People get divorced for many reasons and get divorced in various ways. Whether you have made a mutual decision or your spouse has served you with papers, you now face many important decisions, including how you will get divorced.
The Cleveland divorce attorneys of Kvale Antonelli & Raj are your advocates in a complex and stressful process. We will faithfully protect your interests, in or out of court. We will also empower you to make decisions and forge solutions that make sense for you and your family after divorce.
Divorce Is Hard Enough. Why Make It Harder?
An unraveling marriage often brings out the worst in people. Some attorneys are happy to exploit that fact. Our philosophy is to appeal to the better nature of people by keeping the focus on the children and the future. We guide clients to amicable and workable agreements on asset division and parenting to avoid the expense and uncertainty of a trial, even when litigation becomes necessary, it does not have to be drawn out and nasty. We believe that the emotional, financial, and psychological devastation that often goes with traditionally litigated divorce is not inevitable but can and should be avoided.
Our decades of combined divorce and family law practice include considerable courtroom experience. Our Cleveland divorce lawyers will sit down with you to explore all your options, including:
Divorce litigation — Involving a judge to rule on issues of property, custody, or support when a negotiated solution is not possible
Collaborative divorce — Negotiating your own settlement, with the advice of a lawyer and other professionals, under a formal agreement not to go to court
Mediation — Coming to a consensus with the help of a third-party facilitator
Arbitration — A “mini-trial” in which a neutral arbitrator hears arguments and issues a decision
Dissolution — Also known as uncontested divorce, a settlement agreement that bypasses legal proceedings
We have experience with complex asset division, including cases involving closely held businesses and significant retirement savings. In any venue, we strive for solutions to custody disputes that protect children and preserve family ties.
Have You Considered Collaborative Divorce?
We are effective trial lawyers who regularly go to court and win for our clients. But we are just as proud when we are able to transition clients from a litigation mindset to a successful collaboration. We believe that everybody wins in collaborative law—most notably the children. Kvale Antonelli & Raj has been at the forefront of collaborative law in Cuyahoga County and Northeast Ohio. We use collaboration on a daily basis as more and more couples seek an alternative to the divorce wars.
Your Divorce, Your Way
Our representation is tailored to your circumstances and your goals. An amicable divorce is not always an option. Our Cleveland divorce lawyers regularly advocate for divorce and custody litigation clients, from property division and relocation disputes to restraining orders and child support modifications. We aim for agreements but always prepare for court.
To discuss our litigation experience and the best strategy for your divorce, call Kvale Antonelli & Raj or complete our contact form. We will respond soon.
This is a deeply personal decision, and only you can determine the right path for your future. It often helps to reflect on your relationship, consider counseling, and understand your legal options. Speaking with a family law attorney can clarify what the process involves, helping you make a more informed choice without any pressure to file.
To file for divorce in Ohio, you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing the complaint. Additionally, you must be a resident of the county where you file for at least 90 days.
The timeline for a divorce varies significantly depending on the circumstances. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on everything, can be finalized in a few months. However, a contested divorce, which involves disagreements over important issues, can take a year or longer to resolve.
An uncooperative spouse can make divorce more difficult, but it won’t stop it. If your spouse refuses to participate or intentionally creates delays, your attorney can file motions with the court to compel them to act. The court has procedures to keep the case moving forward, even with resistance from one party.
Protecting your well-being is crucial. Building a strong support system, including friends, family, and a therapist, can make a significant difference. It’s also important to set boundaries, prioritize self-care activities like exercise and hobbies, and allow yourself to grieve. Remember, it’s okay to seek professional help to process your emotions.
While the road to dissolution is never a pleasant journey, in navigating the path to a final separation, Manu was an admirable guide. Even though there were more than a few bumps in the road, Manu worked calmly and remained focused on the outcome even when the rest of us may have taken our eyes off the objective. The bottom line is that we did arrive, without litigation, in a cost-effective manner, with lives intact and ready to move on.
Doug B.
Though it wasn't my first choice, when I had to engage in litigation against my Husband, Rich and Manu were there to support and guide me through the legal process. I couldn't have had a more passionate and competent representation than by these two attorneys. They were there for me every step of the way both emotionally and professionally. I am forever thankful for having them represent me through a difficult period in my life.
Susan
As a mother of three small children, I was extremely concerned about the future when entering into my divorce. Not only was the outcome better than I expected, it was a much less frustrating experience than I imagined. Manu kept me well informed with letters and copies of all correspondence and information; he returned every call and email I made to him within hours. A true professional who made me feel at ease, I would recommend Kvale Antonelli and Raj...
Allison C.
The personalized attention I received from Manu Raj, during one of the toughest times in my life, provided me with the courage and confidence to make level headed decisions. Manu put me in touch with financial experts that helped me map out an achievable fiscal management program. His responsiveness, caring attitude and, attention to detail was remarkable. I would definitely recommend Rieth, Antonelli & Raj to my friends and family. Thanks for helping me get my life back.
Anita B
I have been told mine was one of the most difficult of all family law cases. I wanted to relocate out of the state of Ohio with my three young daughters. I was told by multiple lawyers that this was impossible and many refused to take my case. Finally I met Dominic and Kristen who were honest about the difficulty of the matter but were willing to accept the challenge. Today I live in Texas with my three daughters. Dominic...
Eden R.
I switched representation to Mr. Raj from another attorney and have been very happy with my decision. His priority has been my best interests, not billable hours. I would recommend Mr. Raj to any of my friends that might need his services.