Best Family Lawyer in Columbus
Brian Joslyn
Family Lawyer
Brian David Joslyn was born and raised in Rochester, New York, and moved to Cleveland, Ohio during his high school years. After graduating high school, Brian attended Franklin University to pursue his interest in Business Administration. Throughout his college experience, Brian worked at a law office. Brian graduated with three degrees in business administration, finance and marketing.
Immediately following college Brian moved to San Diego, California, where he received a Juris Doctorate with Cum Laude recognition from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law.
Brian has developed a profound affinity for criminal and family law, received his law degree, and has devoted his life to principles of fairness and justice in the treatment of his clients and the outcomes he seeks on their behalf.
- Juris Doctorate (J.D.), cum laude, Thomas Jefferson Law School of Law, San Diego, CA
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, summa cum laude, Franklin University, Columbus, OH
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing, summa cum laude, Franklin University, Columbus, OH
- Bachelor of Science in Finance, magna cum laude, Franklin University, Columbus, OH
Ronald R. Petroff
Family Lawyer
Ronald R. Petroff was born in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated high school from the University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio. He attended Vanderbilt University as an undergraduate where he earned a bachelor’s degree and double majored in Political Science and American History. He graduated cum laude and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Mr. Petroff then attended The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law where he earned a certificate in Alternate Dispute Resolution and was a member of the National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Team. Mr. Petroff also was a member of the National Trial Competition Team. Mr. Petroff earned a CALI Excellence for the Future Award for his perfect score in the class, Criminal Law in the Boardroom.
In 2017, Mr. Petroff was named as a Columbus Business First 40 Under 40 Honoree, an honor bestowed upon members of the business community who have achieved great professional and personal milestones.
Mr. Petroff has been voted by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys as one of the 10 best family law lawyers under the age of 40 in the state of Ohio for 2014 and 2015. He won a similar award from the American Society of Legal Advocates in 2014. In 2015, Mr. Petroff was voted as being one of the nation’s top 1% of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Finally, in 2015, Mr. Petroff was rated by Super Lawyers as a rising star in the field of Family Law. Mr. Petroff has consistently held the highest 10/10 rating on the attorney directory site AVVO and recently won, for the second time, AVVO’s “Client’s Choice” award.
Paul Panico, Esq.
Family Lawyer
Since 1990, attorney Paul Panico has worked to help individuals and families throughout central Ohio with their family law matters. He prides himself on providing personal attention and service to each of his clients, while skillfully guiding them through the complicated and stressful legal process.
A Devoted Attorney
Paul has devoted his legal career to Ohio family law. In his nearly thirty years of practice, Paul has handled hundreds of divorce, dissolution, separation, adoption, child custody and support matters. His experience encompasses a diverse array of related family law matters, including prenuptial agreements, post-divorce litigation and appeals, qualified domestic relations orders (QRDOs), paternity, grandparents’ rights and more. By focusing his practice on family law, Paul has gained a wealth of experience and can shepherd clients through the process.
A Divorced Father
As a divorced father, Paul understands the emotional challenge of family law matters. He offers compassion and understanding to all of his clients, knowing that their case is more than just a legal problem: it’s their life. To help his clients achieve the best possible results, Paul gives them a realistic assessment of their case. Armed with this knowledge, his clients can make the best possible decision about how to proceed.
A Skilled Litigator
Paul is a skilled litigator and negotiator. He has established lasting relationships throughout the Columbus legal community, giving him a unique advantage in his ability to resolve cases without the expense and stress of a drawn-out court process. However, when necessary, Paul will fiercely advocate for his clients, protecting their parental rights and financial assets and safeguarding the best interests of their children.
By working hand-in-hand with his clients, Paul gets results that work for his clients, knowing that while circumstances may currently be tough, it will eventually be all right. His extensive experience and knowledge are an asset to his clients, along with his caring and calming personality.
Dmitriy Borshchak
Family Lawyer
Dmitriy Borshchak is a dedicated family lawyer in Columbus and founding attorney of The Law Office of Dmitriy Borshchak. After first pursuing a brief career in medicine, Dmitriy found his true passion in the legal field, assisting clients and helping them navigate tough situations.
At the firm, Dmitriy assists clients with a broad range of complex legal matters, including divorce,child custody, child support, marital agreements, fathers’ rights, spousal support, and more. With every case he takes on, Dmitriy works to manage and minimize his clients’ financial and legal risk. He employs a personalized, methodical approach in order to provide clients with the clear, straightforward answers and advice they need. No matter how difficult a case may be, Dmitriy is committed to aggressively advocating for his clients’ rights and best interests
Dmitriy obtained his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Ohio University. There, he joined the student senate and began investigating how he could personally help the local community and students. He went on to attend law school at Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio. During his time there, Dmitriy was a member of the American Association for Justice Mock Trial Team, was on the Dean’s List, and received the CALI Award for Business and Financial Concepts for Lawyers. During his time in law school, he also worked pro bono, representing individuals in the Capital University Law School Litigation Clinic who could not afford an attorney at no charge.
Catherine M. White
Family Lawyer
As a Franklin County attorney, I am committed to helping families and individuals who are facing difficult legal challenges in the realm of Family Law. I practice in the areas of Divorce and Custody. My name is Catherine M. White and I have been an Attorney for over 20 years. I have been married to my Husband for over thirty years and we have five beautiful children who have grown into wonderful young adults. This should tell you how important family values are to me.
If you are reading this, thank you. It is good for you to know the Attorney you are dealing with. As a lawyer, it is very important that I know you too. I do not like nonsense; so while I absolutely love what I do, (which is helping you), I do not like the antics that, at times, come with it. Sometimes they arise from the opposing party, the opposing counsel, and / or maybe even yourself.
I must know that your expectations are realistic. I do not want to be that lawyer who takes your money and fights for something that isn’t going to occur. For instance, imagine a scenario where a mother / father is very angry with the other parent. Mom or dad calls the attorney and says “he / she is not seeing these children; I want sole legal custody.” I will ask, why? I will then inquire when the other parent was last with the children. Imagine if I am told, “he / she is always with the kids; he / she is a great parent, but I am leaving this state and I am taking my kids with me.” I will ask, what part of that is in the children’s best interest? Long story short, I do not want that client. I do not want clients who do not act in their children’s best interest; and that is within my control.
Virginia C. Cornwell
Family Lawyer
Virginia Cornwell is one of approximately 100 attorneys in Ohio to be certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Certified Family Relations Specialist. She is a divorce lawyer, family law attorney and child custody lawyer in Columbus, Ohio (Franklin County). Virginia also represents clients in Fairfield County, Ohio. Virginia is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio. She was admitted to practice in Ohio in 1999 and has extensive family law experience.
In addition to numerous other requirements (how long the attorney has practiced law, how much of the attorney’s practice is family law, additional continuing legal education classes, recommendations of peers, judges and/or magistrates, being in good standing, etc.) , to become an OSBA Certified Family Relations Specialist, an attorney must pass a written exam administered by the Ohio State Bar Association covering multiple areas of family law in depth.
William L. Geary
Family Lawyer
Practicing attorney since 1979. Extensive experience in litigation. Listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Attorneys (a national publication), Delta Theta Phi. Recipient: American Jurisprudence Book Awards; Contracts, Secured Transactions; Products Liability; International Law. Licensed Real Estate salesperson, Ohio, 1975. Instructor, Business Law, Portsmouth Interstate Business College, 1975-1976. Member: Community Faculty Member Marion Technical College, 1994-1995. Franklin County Family Law Committee; Board of Directors, Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio, 1993-1996; Franklin County Common Pleas Court, Domestic Division, Mediator Accreditation Advisory Committee, 1993-1996.
Areas of Practice:
- Family Law
- Child Support
- Custody & Visitation
- Divorce
- Child Custody
- Visitation Rights
- Spousal Support
Litigation Percentage:
- 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Honors and Awards:
- AV Preeminent 2021
- Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Rating
- Preminent Lawyers of America
Joseph E. Cordell
Family Lawyer
In 1990, while practicing general law, Joseph E. Cordell, J.D., C.P.A., LL.M., P.F.S., realized most of his clients were coming to the Cordell & Cordell firm for domestic relations help.
“During the course of that experience I couldn’t help but notice the challenges consistently facing the guys side of the table when it comes to custody, maintenance issues, and accusations of domestic violence,” Mr. Cordell said. “I found in waging those fights that I enjoyed it more. So we proclaimed ourselves as a firm that devoted itself to representing men in domestic relations matters.”
Fighting for fathers’ rights is what motivated Mr. Cordell to become a divorce lawyer for men.
“I was galvanized by guys who were my clients and trying to get primary custody of their children. Even though they were the better parent, they still couldn’t get across the finish line in the courts,” Mr. Cordell said. “The more frustrated I became, the more incentivized I was to help them.”
Since co-founding the firm with his wife, Yvonne, Mr. Cordell and his team of more than 200 divorce lawyers have helped thousands of men going through divorce.
He is frequently featured in national media outlets, such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Time Magazine, and CNN. Please see “Media Appearances” below for a comprehensive list of Mr. Cordell’s online, print, radio, and TV interviews.
Mr. Cordell is also an adjunct faculty member at Washington University School of Law. Additionally, Mr. Cordell is the past president of the American Academy of Attorney-Certified Public Accountants and in 2017 was named President of the AAA-CPA Missouri Chapter.
Can a lawyer fight his family case?
Yes, a lawyer can technically represent themselves or a family member in a legal case, including family law matters. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind:
1. Ethical Considerations
- Conflict of Interest: Lawyers are bound by ethical rules that require them to avoid conflicts of interest. Representing a family member can create potential conflicts, especially if the case involves disputes where emotions may run high. Lawyers must ensure that they can remain objective and act in the best interests of their client, even when that client is a family member.
- Emotional Involvement: Family law cases, such as divorce, custody, or property disputes, can be highly emotional. A lawyer representing their own family may find it challenging to remain impartial, which could affect their judgment and the quality of their legal representation.
2. Professional Judgment
- Objectivity: One of the key strengths of a good lawyer is their ability to provide objective, detached advice. When representing themselves or a family member, a lawyer’s personal feelings might cloud their judgment, leading to decisions that may not be in the best legal interest of the case.
- Stress and Pressure: Representing family members can add an additional layer of stress and pressure. This can impact the lawyer’s performance and the outcomes of the case.
3. Legal Restrictions
- Jurisdictional Rules: In some jurisdictions, there may be rules or guidelines that discourage or prohibit lawyers from representing close family members in certain types of cases. It’s important for lawyers to check the specific rules of the jurisdiction in which they practice to ensure they are not violating any ethical or professional guidelines.
4. Practical Considerations
- Alternative Representation: In many cases, it may be more prudent for a lawyer to help their family member find another qualified attorney to represent them. This allows the family member to receive objective legal advice and representation while reducing the emotional burden on the lawyer.
- Support Role: Instead of taking on the case themselves, a lawyer might choose to support their family member by providing behind-the-scenes advice, helping them understand the legal process, or recommending a good attorney.
Conclusion
While a lawyer can represent themselves or a family member in a family law case, it’s generally advisable to proceed with caution. The potential for conflicts of interest, emotional involvement, and stress can complicate the situation. In many cases, it might be wiser for the lawyer to recommend that their family member seek independent legal representation, allowing them to maintain objectivity and ensure the best possible outcome for the case.