Davis & Young, A Legal Professional Association
Providing Legal Solutions Since 1922!

(216) 342-9358

Divorce is Hard… We Work Harder.

At Davis & Young our Family Law attorneys understand that family matters can be stressful for all individuals involved.  Our practice group is here to listen to you, help you understand the process, act as your advocate and guide you through this emotional time.

Find out why we were again rated Super Lawyers for 2019 and achieved an AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell’s® peer review process. This designation is reserved for an elite group of approximately 10 percent of all attorneys for their highest legal skills and ethical standards.

Our practice areas include:

  • Divorce & Dissolution
  • Child Support
  • Child Custody & Visitation Matters
  • Father’s rights
  • Post-Divorce Enforcement of Separation Agreements & Parenting Plans
  • Post-Divorce Modification of Parenting Plans

 

Call or email us for your free personal and confidential telephone consultation.

 
The initial consultation helps us get to learn more about your unique situation so that we can determine how to best help you. Our passion and experience will allow us together to choose an effective strategy that will work best for you and your family.

Contact Us

Complete this form for a case evaluation by one of our compassionate and experienced lawyers.

    You can also call us at 216-342-9358.


    What types of family law cases does Davis & Young handle?

    Dissolution

    The key elements to a dissolution are:

    • Parties negotiate all issues and reach an agreement before filing anything with the court. The terms of the agreement will be included in a Separation Agreement and a separate Parenting Plan if there are children.
    • The signed agreement is filed with the court with a Petition for Dissolution, and a hearing before the judge will finalize this agreement.

    Because the parties work together to come to an agreement, a dissolution is less costly than a contested divorce.

    Contested Divorce

    In a divorce case, the parties do not agree to some or even all the issues. Generally, these issues pertain to the division of marital property, child custody and spousal support, and result in a contentious divorce and stress to all involved. 

    The process of a divorce is a long road and requires more court involvement which can be very costly.  We will work with you through the entire process from filing a Divorce Complaint and establishing temporary orders to the final resolution that may encompass:

    • Division of assets
    • Division of personal or real property
    • Spousal support
    • Child support
    • Custody and visitation

     

    See “Child Custody and Visitation” below if children are involved.

    We are here to help. Email or call for your case evaluation today.
    Call Davis & Young at (216) 342-9358.

    Separation Agreement

    Whether a Divorce or Dissolution is ending your marriage, a Separation Agreement is an essential element to both.  It is important that you understand the terms you are agreeing to and that the terms are in your best interest. Issues addressed in Separation Agreements may include:

    • Identifying the separate property of either party.
    • Division of marital property, including but not limited to household goods, vehicles, financial accounts, stocks, pensions, retirement accounts, business interests, real property.
    • Division and allocation of debts
    • Spousal Support

    Child Custody & Visitation – When Parents Cannot Agree

    When going through a divorce, one of the most important and often stressful issues you will have to face is the custody and visitation of your child(ren). While some parents work together and make these difficult decisions together, others simply cannot or refuse to come to an agreement.  In those cases, the Court will decide what is in the “best interest” of the child(ren).

    We will walk you through the process and help you understand the roles of a Guardian ad litem, Psychological experts and witnesses; and, help you develop a parenting plan.

    Modifications to Child Custody & Visitation

    Child custody arrangements and the terms of a parenting plan can be modified.  If the parents agree to a modification the Court will typically approve the change.  Conversely, if the parents cannot agree, the parent wanting the modification will have to establish that a “change in circumstances” has occurred and the change is “substantiated, and continuing” and has or will have an adverse effect on the child.  Together, we will review your unique situation and decide on the best course of action for you and your child(ren).

    Parenting Plan

    Whether a Divorce or Dissolution is ending your marriage, if you have children you will need a parenting plan. This plan will continue in place unless the parents mutually agree to a modification or a change in circumstances occurs.

    Issues to be negotiated and agreed upon in the Parenting Plan/Shared Parenting Plan may include:

    • Residential parent designation
    • Private School
    • Extracurricular Activities
    • Vacations
    • Holidays
    • Transportations
    • College
    • Religious affiliation
    • Parenting time schedule
    • Health insurance coverage
    • Camps

    Meet our Family Law attorneys

    Respected attorneys Dennis Fogarty and Katherine Knouff are happy to speak with you and learn more about your unique situation. Both Ohio natives, each earned their law degree from the Cleveland Marshall School of Law and will fiercely advocate on your behalf with family law matters. Dennis is rated “AV” by Martindale Hubbell® and Katherine has been rated as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers.

    Dennis R. Fogarty

    Member: Cleveland Metropolitan and Ohio State Bar Associations Defense Research Institute, National Lawyers Association

    Katherine S. Knouff

    Member: Cleveland Metropolitan,
    Lake County, and Ohio State Bar Associations

    Dennis Fogarty and Katherine Knouff have 40 years of combined litigation experience.

    Davis & Young
    A Legal Professional Association

    dy@davisyoung.com

    35000 Chardon Rd.
    Suite 100
    Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094

    www.davisyoung.com