Julie A. Schafer’s main area of practice deals with divorce and those issues ordinarily associated with it such as separation, custody, visitation, child support, relocation, and domestic relations and family court orders  Because you are reading this suggests that you may be contemplating ending your marriage or modifying an existing court order.  If so, you have come to the right firm.  If anything, our experience has taught us that divorcing a spouse and dealing with children's issuse are two of the most difficult things a person can experience.  It is deeply personal, emotional and distracting from your daily life.  Frankly, these issues can consume your life at a time when you are most emotionally vulnerable and may not be your  usual clear thinking self.  Best case, the person you fell in love with and married is now a civil rival.  Worst case (and sadly, more commonly) that same person is now an angry, hostile adversary.  Unfortunately, divorce is a messy situation.  This is the time when a lawyer can really help.  While no lawyer can make it an easy journey, a good lawyer can guide you through this difficult time in a way that is best for you and for your children, if you have them.

Come to us and you will find us to be sympathetic, warm and family-friendly.  We understand that your life may be in turmoil and we will do everything in our power to resolve your issues and help you to take the first steps in your new life.  While it may not seem so now, there is live after divorce - and we know how to get you there.
 
Naturally, there are many details, legal and other, that must be addressed.  Many details may be time critical.  Whether you come to us or another lawyer, please don't delay!  Delay can be costly in many, many ways.  When you come to us, you will see that we have the knowledge and skill to help you through this difficult time in the best way possible.

In addition to dealing with family law issues, we can help you with other legal issues such as will preparation, powers of attorney, mediation and more.

I look forward to meeting with you - call my office to schedule an appointment to discuss:

 DOMESTIC RELATIONS  matters, including: 

• Divorce, dissolution and legal separation
• Post-decree issues - such as modifying  parenting plans, changing custody, and child support adjustments
• Enforcement of agreements - contempt actions
• Private parenting complaints for single, unmarried parents to resolve unsettled issues such as obtaining parental rights and visitation for fathers and child support and reimbursement for birthing expenses for mothers
• Prenuptial agreements 

 MEDIATION SERVICES

• I am a trained mediator and can help identify and resolve financial issues for parties facing divorce or dissolution, parenting issues with children to resolve homework, curfew, dating matters, etc., and mediating important issues such as neighbor to neighbor, small business to customer, etc. 
• The cost to mediate a resolution to your problem is typically much less than the cost of taking the matter to court. 
• Mediation is frequently required as the first course of action in disuptes between divorced parents over children's issues, either as a result of a parenting plan or the court's own procedures. 

PROBATE COURT issues, including:

• Estate Administration
• Preparation of wills, living wills and financial powers of attorney
• Preparation of Health Care Power of Attorney
• Civil Land Sales
• Guardianships
• Adoptions - Agency, Private and Step-parent
• Name changes

755 White Pond Drive, Suite 403
Akron, Ohio 44320
TEL: 330.864.2003
FAX: 330.864.7157
CELL: 330.715.8422