Compassionate Legal Guidance Through Life's Most Challenging Family Matters
Family law is one of the most emotionally demanding areas of practice. Divorce, custody disputes, and matters involving children are never simple — they affect your financial security, your relationship with your children, and your future. You need an attorney who not only understands the law but approaches your case with compassion and a commitment to protecting your interests and, when applicable, the best interests of your children.
The Law Office of David A. Chicarelli Co., LPA brings years of experience in helping families navigate separation, divorce, custody arrangements, child support, spousal support, and related family law matters. We serve clients throughout Southwest Ohio with practical, responsive counsel.
What We Handle In Family Law
Our firm assists clients with a full spectrum of family law issues, including:
- Divorce representation — We guide you through contested and uncontested divorces, negotiating settlements that protect your rights and financial interests.
- Custody and parenting time — We advocate for custody arrangements that reflect the best interests of your children while maximizing your time with them.
- Child support — Whether you are seeking support for your children or defending against a support obligation, we ensure calculations are accurate and fair.
- Spousal support (alimony) — We work to establish, modify, or terminate spousal support orders based on the circumstances of your case.
- Property division — We help identify marital assets and liabilities, and advocate for a fair distribution under Ohio law.
- Paternity matters — For unmarried parents, we establish legal parentage, custody, and support arrangements.
- Post-divorce modifications — Life changes. We help you modify custody, support, or other orders when circumstances warrant a change.
Why Choose Our Firm?
Family law cases require both legal skill and emotional intelligence. Our attorneys understand that divorce and custody disputes are not just legal problems — they are life-changing events. We combine aggressive advocacy with a realistic, client-focused approach. We will fight to protect your rights, but we also help you see the bigger picture and make decisions that serve your long-term interests and the interests of your children.
If you are facing a family law matter in Southwest Ohio, call the Law Office of David A. Chicarelli Co., LPA at 937-743-1500 to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently asked questions about Family Law in Ohio
What is the difference between shared parenting and sole custody in Ohio?
In a sole custody arrangement, one parent is designated as the sole residential parent and legal custodian, giving them the exclusive right to make major decisions regarding the child's education, healthcare, and religion. Shared parenting (joint custody) means both parents share the legal rights and responsibilities of raising the child. Shared parenting does not always mean a 50/50 split of physical parenting time; the schedule is based on the best interests of the child. We advocate aggressively to secure a custody arrangement that protects your parental rights and your child's well-being. Read more on our FAQ page.
How is child support calculated in Ohio?
Ohio uses a mandatory standardized worksheet that considers both parents' gross incomes, the number of children, work-related childcare costs, and health insurance premiums. The state's formula provides a strict baseline amount, but legal deviations from this guideline are possible under specific circumstances. A judge may adjust this baseline based on special needs, extraordinary travel expenses for visitation, or the child's educational requirements. Our attorneys ensure all financial disclosures are accurate so that the final child support order in Warren County is fair and correctly reflects your family's financial reality. Read more on our FAQ page.
Do I have to live in Ohio for 6 months before filing for divorce?
Yes. Under Ohio law, you or your spouse must have been a resident of the state of Ohio for at least six months immediately before filing a Complaint for Divorce. Additionally, most counties, including Warren and Montgomery counties, require you to be a resident of that specific county for at least 90 days before filing. If you meet these residency requirements, our family law attorneys can immediately begin drafting your petition and filing the necessary paperwork to protect your assets and custody rights. Read more on our FAQ page.
How is property divided in an Ohio divorce?
Ohio is an 'equitable distribution' state, which means the court will divide marital property in a manner it deems fair, though not necessarily equal. Marital property generally includes all assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title, such as real estate, retirement accounts, and business interests. Separate property, acquired before the marriage or via inheritance, is typically excluded. Property division can be highly complex and contentious. We work relentlessly to uncover hidden assets and ensure you receive your rightful share. Read more on our FAQ page.