Family Law Attorneys Serving
Cleveland & Northeast Ohio
The Support You Deserve
Family and juvenile law is the heart of our practice. With more than 24 years of experience in Ohio’s domestic relations and juvenile courts, Attorney Ann S. Vaughn leads cases with compassion, clarity, and a deep understanding of how families are affected by legal conflict. We’ve helped clients across Cleveland, Independence, Akron, Lorain County, Lake County, and the greater Northeast Ohio region navigate divorce, custody, support, adoption, and emergencies with steady, experienced guidance. Our team provides structure, reassurance, and constant communication so you never feel alone or uncertain as your case moves forward.
Explore Our Core Legal Services
Divorce & Dissolution
We guide you through contested divorce or mutually agreed dissolution with a focus on protecting your rights, assets, and long-term stability.
Child Custody & Visitation
We help parents establish or modify parenting time, decision-making rights, and shared responsibilities while prioritizing the child’s well-being.
Child & Spousal Support
We assist in securing fair child support and spousal support orders under Ohio guidelines, including enforcement and modification when needed.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
We draft and review agreements that create financial clarity and protect assets before or during marriage.
Adoption & Guardianship
We support families through agency, private, step-parent, and kinship adoptions as well as guardianship proceedings.
Domestic Violence Protection
We move swiftly to secure civil protection orders or defend against allegations, ensuring your immediate safety or rights are upheld.
Why Clients Across Independence & Beyond Choose Us
Family matters can move quickly and feel overwhelming, so we provide guidance that is grounded, predictable, and prepared. Below are typical steps families encounter in Ohio’s domestic relations and juvenile courts.
Checklist:
Understanding Your Options
We discuss divorce, dissolution, shared parenting plans, or emergency filings based on your unique circumstances.
Document Collection
We help gather financial records, communication logs, or court documents needed to support your case.
Court Filings & Scheduling
We prepare and file all petitions or motions promptly and guide you through service rules and deadlines.
Negotiation & Mediation
When possible, we work toward agreements that reduce court time and protect your best interests.
Hearings & Final Orders
We represent you at each hearing, explain outcomes clearly, and ensure you leave with a plan you understand.
Common Questions About Family Law
How do I start the divorce or custody process in Ohio?
Most cases begin by filing a complaint or petition in your local county’s domestic relations or juvenile court. We’ll explain which court applies, what documents must be filed, and how quickly we can initiate your case — often the same day for urgent matters
How is custody decided in Ohio?
Ohio courts consider the child’s best interests, including parental involvement, communication, and stability. We help you build a strong plan that supports your goals and reflects what’s best for your children.
Can support orders be modified?
Yes. Child or spousal support can be adjusted when income, health, parenting time, or other circumstances change. We help clients request or challenge modifications with clear evidence.
Do family law cases require court appearances?
Many do, especially contested matters, but some steps can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. We prepare you thoroughly for any hearings and keep you updated after every appearance.
What courts does your firm handle cases in?
We represent clients throughout Cuyahoga, Lorain, Summit, Lake, Medina, and Geauga Counties and frequently appear in their domestic relations and juvenile courts.
More Ways We Can Help
Immigration Law
We assist families seeking visas, citizenship, and humanitarian protection, helping keep loved ones together.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
We help clients manage financial stress and regain stability through debt relief options.
Ready to Get Started?
Your family’s future deserves clarity, stability, and support you can trust. Contact our Northeast Ohio family law team today to discuss your situation and take the next step with confidence.
