A Compassionate Cleveland Divorce Lawyer
Attorney Erin Adams Armstrong founded her firm in the West Park neighborhood of Cleveland because she is passionate about serving her community. Armstrong Law Offices is a family law firm. Attorney Armstrong is dedicated to providing legal support to families in Cleveland and its surrounding communities. For her, being a lawyer who serves families is not just a career; it’s her passion.
As a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, attorney Armstrong is committed to helping families resolve their legal challenges and move toward brighter futures.
The Domestic Relations Division Of The Court Of Common Pleas
Domestic relations matters are those handled in the Domestic Relations Division of the Court of Common Pleas. This court is assigned to hear all divorces, dissolutions, annulments, and legal separations. It is also assigned to hear cases regarding domestic violence civil protection orders (as opposed to anti-stalking civil protection orders, which are heard in the General Division) and interstate enforcement of child and spousal support matters. Attorney Armstrong handles these matters in Cuyahoga County, Lake County, Lorain County, and Medina County.
What Is The Difference Between Separation, Divorce, And Dissolution?
Many people do not understand the differences between divorce, dissolution, annulment, and legal separation. They are as follows:
- Dissolution: In a dissolution of marriage, the negotiation takes place upfront, and a final written agreement is presented to the court for approval.
- Divorce: In a divorce, negotiations remain possible and are encouraged by the court as well as by most attorneys. If negotiations cannot yield an agreement, the matter can be tried in the court for the magistrate or judge to hear the evidence and render a decision.
- Annulment: An annulment voids a marriage as if it never happened. However, to proceed with an annulment, very specific circumstances, like fraud or mental incapacity, must be met. Qualifying for an annulment is rare.
- Legal separation: Legal separations proceed just like divorces, but at the end of the day, a couple remains married. Some couples prefer a legal separation for religious purposes.
There is a common misconception that a dissolution will be less expensive than a divorce. However, the cost of a divorce or dissolution is actually determined by how long a case takes rather than the type of case it is. A much more important factor that drives the cost is the behavior of the parties and their counsel.
Legal Advocacy For Child Custody And Support In West Park
If minor children are involved in any divorce, separation, or dissolution case, then child custody and support must be determined. In all processes but dissolutions, custody and support, known as the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities, as well as spousal support (alimony), may be determined on a temporary basis while the case is pending and then on a final basis in the final order of the court. Attorney Armstrong is passionate about providing legal guidance and support for families navigating child custody and child support challenges.
Pursuing Post-Decree Modifications
Final orders are not always final. Families and circumstances change and evolve. Sometimes, even though a case has been resolved, these changes in circumstances can qualify for a modification of an existing court order. Children’s issues and some spousal support issues may be subject to modification if the requesting party can meet the legal standard or if the parties have agreed to the modification. Attorney Armstrong can provide legal guidance and advice if you would like to seek or prevent the modification of an existing court order.
Consult A West Park Child Custody Lawyer
Attorney Armstrong is available for initial consultation appointments. To discuss your child support case, send a message through the firm’s online form or call 216-910-5559 to schedule an initial or an extended consultation.