Resolving Issues Vital to Your Child’s Future
Child custody is one of the most difficult issues a parent faces during divorce. The attorneys at Abel & Zocolo are dedicated to protecting your rights to raise your child in a healthy, thriving environment. We represent Northeast Ohio families in all aspects of child custody and visitation, including:
Primary and joint custody arrangements
Visitation rights
Grandparent visitation
Modification of custody and visitation orders
Enforcement of orders
Support order modification
Juvenile delinquency and dependency proceedings
Decisions related to religion, education and upbringing of the child
Experienced Grandparent Rights Attorneys
It is a fact that Grandparents today have increasing concerns for the well-being of their grandchildren. Sometimes your child simply isn't in a position to give the nurturing and care necessary for the well-being of their child. Sometimes, alienation or other circumstances have simply cut you off from being able to adequately see and spend time with your grandchild. At Abel & Zocolo Co., LPA, we have the experience, and understanding, necessary to assist you in exercising your grandparental rights.
Grandparent Power of Attorneys
Although the law has been on the books in Ohio since 2004, very few people are aware of the legal procedure known as a Grandparent Power of Attorney. Using this tool, a parent can voluntarily and temporarily grant the care, physical custody and control of a child to a grandparent without expensive or lengthy court proceedings At Abel & Zocolo Co., LPA, we can quickly evaluate the circumstances of your particular situation, in order to see whether this specific law could be of benefit to you.
Experienced Interstate Custody attorneys
As interstate custody lawyers we frequently see situations where a mother or a father simply takes the children and moves from one state to another. The issues of which state has the power to determine custody and whether the original state can compel the return of the children are complex legal issues that require the highest degree of skill and ability. Moreover, they are matters that must be dealt with immediately and decisively. Our attorneys at Abel & Zocolo Co., LPA are exceptionally experienced in interstate custody matters and have set precedent in this area of law through the Ohio Supreme Court.
Relocation and Enforcement of out-of-state orders
It is a fact that people are more mobile these days and that due to job opportunities, re-marriage or other circumstances relocate to different states. It is also a fact that moving to another state often creates visitation and support issues that need to be addressed. Whether you have recently moved to Ohio, or are thinking of relocating to another state, our attorneys at Abel & Zocolo Co., LPA, are familiar with relocation issues as well as the ins and outs of the registration and enforcement of Out-of-State decrees and court orders.
We can guide you through the process of ensuring that the law sees your family the same way you do.
Securing the Future of Your Special Bond Through Private Adoption
Adoption should be an exciting time both for adoptive parents and the children being adopted, but it also involves a series of complex legal procedures that must be followed in order for the process to be a success. As adoption is a matter where both adoptive parents and the State must heavily consider the best interests of those children being adopted, there are no fewer than 28 separate items which must be considered and procured to even begin the process. At Abel and Zocolo, we can help with various private adoption scenarios, including:
Step-child adoption
Same sex adoption
Grandparent adoption
Converting guardianship to adoption
Other complex family situations
The adoption process is also a long and sometimes arduous process, and requires consistent interaction with the Court in order to show them that the adoption truly is in the best interests of the child(ren). When issues come up, our attorneys will never hesitate to walk you through them or use the legal tools available to them in order to ease your concerns.
Advantages of Skilled Negotiation
Children are best served when parents maintain a cordial relationship. Through adept negotiation, we, as attorneys, can often set aside the parent’s hostility and obtain agreements on key decisions affecting their children’s well-being. We meticulously seek to hone our negotiating skills so that our clients’ interests are best served.
Supporting Litigation
In some cases, litigation is necessary to protect a child’s best interests. When a parent refuses to compromise or expresses hostility toward another other parent or legal guardian, negotiations fail. Sometimes a parent may even pose a danger to the child’s well-being. In these cases, litigation is the most appropriate forum for establishing parental rights. Our firm’s methodical approach to litigation enables you to feel confident that your children are protected and your parental rights are secure.
Contact Compassionate Cleveland Custody Counselors at Law
Abel & Zocolo, LPA has more than 75 years of combined experience in family law matters. Call us at 216-264-0668 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with a family law attorney.