Best Family Lawyer in Cuyahoga County, OH
amena a. choudhury
Family Lawyer
Amena is a first generation United States citizen born to immigrant parents from Bangladesh and Pakistan. She also lived at the American Airbase in Saudi Arabia for approximately 14 years. She fluently speaks Bengali, Urdu and Hindi. Amena understands the need to help immigrants and their families and treats every client with complete confidentiality and respect.
Amena earned a B.A. degree in Government from Smith College in 1996 and graduated top of her class as a Donnelly Distinguished Graduate with a Master’s Degree in Management Information Systems from Lawrence Technological Institute in 2003. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 2007 and is admitted to the U.S. District of Northern Ohio.
Sunny M. Simon
Family Lawyer
Areas Of Practice
- Family
- Juvenile Law
- Bankruptcy
- Estates/Wills
- Personal Injury
- Civil Litigation/Animal Law
- Traffic Offenses
Certified Legal Specialties
- Trained in Collaborative Divorce
- Worked as a Guardian ad Litem in Domestic Relations and Juvenile Courts
Bar Admissions
- Ohio, 1988
Education
- Case Western Reserve University Law School, Cleveland, Ohio
- J.D.
- Honors: cum laude
- John Carroll University, Cleveland, Ohio
- B.A.
- Honors: cum laude
- Major: English
Nicole Bush
Family Lawyer
Cleveland Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University, JD-2012 Cleveland Institute of Music, M.M.-2005 Capital University, College Conservatory of Music, B.M. 2002
Matrimonial Law Juvenile Law (custody/support) Pre-nuptial agreements
Ohio, 2013 Northern District of Ohio, United States District Court, 2013 Sixth Circuit, United States Court of Appeals, 2020
CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Legal Writing, 2009 CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Taxation, 2012 Carrol H. Sierk Award in Taxation, 2012
David R. Boldt
Family Lawyer
Areas Of Practice
- Estate Planning, Wills, Trust 50%
- Estate, Probate and Trust Administration 30%
- Guardianship 10%
- Contracts 10%
Bar Admissions
- Ohio, 1986
Education
- Cleveland State University, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland, Ohio
- 00/1986
- Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio
- B.A.
Honors And Awards
- Distinguished Martindale Hubbell
- Don Reiman Professionalism Award – Parma Bar Association
Professional Associations And Memberships
- Parma Bar Association, Director, 2014 to Present
- Parma Bar Association, Secretary, 1999 to Present
- Parma Bar Association, Trustee, 1993 to 1998
- Ohio State Bar Association, Member, 1989 to Present
- Cleveland Metro Bar Association, Member, 1989 to Present
Phillip J. Henry
Family Lawyer
Phillip J. Henry has been an attorney with Phillips & Mille since 2005. Phil is an aggressive litigator who stands up for his clients. Whether representing a client pursuing a claim, or defending against a claim, Phil will assist his client to understand the claim, ensure that their rights are protected, and will make recommendations as to what options are in their best interest. Phil is experienced in the following areas of litigation: personal injury, medical malpractice, trust and probate litigation, consumer protection litigation and corporate disputes. He also practices in real estate and corporate law.
Education
- University of Akron School of Law, Akron, Ohio
- J.D. – 1999
- University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
- B.A. – 1995
- Major: Psychology
Erin Adams Armstrong, Esq.
Family Lawyer
Erin is a native of Columbus, Ohio, and a graduate of Hilliard High School, now known as Hilliard Davidson. Erin proudly graduated from the University of Notre Dame and reminds herself each day to “Play Like a Champion Today.” After earning a B.A. in Government with a concentration in Peace Studies, Erin attended The Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University, where she earned an award for Excellence in Criminal Defense Practicum and was very involved in student body activities.
Upon completing her formal education, Erin started her career with the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland in its Family Law Unit. After having the privilege of working with the talented lawyers there for nearly five years, Erin entered private practice where she has been both associated with a firm and a sole practitioner.
Erin has significant experience representing individuals in all aspects of Family Law. She has handled cases with marital estates made up solely of debts to marital estates worth millions of dollars. Many people believe that a family law practitioner is simply a divorce lawyer. While divorce is certainly a component of family law, Family Law is a much broader subject area and covers cases that would be heard in the Domestic Relations, Probate, and Juvenile Divisions of the Court of Common Pleas. Please see the subject areas listed above to learn more about the areas of law handled by Armstrong Law Offices. Erin practices routinely in the greater Cleveland area including Cuyahoga County, Lake County, Lorain County, and Medina County.
Jeffrey Casazza
Family Lawyer
In addition to his extensive litigation experience, Jeff has previously served as a business law instuctor and Lexis Nexis researcher.
When Jeff isn’t practicing, he enjoys traveling, playing ice hockey and soccer, hiking and reading books about history.
Personal
Jeff is married and lives in Union, Kentucky with his family. He is active in civic organizations in his community and volunteers as a coach for several of his childrens sports activities.
Community Involvement
- Volunteer Board member of the Judge Carol E. Higbee Scholarship
- Volunteer Board member of the Boone County KY Parking Violation & 911 Dwelling Unit Service Fee Hearing Board
- Former Volunteer Board member and President of the Steeplechase Homeowners’ Association
- Volunteer Youth Soccer Coach
- Board member of the Union Fire Protection District
Stephen Clark
Family Lawyer
Hans C. Kuenzi is one of the most respected small firm trial attorneys in Northeast Ohio. After serving as a trial magistrate in the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court from 1985 to 1988, Hans established the firm and quickly rose to prominence representing clients in the areas of family law and personal injury. His peers and colleagues know Hans to be a superior litigator, who routinely achieves outstanding results on behalf of his clients. His experience allows Hans to provide compassionate and effective representation of his client’s interests. In recognition of his abilities, Hans has earned statewide distinction as a Certified Specialist in Family Law.
Only seasoned experience in the art of advocacy can provide the effective representation, confidence and insight that legal matters require, regardless of whether the case calls for litigation or settlement. With over fifty years of combined experience as trial attorneys, the attorneys at Kuenzi/Somogyi can provide you with high caliber legal representation that you require and that you deserve.
Does It Matter Who Files for Divorce First
When a couple decides to end their marriage, one of the common questions that arises is whether it matters who files for divorce first. While the answer may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case, there are several factors to consider when determining whether being the first to file for divorce provides any advantages. This article will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of filing for divorce first and how it can impact the overall divorce process.
1. Potential Advantages of Filing for Divorce First
a. Control Over Timing
- Initiating the Process: The person who files for divorce first (known as the “petitioner” or “plaintiff”) has control over when the process starts. This can provide an advantage if you want to choose the best time to move forward based on your personal circumstances, financial situation, or readiness to end the marriage.
- Preparation: Filing first gives you the opportunity to prepare ahead of time. You can gather important documents, assess your finances, and consult with an attorney before your spouse is aware of the impending divorce. This preparation can help you approach the divorce more strategically.
b. Choice of Jurisdiction
- Jurisdiction Selection: In some cases, couples live in different states or counties, each with its own divorce laws and requirements. Filing for divorce first allows you to choose the jurisdiction where the case will be heard, as long as you meet the residency requirements of that state or county. Different jurisdictions may have varying laws on issues such as alimony, child custody, and property division, and filing in a favorable jurisdiction could potentially impact the outcome of your case.
c. Setting the Tone
- Presenting Your Case: The person who files first typically gets to present their case first in court. This can be advantageous because it allows you to set the tone of the divorce proceedings and outline your narrative for the judge. By framing the issues in a way that supports your perspective, you may have a stronger influence on how the court views the case.
- Surprise Factor: If your spouse is not expecting the divorce or is unprepared, filing first may give you the upper hand, particularly if they are caught off guard and need time to respond. This can give you an early advantage in negotiations or court proceedings.
2. Potential Disadvantages of Filing for Divorce First
a. Filing Fees and Costs
- Initial Costs: The person who files for divorce first is typically responsible for paying the initial filing fees and court costs. These fees can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the state and court. While you may recover some costs later on through settlement negotiations, the initial expense can be a burden.
b. Creating Hostility
- Strain on Relationship: Filing for divorce first, particularly without prior discussion or warning, can create hostility between you and your spouse. This may escalate tensions and lead to a more contentious divorce process. If your goal is to reach an amicable agreement, filing first without communication can backfire and make negotiations more difficult.
- Retaliatory Response: In some cases, filing first can trigger a retaliatory response from your spouse, leading to aggressive legal strategies. This can result in a more prolonged and expensive divorce if both parties dig in their heels.
3. Impact on Custody, Support, and Property Division
Filing for divorce first generally does not provide a direct advantage in determining child custody, child support, alimony, or property division. Courts base these decisions on the specific facts of the case, rather than which party initiated the divorce. However, there are some indirect benefits to consider:
Temporary Orders: The person who files for divorce first may also request temporary orders from the court, such as temporary child custody, spousal support, or exclusive use of the marital home. These temporary orders can remain in effect throughout the divorce process, potentially giving the filing spouse an advantage in the interim.
Establishing a Legal Framework: By filing first, you can initiate the legal framework for important issues, such as financial support and parenting arrangements, giving you a sense of control over the process. However, both parties will have the opportunity to present their case, and final decisions will be based on the merits of the case and applicable law.
4. Should You File for Divorce First?
Whether or not to file for divorce first depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Here are some key considerations to help you make the decision:
a. Readiness and Preparation
- Emotional and Financial Readiness: Filing for divorce first requires careful planning and emotional readiness. If you are fully prepared to move forward with the divorce, filing first can give you more control over the process. However, if you need more time to gather information or process your emotions, rushing to file first may not be the best choice.
b. Relationship Dynamics
- Communication with Your Spouse: If you and your spouse are on relatively good terms and willing to cooperate, there may be no need to rush to file first. Open communication and negotiation can lead to a more amicable and mutually beneficial outcome. On the other hand, if your spouse is uncooperative or if you fear they may attempt to hide assets or make the process more difficult, filing first could protect your interests.
c. Legal Strategy
- Legal Guidance: Consulting with an experienced divorce attorney is essential when deciding whether to file for divorce first. An attorney can help you understand the potential legal advantages and disadvantages based on your specific situation, as well as the impact of state laws on your case.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while filing for divorce first can provide certain advantages, such as control over timing, choice of jurisdiction, and setting the tone for the case, it is not always necessary or beneficial. The decision to file first should be based on your level of preparedness, the dynamics of your relationship, and the specific legal strategy that will best protect your interests. Ultimately, the court will make decisions on key issues like child custody, support, and property division based on the facts of the case, not who filed first. Therefore, it is important to approach the divorce process thoughtfully, with the guidance of an attorney, and with a clear understanding of your goals and priorities.