Divorce & Family Law
Guiding You Through One of Life’s Hardest Transitions
Protecting your children, your assets, and your peace of mind with experienced legal counsel you can trust.
At The Kollin Firm, we understand how divorce impacts every part of your life—your finances, your relationship with your children, and your emotional well-being. With over 25 years of experience practicing in Greene County Domestic Relations Court, we provide strategic, compassionate representation that protects what matters most.
Immediate Protection and Temporary Orders
When divorce proceedings begin, temporary orders establish short-term stability and protect your interests until a final judgment is reached. Our firm acts quickly to:
- Establish or challenge temporary custody arrangements in your children’s best interests
- Secure fair temporary spousal and child support
- Protect access to the marital home and shared assets
- Prevent dissipation or concealment of marital property
- Address false allegations or legitimate safety concerns
Why Choose The Kollin Firm for Your Divorce Case
With more than 25 years of experience practicing exclusively in Greene County Domestic Relations Court, The Kollin Firm brings unmatched local insight and legal skill to every divorce case. Our firm has a deep understanding of Ohio’s evolving property division and private custody laws, and we have successfully represented clients ranging from families to high-profile professionals and business owners in both contested and uncontested cases. Attorney Tom Kollin’s strong relationships with local magistrates and judges, combined with his ability to negotiate favorable settlements when appropriate, help clients achieve fair, efficient resolutions. Whether the goal is to protect professional licenses, safeguard business interests, or preserve future financial opportunities, our focus remains on securing the best possible outcome for every client.
Understanding Ohio Divorce Options
Ohio law offers several legal paths depending on your circumstances:
No-Fault Divorce – Based on incompatibility or living separately for at least one year. Often less contentious, faster, and more cost-effective.
Fault-Based Divorce – Grounds include adultery, cruelty, absence, imprisonment, neglect, or substance abuse. While more complex, these cases can influence property and support outcomes.
Dissolution of Marriage – A cooperative approach requiring full agreement before filing. Typically, the most efficient and least expensive resolution.
Legal Separation – Allows spouses to live apart without ending the marriage, often for religious or insurance reasons.
Critical Advice for Those Facing Divorce
Protecting yourself early can make the difference between a fair outcome and long-term hardship.
1. Understand Asset Protection
Avoid hiding or transferring marital assets—these actions can lead to severe penalties and sanctions.
2. Beware of Manipulation
Only signed court orders are enforceable. Don’t rely on verbal promises or emotional pressure tactics from your spouse.
3. Preserve Digital Evidence
Keep all emails, messages, and records intact. Digital communications often serve as key evidence.
4. Know Protection Order Implications
Statements made in civil protection order hearings can affect custody and property issues in divorce. Coordinated legal representation is essential.
5. Plan for Discovery and Investigation
Complex cases involving businesses or significant assets often require forensic accountants and extended discovery. Early legal guidance helps protect your interests.
Military and Federal Civil Service Divorce
Military and federal divorces require specialized legal experience with benefits, pay structures, and jurisdictional rules.
Military Divorce Protections
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides safeguards for active-duty members, including stay requests and protection against default judgments.
Military Retirement and Benefits Division
Compliance with the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) ensures proper division of retirement benefits and other entitlements.
Federal Civil Service Benefits
Dividing pensions and benefits under FERS and CSRS requires detailed legal knowledge. Our firm ensures accurate division of retirement accounts, insurance, and survivor benefits.
Custody and Deployment
We develop custody arrangements that account for deployment and relocation, preserving parental relationships and children’s stability.
Security Clearance Considerations
Divorce proceedings can impact clearance eligibility. Our firm helps manage sensitive issues to protect your career and future.
We understand the legal and personal stakes in divorce cases. From challenging improper asset valuations to navigating private custody requirements, our approach is to examine every avenue to protect your rights and your future
Attorney Tom Kollin
5-Step Process for Getting Started
- Contact us to discuss your goals and situation.
- Schedule a consultation to review details and financial factors.
- Assess marital assets, debts, and existing court orders.
- Address immediate concerns regarding custody, support, and asset protection.
- Prepare for proceedings and post-decree planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does divorce take in Greene County?
The divorce timeline varies significantly based on case complexity and whether parties reach an agreement. Uncontested cases may resolve in 3-6 months, while contested cases involving significant assets or private custody disputes can take 12-18 months or longer. Greene County does not impose mandatory waiting periods, but practical considerations including court scheduling and discovery requirements affect timing.
What are the potential consequences of divorce?
Consequences extend far beyond asset division. Ohio's equitable distribution system means that property division depends on numerous factors, including the duration of the marriage, contributions to asset acquisition, and economic circumstances. Additional consequences include mandatory child support obligations, potential spousal support for substantial periods, loss of retirement benefits, and restrictions on future financial decisions. Professional licenses and business interests may also be affected.
How is property divided in Ohio divorce cases?
Ohio follows equitable distribution principles, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Factors include the duration of the marriage, the assets and liabilities of each spouse, their contributions to the acquisition of marital property, economic circumstances, and their future earning capacity. Separate property owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance typically remains with the original owner.
Why do I need an attorney for divorce?
Divorce cases involve complex legal definitions and financial calculations that require experienced representation to navigate effectively. From challenging asset valuations to understanding the nuances of private custody law, a divorce lawyer in Greene County can make the difference between favorable terms and devastating financial consequences.
What's the difference between divorce and dissolution in Ohio?
Divorce involves one spouse filing against the other and potentially litigating disputed issues before a judge or court. Dissolution requires both spouses to agree on all terms before filing and involves no contested hearings. Dissolution typically costs less and resolves more quickly, but it requires a complete agreement on property division, custody, and support.
Can divorce agreements be modified after finalization?
Post-decree modifications are possible when circumstances substantially change. Child support and custody arrangements can be modified when changes serve the best interests of the children. Spousal support modifications depend on the specific terms of the original decree and whether the circumstances have substantially changed since the original order was issued.
How much does divorce cost in Greene County?
Divorce costs vary significantly depending on the case's complexity, the level of agreement between parties, and the attorney's fees. Filing fees in Greene County are approximately $350-$ 400, but total costs, including attorney fees, expert witnesses, and court costs, can range from $3,000 for simple, uncontested cases to $ 50,000 or more for complex, contested matters involving significant assets or custody disputes.
Contact Attorney Tom Kollin Today
When divorce threatens your stability, every decision matters. The Kollin Firm guides clients through this process with honesty, strategy, and compassion.
We proudly serve Beavercreek, Xenia, Fairborn, Yellow Springs, Cedarville, Bellbrook, Jamestown, and all surrounding Greene County communities.
