Firm: Link Nestheide Family Law
Practice Areas: Family
Family law has been my passion for my entire career and I have limited my practice exclusively to this area of the law since becoming licensed in 2011. I assist clients in dissolution, divorce, child custody and child support cases in domestic relations and juvenile courts. My practice is centered in Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties in Ohio and Kenton, Boone and Campbell counties in Kentucky. I am trained in Collaborative Law and have experience with many complex family law issues, including high-conflict custody cases, business valuations, and separate property tracing issues.. My clients are extremely important to me. I want to make a personal connection with every client so I can understand their individual needs in the process, legally, emotionally and financially. When you are going through a family law issue, it can often feel as if your world has been turned upside down. There are so many uncertainties during this time and imagining your future can be scary. It is my job to take some of that uncertainty away by using my legal knowledge to provide a calm voice of guidance and support.. Family law issues involve some of the most important things in your life: your children and your livelihood. I understand that who you hire as your attorney is one of the most impactful decisions you will make in this process, and I take my job very seriously. Getting to know my clients allows me to best understand the approach that will be most effective for their case. While I personally believe that collaboration and amicable results are best for families and children, I acknowledge in some cases this is simply not possible. When settlement is not a viable option, I use my litigation and advocacy skills to achieve outcomes for my clients in the courtroom setting. No matter what path we take, it is critical that my clients understand the process and have as much information as possible to aid in making the many decisions that arise in a family law case.. Education:2011, Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Juris Doctor, magna cum laude. 2008, Ohio State University, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science. Licensures:
Contact: Not Available
Firm: Wolinetz & Horvath
Practice Areas: Family
Eric grew up in Worthington, Ohio. He graduated with honors (cum laude) from The Ohio State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts. Eric then graduated with honors (magna cum laude) from Capital University Law School in 2007.. Eric is admitted to practice law in all Ohio state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Eric has been practicing domestic relations law, exclusively, since 2007. Accordingly, he handles matters in all areas of family law including divorce, dissolution, custody proceedings, post-decree matters, child and spousal support cases and appellate matters. Eric is an OSBA Certified Specialist in the practice of Family Relations Law, which requires passage of a written examination in the field of family relations law, demonstration of a high level of substantial involvement in family relations law and favorable evaluations by colleagues and judges / magistrates familiar with his work. Eric has also been selected to the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys “Top 10 Under 40 Attorney Award for the state of Ohio,” which is by invitation and is extended to those attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skill, experience, expertise and success in their practice of family law. Eric has presented at a number of seminars, including the Fifth Annual Family Institute in 2017 and the Domestic Relations Judge & Magistrate Winter Conference in 2016. Eric is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association.
Contact: Not Available
Firm: Elias, Eugene Attorney at Law
Practice Areas: Family
Contact: Not Available
Firm: Karski Law Firm, LLC
Practice Areas: Family
Contact: Not Available
Firm: Melissa Graham-Hurd & Associates, LLC
Practice Areas: Family
My dream of becoming an attorney started when I was very young; my dad was convinced I would practice criminal defense and nicknamed me "The Excuse Factory" when I was 6 or 7 years old. Thankfully, that dream of his did not come to fruition.. I previously practiced foreclosure law. I learned so much in my time there about who I was and who I did not want to be. That isn't a slight against my prior firm- great experiences can shape people just as much as negative ones. It becomes easier to know where to go when you know who you want to be. I practice family law because it is what I am called to do. I strongly believe all people deserve respect and a fair hand regardless of their life situation and I endeavor to treat people as such. Just like all humans, sometimes I fail miserably on that front, but my current position allows me to learn, grow, and help people find hope in situations that can look hopeless. I look forward to many more years of learning to practice law in a way that allows me to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly into the future.. When I am not working, you can probably find me reading a book, chasing my toddler, or going on a camping adventure with my husband.
Contact: Not Available
Firm: Smitherman Law Group, LLC
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.
Contact: Not Available
Firm: Harpst Becker LLC
Practice Areas: Family
Contact: Not Available
Practice Areas: Family
Contact: 513-844-1960
Firm: Skidmore & Associates Co.
Practice Areas: Family
The Akron law firm of Skidmore & Associates has had an AV Martindale-Hubbell peer rating [highest ethical standards/highest professional ability] for decades. I am the middle son of firm founder Akron attorney Archie W. Skidmore. My father has been practicing law since 1955. He is 92 years old and still comes to work every day. I have an older brother Brian and younger brother Thomas also Akron attorneys. My brothers and I were born and raised in Akron, Ohio. We all attended universities and colleges out-of-town, but all of us returned to Akron to practice law. An old high school friend Spiros Vasilatos,Jr. joined the law firm in the mid-1980s. I am a family law attorney practicing since 1989. As a law firm, we have a cohesive, cerebral, ethical approach to the practice of law-identify legal problems and solve them! I aspire to represent my clients zealously and attempt to bring civility and professionaiism to the divorce or dissolution process.. My philosophy: Ending a marital relationship will be the hardest experience a spouse will have in a lifetime, especially when children are involved. The ending of a relationship should be mourned, however, the process does not have to descend spiraling down ultimately ending in the destruction of all relationships and bonds between mother, father, and children. Mom and dad may not be wife and husband anymore, but they will always remain mother and father to their children. The family unit, albeit divided, does not have to be destroyed. It is absolutely necessary that parental family bonds survive. You can taper future bitterness at future children's events [graduations, weddings, grandchildren], by how you conduct yourself during the divorce process.. The 'why' and 'how'?: I view the divorce process as a "new beginning"! After a spouse is involved in a divorce it is natural to be emotionally wounded and bruised. It will take time to get past the emotional trauma -but you will get past this difficult time! Each spouse gives up individual charactersitics to form a matrimonial union, and it can be devastating when the relationship and dreams fail. If a relationship cannot be reconciled, divorce is an opportunity for a spouse to return to an identity they used to have before becoming married. A divorced spouse has the chance to regain the individuality and independence they once had, that they rightfully gave up for marriage. A divorced spouse can go back in time and become the individual they once were the day before they were married. You can become you again! So divorce can have a silver lining -for every end, there is a new beginning!. I try to guide and reinforce a client's new quest for individualism, independence, and self-improvement! Believe it or not, divorce is an opportunity to get better as a person. I tell my clients to have the strength and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate and toxicity toward the other spouse. Hate distorts the personality of the hater. Venting hate toward the other spouse is damaging toward the other spouse, but, it is even more ruinous to the person who hates. The more you hate the other, the more you are thinking of them and not yourself. When one hates the other spouse ,it delays one's own "new beginning". If you continue to hate the other spouse, you begin to do irrational things distorting your own vision. For the spouse who hates, beautiful becomes ugly and ugly becomes beautiful. The true becomes false and the false becomes true. Hate causes a spouse to lose all objectivity. You cannot concentrate on the math of divorce, if you continue to hate the other spouse. Hate destroys the very structure of the personalty of the hater. By cutting off the cycle of hate toward the other spouse, you begin rebuilding your own self-confidence, self-reliance, individuality and independence. You become emotionally redemptive and rejuvenated! You can start a new life. Future bitterness at life events of your children will taper. You become a better parent to your children! It is time to start a new beginning! When this is discovered you will be able to make an old world new again!
Contact: +1 (330) 515-7259
Firm: Zuercher Law
Practice Areas: Family
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
Contact: Not Available
Firm: Anderson & Miller Co., LPA
Practice Areas: Family
Dreama Anderson is an experienced Family Law Attorney with 27 years of experience. She is certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Specialist in the field of Family Law. She has served as past President of the Family Law Section of the Akron Bar Assocation, as well as on the Certified Grievance Committee of the Akron Bar Association. She has been a long-standing Mentor for new family law attorneys for the Supreme Court of Ohio's Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring program which serves to elevate the competence, professionalism and success of new lawyers. Dreama is a Fellow in the Akron Bar Association Foundation, participation in which is by invitation only. In addition, Dreama is a Guardian ad Litem for the Summit County Domestic Relations Court, serving to represent the best interest of the children for whom she is appointed to represent. She has also been hired prviately by attorneys to serve as a Guardian ad Litem for children. Dreama Anderson has been selected as one of The National Advocates Top 100 Matrimonial and Family Lawyers in Ohio.
Contact: Not Available
Firm: The Kutsko Law Firm, LLC
Practice Areas: Family
Contact: Not Available
Firm: Elizabeth A. Thomarios, Esq, LLC
Practice Areas: Family
Contact: Not Available
Firm: Elizabeth P. Candler
Practice Areas: Family
Contact: (419) 422-8446
Firm: Hardin & Schaffner , LPA
Practice Areas: Family
Contact: (330) 364-9070
Firm: Summit County Sheriff's Office
Practice Areas: Family
Contact: Not Available
Firm: Dorothy A. Utz
Practice Areas: Family
Contact: (419) 492-2089
Firm: Black McCuskey Souers & Arbaugh
Practice Areas: Family
Contact: (330) 456-8341
Firm: Kennedy, Cicconetti, Knowlton & Buytendyk, L.P.A.
Practice Areas: Family
Contact: (330) 262-7555
Firm: Spurlock, Sears, Pry, Griebling & McBride
Practice Areas: Family
Contact: (419) 562-9856
