association as well as the Columbus Bar Association and the Women Lawyers of Franklin County. She also currently serves on the Columbus Bar Association Board of Governors and is a Past President of the Junior League of Columbus Board of Directors
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce, Uncontested Divorce, Child Custody
I know that it is standard practice in law to have scales or a gavel or some other symbol that says “attorney”. But I wanted to choose a symbol that didn’t just stand for the practice of law, but that represented my purpose for practicing law.. The Owl represents Athena- who is the Greek goddess of wisdom, prudent warfare and guardian of people. For centuries, Athena has symbolized an astute companion and protector of those who are embarking on dangerous journeys or facing struggles.. I practice law with the goal in mind to help people when they need it the most-when they are facing legal issues. They don’t call them “legal battles” because they are easy.. From the time we first meet until the case is resolved I will be your advocate, your companion in your journey, and will work diligently to protect your rights. You are not alone. I will be with you every step of the way.
Elaine S. Buck is a partner in the firm of Buck & Fish, Ltd. and is certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Family Relations Law Specialist. She is trained in Collaborative Practice, mediation, and co-resolution. Elaine also provides representation in adoption/surrogacy and probate.. Elaine served on the Ohio Supreme Court’s Sub-committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution: Collaborative Law that drafted the Ohio Collaborative Family Law Act; and she actively supported its passage by providing testimony and other assistance for its enactment.. Elaine meets the standards for Collaborative Practice trainers of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. She has served as a co-trainer since 2015 for COACDP’s Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Training, a two-day training held annually. She has presented to the Ohio House Judiciary Committee, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Columbus Bar Association, Capital University Law School, and the Ohio Council of School Board Attorneys.. Elaine is a graduate of Brown University and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. She is a Fellow of the Ohio State Bar Association Foundation, and a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. She has been awarded the designation of “Super Attorney” and is listed on the Martindale Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.. Currently, Elaine is the President of the Central Ohio Academy of Collaborative Divorce Professionals. She is a life member of First Community Church and has also served as: Chairman of the Board of Northwest Counseling Services; Chairman of the Brown Alumni School Committee; Chairman of the Upper Arlington Education Foundation Board of Trustees, and Trustee of the Upper Arlington Community Foundation.
Practice Areas: Child Custody & Visitation, Divorce, Domestic Partnership, Family , Prenuptial Agreement, Family
Mr. Whipps has earned a reputation as a competent and effective matrimonial attorney and he has been an active bar and community leader. He has served as President of the Ohio Board of Psychology, the Upper Arlington Board of Education, The Upper Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Creative Living, Inc. and Unverferth House He has also served as a National Vice President of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He has chaired many committees of the Columbus Bar Association and the Franklin County Trial Lawyers Association and served as the Host of many TV programs including Upper Arlington Plain Talk, U.A. Today, Bridging Disability, Lawyers on Call, and The Ohio Wesleyan Experience. He is listed in Who’s Who in America and as a Preeminent Lawyer in the Family Law Section of the Martindale-Hubbell® Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.. Mr. Whipps has demonstrated the unique ability to both understand important psychological principles and to apply them to the practice of family law. This ability is especially evident in his negotiation skills used to achieve successful outcomes in divorce and dissolution cases. This same psychological background is especially important in handling custody matters and in developing effective parenting time schedules.
Disclaimer: This content is based on aggregated public information and estimated market trends. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
