What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ohio. 21 years marriage. Wife had drug problem with pain pills that led to injecting. Shes pled to doctor shopping snd has a felony warrant out currently. She has retained of course a big hitter or Super Lawyer. My lawyer does not have that title behind her name but does have 38 years. Should I chsne lawyers?
My wife wants a dissolution and joint custody of the 3 girls but as I do more research joint custody is a joke and I will not only be paying her alimony but full child support. With the drug record, what are my chances for full custody or since she is in treatmen will the corts giv ed her the so called second chance?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
First, I would not suggest changing attorneys simply because of a title (whatever you're referring to). Some very low key attorneys do a great job. If you're satisfied with that the attorney is doing, then keep her. If you're not satisfied, consider a change - but I would first sit down and discuss expectations.
In OH, both parties are on roughly equal ground at the start. Ideally, the parties should agree to a parenting plan and the judge will approve it. If they can't agree, the judge will determine custody based on what's best for the kids. That will consider factors like the following:
Child Custody and Support - Ohio Child Custody and Support Guidelines
"When allocating parental rights and responsibilities, the court shall take into consideration the following factors:
The wishes of the child;
The wishes of the child's parents regarding the child's care;
The child's interaction and interrelationship with the child's parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interest;
The child's adjustment to the child's home, school, and community;
The mental and physical health of all persons involved in the situation;
The parent more likely to facilitate court-approved parenting time rights or visitation and companionship rights;
Whether either parent previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense involving any act that resulted in a child being an abused child or a neglected child;
Whether either parent has established a residence, or is planning to establish a residence, outside this state.
When determining whether a shared parenting arrangement would be in the best interests of the child, the court shall consider the following factors:
The ability of the parents to cooperate and make decisions jointly, with respect to the children.
The ability of each parent to encourage the sharing of love, affection, and contact between the child and the other parent.
Any history of, or potential for, child abuse, spouse abuse, other domestic violence, or parental kidnapping by either parent.
The geographic proximity of the parents to each other, as the proximity relates to the practical considerations of shared parenting.
The recommendation of the guardian ad litem of the child, if the child has a guardian ad litem.
[Based on Ohio Revised Code Section 3109.04]"
