Family Law Attorney Franklin County

Steady Guidance For Difficult Family Changes

When your family is changing, it can feel like every part of your life is in motion at once. Whether you are considering divorce, trying to work out custody, or worried about child support, you may not know where to start or what your rights are in Franklin County.

At Nina P. Scopetti Attorney At Law, we focus our practice on family law for individuals and parents whose cases are heard here. For more than 40 years, Nina P. Scopetti has helped people navigate divorce, custody, visitation, and support issues in Columbus and the surrounding area. She personally works with every client, which means you are not handed off to a revolving group of lawyers.

Our office is located in downtown Columbus, convenient to the Franklin County courthouses. We offer a free initial consultation, so you can talk with us about your situation, ask questions, and decide if we are the right fit before you commit to anything.

Contact our trusted family law attorney in Franklin County at (614) 664-6409 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Why Families Choose Our Firm

Choosing someone to guide you through a family case is not just a legal decision. It is a personal one. Clients who come to us are often anxious about the future and want a family attorney Franklin County residents can turn to for clear advice and steady support. We understand that you are looking for more than paperwork and court dates. You want to feel heard.

With over four decades of family law practice in Columbus, Nina has appeared in the Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile courts in many different types of matters. That experience helps her explain how the process generally works, what options you may have, and which steps often come next. She works to give you realistic guidance instead of quick promises.

When you work with our firm, you work directly with Nina. She takes the time to listen to your goals, your concerns about your children, and the financial pressures you may be facing. Our goal is to build a plan around your family, not fit you into a template. Throughout your case, we focus on communication, which includes returning calls, answering questions, and preparing you for important court dates and decisions.

The free initial consultation is an extension of that approach. It is your opportunity to sit down with a family law attorney Franklin County residents can meet in person, talk through what is happening, and start to understand your options without worrying about a bill for that first meeting.

Key Services Offered by Our Family Law Attorney

• Divorce Proceedings
• Mediation
• Child Custody & Support
• Adoption & Guardianship
• Alimony & Spousal Support

Divorce & Separation Guidance

For many people, the first question is how divorce or separation will affect their daily lives. You may be wondering who will stay in the home, how property and debts will be divided, and what separation will mean for your children. These are practical and emotional concerns, and we treat them as both.

Divorce cases that involve couples who live here are typically handled in the Franklin County Domestic Relations Court in Columbus, although specific filing details can vary. The path your case takes generally depends on factors such as whether both spouses agree on major terms, the complexity of property, and any disputes about custody or support. We walk you through what filing might look like and what to expect if your case settles or goes before a judge.

Our role in divorce and separation matters is to help you clarify your priorities, understand the framework Ohio uses for property division and support, and prepare for negotiation or hearings. We review financial information, discuss possible living arrangements, and talk about how different options could affect you and your children over time. A family law lawyer Franklin County clients can trust should provide both legal information and a calm perspective during difficult conversations.

If you are thinking about divorce, helpful early steps can include:

• Gathering basic financial records, such as bank statements, tax returns, and information about debts.
• Thinking through practical concerns, including housing, work schedules, and childcare.
• Avoiding significant financial moves until you have spoken with an attorney about potential effects.
• Scheduling a consultation so you can ask questions before you make final decisions.

We understand that every relationship and every family history is different. Our goal is to guide you through the process with clarity and respect, whether your case is straightforward or involves complicated financial or parenting issues.

Child Custody & Support Matters

Concerns about children are often the most stressful part of any family law case. Parents want to know where their children will live, how parenting time will be arranged, and how decisions about school, health care, and activities will be made. These questions affect everyday routines and long-term plans.

In Ohio, courts focus on what they consider to be in the best interests of the child. Judges in the Franklin County courts typically look at factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s adjustment to home and school, the ability of parents to communicate, and any history that could affect safety or stability. No single factor controls the outcome, but understanding these considerations can help you prepare.

We work with parents to develop parenting time schedules and decision-making arrangements that reflect their children’s needs and family circumstances. In many cases, that includes negotiation or mediation, although some matters do go before a judge. As a family lawyer Franklin County parents can turn to, Nina helps you present your situation clearly to the court and works to make sure you understand what is happening at each step.

Common custody and support issues we help address include:

• Creating or modifying parenting time schedules that fit work, school, and activity routines.
• Establishing or adjusting child support based on income and other relevant factors.
• Addressing concerns about compliance with existing custody or support orders.
• Working through changes in circumstances, such as relocations or shifts in work hours.

Child support guidelines in Ohio provide a starting point for financial decisions, but the details can be complex. We explain how the guidelines apply in your situation and talk through how different arrangements could affect your household budget. Throughout custody and support matters, we strive to keep the focus on your children and on solutions that fit your family’s reality.

Our Family Law Process

When you are dealing with a family law issue, not knowing what comes next can be one of the hardest parts. Our process is designed to give you structure and information from the first contact through the end of your case.

During your free initial consultation, you meet with Nina, who listens to your story and asks questions about your family, your concerns, and any court papers you have received. Together, you talk through the basic legal framework that applies, whether you are facing divorce, a custody dispute, or support questions. The goal of this meeting is to help you understand your options and decide whether you want to work with our office.

If you decide to move forward, we gather additional information, such as financial documents, prior court orders, and details about your children’s schedules. We then outline a plan that may include negotiation, mediation, or preparing for hearings set on the docket of the Franklin County Domestic Relations or Juvenile Court. A family lawyer Franklin County clients can depend on should explain why certain steps are recommended, not just what they are.

Throughout the process, we keep you informed. That includes letting you know when documents are filed, when court dates are set, and what you can expect at each appearance. We encourage clients to ask questions, and we work to respond promptly so you are not left wondering what is happening. Our approach is to be honest about what we see, including both strengths and risks, so you can make informed decisions about your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you handle my divorce case?

We start by listening to your goals, reviewing your facts, and explaining the legal framework that applies. Then we outline a plan that may involve negotiation, mediation, or court appearances. Throughout, Nina stays involved, answers questions, and prepares you for key decisions and events.

Will I meet directly with Nina P. Scopetti?

Yes, you meet directly with Nina at your initial consultation and throughout your case. She personally works on every family matter our office accepts. Staff may assist with scheduling and documents, but your legal guidance and strategy come from Nina.

What should I bring to the first consultation?

It is helpful to bring any court papers you have received, basic financial information, and a short list of questions or concerns. If you do not have documents yet, we can still talk through your situation. The consultation is focused on understanding your options.

How long do Franklin County family cases take?

Time frames vary based on the type of case, the level of disagreement, and the court’s schedule. Some agreed matters resolve in a few months, while contested cases can take longer. During your consultation, we can discuss typical timelines for cases like yours in Franklin County.

How much does a family law case cost?

Costs depend on the type of case and how much work is required, such as negotiation, document drafting, and court time. We discuss our fee structure at the consultation so you know what to expect. The initial meeting itself is free.

Talk With Us About Your Options

Reaching out to an attorney about family issues can feel like a big step, especially when you are already under stress. Our goal is to make that first conversation as straightforward and useful as possible. During your free initial consultation, you can explain what is happening, hear how the law may apply, and ask questions in a private setting.

As a family law attorney in Franklin County, residents can meet with in downtown Columbus, Nina personally guides you through each stage of your case. We work to provide clear information, realistic expectations, and steady support so you do not have to navigate the process alone.

Contact us at (614) 664-6409 to schedule your free consultation with our reliable family law attorney in Franklin County and start your journey toward a clearer, more secure future.