8+ Top-Rated Divorce Attorney Medina, OH Experts


8+ Top-Rated Divorce Attorney Medina, OH Experts

Authorized professionals specializing within the dissolution of marriage in Medina, Ohio, present counsel and illustration to people navigating the complexities of ending a marital union. These attorneys deal with issues corresponding to asset division, little one custody preparations, spousal help, and debt allocation, making certain their shoppers’ rights are protected all through the authorized course of. For instance, a resident of Medina searching for to legally separate from their partner would doubtless have interaction the companies of one in all these legal professionals.

Securing certified authorized illustration throughout a marital dissolution is paramount to reaching a good and equitable final result. Attorneys skilled in Ohio household regulation possess in-depth information of related statutes and case precedents, permitting them to successfully advocate for his or her shoppers’ pursuits. Traditionally, the position of authorized counsel in divorce proceedings has developed from easy illustration to embody complete negotiation, mediation, and, if needed, litigation methods geared toward resolving disputes favorably.

The following sections will tackle the choice course of, key issues when participating such authorized companies, and the everyday phases concerned in a divorce case inside this jurisdiction.

1. Expertise in Medina County

An legal professional’s familiarity with the native authorized panorama inside Medina County straight influences their effectiveness in divorce proceedings. The nuances of native court docket procedures, judges’ tendencies, and the established practices of opposing counsel are crucial benefits. For instance, a lawyer well-versed in Medina County household court docket is aware of the particular necessities for submitting paperwork and might anticipate potential challenges, streamlining the authorized course of for his or her shopper. This localized information can expedite proceedings and contribute to extra favorable outcomes. Lack of such expertise may lead to procedural delays, misinterpretations of native guidelines, and in the end, a drawback in court docket.

The connection extends past procedural issues. Established relationships with court docket personnel, native consultants (corresponding to appraisers or monetary advisors), and different attorneys throughout the county contribute to a extra environment friendly and efficient strategy. Think about a fancy asset division case; an legal professional with expertise in Medina County may need pre-existing relationships with certified native appraisers who can present correct and credible valuations, thus strengthening the shopper’s place. Conversely, an legal professional unfamiliar with the native community may wrestle to seek out dependable consultants, probably delaying the case and incurring extra prices.

In abstract, expertise throughout the Medina County authorized system constitutes a major asset for an legal professional dealing with divorce instances in that jurisdiction. This localized information gives a tangible benefit, affecting all the pieces from procedural effectivity to the standard of professional testimony. Choosing an legal professional with substantial expertise in Medina County is, due to this fact, a vital issue when searching for efficient illustration in a divorce case. The absence of this expertise can result in avoidable problems and probably compromise the shopper’s authorized place.

2. Household Legislation Specialization

The area of authorized observe is broad; due to this fact, specialization presents benefits to shoppers searching for help with particular authorized issues. Household regulation specialization, when related to authorized counsel in Medina, Ohio, signifies a targeted experience within the intricacies of home relations regulation. This specialised information straight impacts the standard of illustration a person receives throughout divorce proceedings. As an illustration, an legal professional specializing in household regulation is extra prone to possess an in-depth understanding of Ohio’s statutes pertaining to property division, little one custody, and spousal help than a normal practitioner. This detailed information permits for more practical advocacy and strategic planning.

The sensible significance of household regulation specialization manifests in a number of methods. An legal professional with this experience can precisely assess the complexities of a case, anticipate potential authorized challenges, and assemble tailor-made methods to attain favorable outcomes. Think about a case involving advanced enterprise belongings or important retirement holdings. An legal professional specializing in household regulation, significantly one in Medina, Ohio, would have the assets and information to correctly worth these belongings and defend the shopper’s monetary pursuits throughout the divorce. Moreover, specialised information extends to understanding the nuances of parenting plans and custody preparations that greatest serve the youngsters’s pursuits, aligning with the court docket’s priorities in household regulation issues.

In conclusion, household regulation specialization is an important element when contemplating authorized illustration in Medina, Ohio, for divorce proceedings. The depth of data and targeted experience straight translate into more practical authorized counsel and probably improved outcomes for the shopper. The understanding of this specialization’s significance assists people in making knowledgeable selections about their authorized illustration, making certain their rights and pursuits are vigorously defended all through the divorce course of.

3. Negotiation and Mediation Expertise

Efficient negotiation and mediation expertise are paramount for attorneys training household regulation in Medina, Ohio, significantly in divorce instances. These expertise usually decide the effectivity and cost-effectiveness of resolving disputes, influencing the general final result and affect on concerned events.

  • Settlement Technique Formulation

    Attorneys expert in negotiation develop complete settlement methods tailor-made to every shopper’s particular circumstances. This includes analyzing monetary information, assessing custody dynamics, and understanding the shopper’s priorities. As an illustration, in a divorce case involving a family-owned enterprise, the legal professional should precisely worth the enterprise and negotiate a good division of belongings whereas contemplating the long-term implications for all events. A poorly formulated technique can result in extended litigation and elevated authorized bills.

  • Lively Listening and Communication

    Negotiation necessitates lively listening and clear communication to grasp the opposing celebration’s perspective and articulate the shopper’s place successfully. In mediation periods, the legal professional should skillfully current arguments, tackle issues, and construct rapport with the mediator and opposing counsel. For instance, in a custody dispute, the legal professional might use lively listening to determine the opposite guardian’s issues in regards to the kid’s well-being after which suggest options that tackle these issues whereas prioritizing the shopper’s parental rights. Failure to speak successfully can result in misunderstandings and impasses.

  • Battle Decision Methods

    Divorce proceedings usually contain intense feelings and conflicting pursuits. Attorneys with sturdy mediation expertise make use of numerous battle decision methods to de-escalate tensions and facilitate productive discussions. These methods embrace reframing points, figuring out widespread floor, and producing artistic options. In a case the place each events are emotionally invested in retaining the household house, a talented mediator may discover choices corresponding to co-ownership or delayed sale to achieve a mutually acceptable decision. Insufficient battle decision expertise can escalate the battle and result in expensive litigation.

  • Information of Ohio Household Legislation

    Efficient negotiation and mediation are grounded in a radical understanding of Ohio household regulation. Attorneys have to be acquainted with statutes associated to property division, spousal help, little one custody, and visitation. This data permits them to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their shopper’s case and negotiate from a place of authorized authority. An legal professional missing a complete understanding of related legal guidelines might inadvertently concede rights or conform to unfavorable phrases.

The aforementioned sides underscore the significance of negotiation and mediation expertise for divorce attorneys training in Medina, Ohio. These expertise contribute considerably to reaching environment friendly, cost-effective, and equitable resolutions for shoppers navigating the complexities of marital dissolution. Competence in these areas straight impacts the standard of authorized illustration and the general well-being of people and households concerned in divorce proceedings.

4. Litigation Capabilities

Whereas many divorce instances in Medina, Ohio, are resolved by way of negotiation and mediation, the presence of sturdy litigation capabilities inside a regulation agency stays a vital element for representing shoppers successfully. The willingness and capability to pursue a case by way of trial gives leverage throughout settlement discussions and protects a shopper’s pursuits when amicable resolutions show unattainable. A divorce legal professional in Medina, Ohio, with confirmed litigation expertise understands courtroom process, proof presentation, and authorized argumentation, making certain the shopper’s case is persuasively introduced to the court docket. The absence of credible litigation expertise can weaken a shopper’s place, as opposing counsel could also be much less inclined to barter pretty, understanding the legal professional is unlikely to pursue a trial.

The necessity for sturdy litigation expertise turns into significantly evident in advanced divorce instances involving high-value belongings, contested little one custody preparations, or allegations of misconduct. For instance, if a partner is suspected of concealing belongings, an legal professional with litigation expertise can pursue discovery by way of subpoenas, depositions, and professional witness testimony to uncover the hidden belongings and guarantee a good division of property. Equally, in custody disputes the place the mother and father have conflicting views relating to the kid’s greatest pursuits, an legal professional with litigation capabilities can current proof relating to every guardian’s suitability and advocate for the shopper’s most popular parenting plan. Actual-life examples of this embrace presenting proof of parental alienation or home violence to the court docket to affect custody selections. Understanding the sensible significance of litigation expertise gives the chance to make sound selections in deciding on authorized illustration.

In abstract, litigation capabilities function a cornerstone of efficient authorized illustration in divorce instances inside Medina, Ohio. Though settlement is usually the specified final result, the preparedness to litigate protects shoppers from unfair settlements and ensures their rights are defended in court docket. Attorneys missing these capabilities might discover themselves at a drawback, significantly in advanced or contentious divorce instances. Choosing a divorce legal professional in Medina, Ohio, with a demonstrable report of success within the courtroom gives shoppers with the arrogance that their pursuits might be vigorously pursued, no matter whether or not the case is resolved by way of negotiation or litigation.

5. Custody Dispute Experience

In Medina, Ohio, custody disputes arising throughout divorce proceedings necessitate specialised authorized information. An legal professional’s proficiency on this space straight impacts the well-being of the youngsters concerned and the parental rights of the people they characterize.

  • Understanding Ohio Custody Legal guidelines

    A divorce legal professional in Medina, Ohio, should possess a radical understanding of Ohio Revised Code Part 3109.04, which governs the allocation of parental rights and tasks. This consists of information of the components the court docket considers when figuring out the perfect pursuits of the kid, such because the kid’s needs, the mother and father’ psychological and bodily well being, and the kid’s relationship with every guardian. For instance, an legal professional would wish to display how a guardian’s steady residing setting and constant involvement within the kid’s training align with the statutory components to advocate for a positive custody association. Failure to precisely interpret and apply these legal guidelines can result in unfavorable outcomes for the shopper.

  • Negotiation and Mediation Methods

    Custody disputes usually contain emotionally charged negotiations. An legal professional’s capacity to barter successfully and make the most of mediation methods can facilitate amicable resolutions that prioritize the kid’s well-being. This consists of crafting parenting plans that tackle decision-making authority, residential schedules, and vacation preparations. As an illustration, an legal professional may suggest a co-parenting association that emphasizes shared decision-making and equal time with every guardian, selling a steady and nurturing setting for the kid. With out sturdy negotiation expertise, disputes might escalate, leading to expensive and protracted litigation.

  • Litigation and Courtroom Advocacy

    When negotiation fails, an legal professional have to be ready to litigate the custody dispute in court docket. This requires the flexibility to current proof, look at witnesses, and argue persuasively on behalf of the shopper. For instance, an legal professional may introduce proof of a guardian’s historical past of neglect or abuse to display that awarding custody to that guardian wouldn’t be within the kid’s greatest pursuits. Efficient courtroom advocacy calls for a deep understanding of evidentiary guidelines and persuasive authorized argumentation. An legal professional missing these expertise could also be unable to successfully defend the shopper’s parental rights.

  • Guardian advert Litem Interplay

    In lots of custody disputes in Medina County, the court docket appoints a guardian advert litem (GAL) to characterize the kid’s greatest pursuits. An legal professional should successfully talk with the GAL, present related info, and tackle any issues the GAL might have. For instance, an legal professional may present the GAL with faculty information, medical studies, and witness statements to help the shopper’s place. Establishing a constructive working relationship with the GAL can considerably affect the GAL’s suggestions to the court docket. Mismanaging the interplay with the GAL might result in an unfavorable custody willpower.

The previous sides spotlight the essential position of custody dispute experience for divorce attorneys training in Medina, Ohio. Proficiency in these areas ensures that the kid’s greatest pursuits are prioritized and the shopper’s parental rights are successfully protected all through the divorce course of. Understanding and successfully addressing these sides are key to reaching favorable outcomes in custody disputes throughout the Medina County authorized system.

6. Property Division Information

Property division constitutes a crucial side of divorce proceedings in Medina, Ohio, necessitating specialised authorized experience. An legal professional’s complete understanding of Ohio’s property division legal guidelines straight impacts the equitable distribution of belongings and money owed acquired throughout the marriage. This data is paramount to defending a shopper’s monetary pursuits all through the dissolution course of.

  • Identification of Marital vs. Separate Property

    Ohio regulation distinguishes between marital property, which is topic to division, and separate property, which typically stays with its unique proprietor. Marital property usually consists of belongings acquired throughout the marriage, whereas separate property encompasses belongings owned earlier than the wedding, inheritances, and items obtained individually throughout the marriage. A divorce legal professional in Medina, Ohio, should precisely determine and classify belongings and money owed to make sure a good division. For instance, if one partner owned a enterprise earlier than the wedding however its worth elevated considerably throughout the marriage as a consequence of their efforts, the elevated worth could also be thought of marital property. Exact categorization is important, as misclassification can result in an inequitable final result.

  • Valuation of Belongings

    Correct valuation of marital belongings is essential for equitable distribution. This will likely contain participating consultants, corresponding to appraisers, accountants, or enterprise valuation specialists, to find out the honest market worth of actual property, companies, retirement accounts, and different belongings. As an illustration, a collectively owned house wants an expert appraisal to establish its present market worth. An legal professional with property division information understands find out how to choose certified consultants, interpret their findings, and problem valuations if needed. Disputes over asset valuation are widespread, and proficient property valuation expertise are very important for efficient advocacy.

  • Understanding Ohio’s Equitable Distribution Ideas

    Ohio follows the precept of equitable distribution, which doesn’t essentially imply an equal break up of belongings. As an alternative, the court docket considers numerous components, such because the size of the wedding, the financial circumstances of every partner, and their contributions to the wedding, to find out a good distribution. An legal professional educated in Ohio property division regulation can successfully argue for a distribution that displays the shopper’s wants and contributions. For instance, if one partner considerably contributed to the opposite’s training or profession development, the court docket might think about this when dividing marital belongings. Comprehending and making use of these rules is central to advocating for a simply final result.

  • Tax Implications of Property Division

    Property division can have important tax implications for each events. Sure transfers of belongings, corresponding to retirement accounts, might set off tax liabilities. A divorce legal professional in Medina, Ohio, with property division experience should perceive these tax penalties and advise shoppers on methods to reduce their tax burden. For instance, transferring belongings incident to divorce could also be tax-free, however promoting belongings and dividing the proceeds might lead to capital beneficial properties taxes. Offering shoppers with complete tax recommendation is important for making certain a financially sound decision.

These sides display the integral position of property division information for divorce attorneys in Medina, Ohio. The flexibility to precisely determine, worth, and distribute marital belongings whereas contemplating tax implications is important for safeguarding shoppers’ monetary pursuits throughout divorce proceedings. Attorneys missing proficiency in these areas might inadvertently compromise their shoppers’ monetary well-being. Thus, deciding on an legal professional with demonstrable property division experience is essential for reaching a good and equitable final result.

7. Spousal Help Steering

Spousal help, often known as alimony, represents a monetary provision made by one partner to the opposite following a divorce. In Medina, Ohio, the willpower of spousal help awards includes a cautious analysis of varied components outlined in Ohio Revised Code Part 3105.18. These components embrace the revenue and incomes capability of every partner, the length of the wedding, the usual of residing established throughout the marriage, and the contributions every partner made to the wedding. Divorce attorneys training in Medina, Ohio, present important steering to shoppers navigating this advanced authorized panorama. This steering encompasses assessing eligibility for spousal help, calculating potential awards primarily based on related components, and advocating for the shopper’s place, whether or not searching for or opposing spousal help. For instance, a divorce legal professional may analyze monetary information to display a disparity in incomes capability, thereby supporting a declare for spousal help, or conversely, argue in opposition to an award primarily based on the receiving partner’s capacity to turn into self-supporting. The sensible significance of this steering lies in making certain a good and equitable monetary final result following the dissolution of the wedding.

The position of authorized counsel extends past easy calculations. A divorce legal professional in Medina, Ohio, should additionally think about the potential tax implications of spousal help funds, as these funds are sometimes taxable to the recipient and deductible to the payor. Moreover, the legal professional advises shoppers on the assorted types of spousal help obtainable, together with short-term, rehabilitative, and everlasting help. Every kind serves a definite goal, addressing short-term wants, facilitating profession improvement, or offering long-term monetary safety. Litigation might turn into needed when the events disagree on the appropriateness or quantity of spousal help. In such instances, the legal professional’s litigation expertise turn into essential in presenting a compelling case to the court docket, supported by monetary documentation, professional testimony, and authorized arguments. The legal professional additionally prepares shoppers for deposition and trial, making certain they perceive the authorized course of and are outfitted to current their case successfully.

In abstract, spousal help steering constitutes an indispensable element of the companies supplied by divorce attorneys in Medina, Ohio. This steering encompasses assessing eligibility, calculating potential awards, negotiating settlements, and litigating disputes. Attorneys present invaluable help in navigating the intricacies of Ohio’s spousal help legal guidelines, making certain that shoppers perceive their rights and obligations and obtain a financially sound final result following a divorce. The complexities inherent in spousal help determinations underscore the significance of searching for certified authorized illustration to guard one’s monetary pursuits and safe a good and equitable decision.

8. Charge Construction Transparency

Navigating a divorce introduces important monetary issues. For people searching for a divorce legal professional in Medina, Ohio, understanding the legal professional’s price construction is essential for accountable monetary planning and knowledgeable decision-making.

  • Readability in Billing Strategies

    Divorce attorneys in Medina, Ohio, usually make use of one in all a number of billing strategies, together with hourly charges, flat charges, or retainer-based preparations. Transparency requires attorneys to obviously clarify which technique applies to the shopper’s case and supply an in depth breakdown of related prices. As an illustration, an legal professional charging an hourly price ought to disclose the speed, billing increments, and an affordable estimate of the whole hours required. Lack of readability can lead to surprising bills and disputes relating to the ultimate invoice. Clear communication relating to billing strategies prevents ambiguity and fosters belief between the legal professional and shopper.

  • Itemization of Bills

    Past authorized charges, divorce instances usually contain extra bills, corresponding to court docket submitting charges, professional witness charges, deposition prices, and journey bills. Transparency necessitates attorneys to supply shoppers with an itemized breakdown of those bills, detailing the character of every value and the quantity charged. For instance, if an appraiser is employed to worth marital property, the shopper ought to obtain a duplicate of the appraiser’s bill and a proof of why the appraisal was needed. Omission of those bills can result in finances overruns and erode the shopper’s confidence within the legal professional. Detailed itemization promotes accountability and permits shoppers to observe their spending successfully.

  • Contingency Planning for Unexpected Prices

    Divorce proceedings might be unpredictable, and unexpected authorized points might come up that require extra legal professional time and assets. Clear price buildings embrace a dialogue of potential unexpected prices and the way they are going to be addressed. For instance, the legal professional ought to clarify the process for acquiring shopper approval earlier than incurring important extra bills, corresponding to hiring a non-public investigator to uncover hidden belongings. Failure to deal with unexpected prices can create monetary pressure and result in dissatisfaction with the legal professional’s companies. Proactive contingency planning demonstrates the legal professional’s dedication to accountable monetary administration.

  • Written Charge Agreements

    The cornerstone of price construction transparency is a complete written price settlement. This settlement ought to clearly define the scope of the legal professional’s companies, the billing technique, the hourly charges or flat charges, the kinds of bills the shopper might be answerable for, and the process for resolving price disputes. For instance, the settlement ought to specify whether or not the legal professional will invoice for cellphone calls, emails, and journey time. A well-drafted price settlement protects each the legal professional and the shopper by establishing clear expectations and minimizing the potential for misunderstandings. Ambiguous or incomplete price agreements can result in authorized disputes and moral violations.

In conclusion, price construction transparency is paramount when participating a divorce legal professional in Medina, Ohio. Readability in billing strategies, itemization of bills, contingency planning for unexpected prices, and the presence of a complete written price settlement contribute to a constructive and financially accountable attorney-client relationship. People searching for authorized illustration ought to prioritize attorneys who display a dedication to transparency and open communication relating to charges.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions Regarding Divorce Attorneys in Medina, Ohio

This part addresses widespread inquiries associated to participating divorce attorneys in Medina, Ohio, offering readability on key points of the authorized course of and legal professional companies.

Query 1: What components affect the price of a divorce legal professional in Medina, Ohio?

The associated fee is affected by the case complexity, legal professional expertise, and billing technique. Contested divorces involving asset division, little one custody disputes, and litigation usually incur increased charges than uncontested divorces resolved by way of negotiation.

Query 2: How does Ohio regulation outline marital property, and the way is it divided in a divorce?

Ohio defines marital property as belongings and money owed acquired throughout the marriage. Ohio regulation mandates an equitable distribution of marital property, which can not all the time be equal however goals for equity contemplating numerous components corresponding to every partner’s contributions to the wedding.

Query 3: What’s the position of a Guardian advert Litem (GAL) in little one custody instances in Medina County?

A Guardian advert Litem is an legal professional appointed by the court docket to characterize the perfect pursuits of the kid. The GAL conducts interviews, investigates the circumstances of the household, and makes suggestions to the court docket relating to custody and visitation preparations.

Query 4: What are the grounds for divorce in Ohio?

Ohio acknowledges each fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault grounds embrace incompatibility, until denied by one celebration. Fault grounds embody adultery, excessive cruelty, ordinary drunkenness, and abandonment.

Query 5: What’s spousal help (alimony), and the way is it decided in Ohio?

Spousal help is monetary help supplied by one partner to the opposite after a divorce. Ohio courts think about a number of components, together with the revenue and incomes capability of every partner, the length of the wedding, and the usual of residing established throughout the marriage, when figuring out the appropriateness and quantity of spousal help.

Query 6: What steps are concerned in submitting for divorce in Medina County, Ohio?

The method includes submitting a criticism for divorce with the Medina County Courtroom of Frequent Pleas, serving the criticism on the opposite partner, and attending court docket hearings. Authorized illustration is suggested to navigate the procedural complexities and guarantee compliance with court docket guidelines.

Understanding these widespread questions and solutions serves as a foundational step in comprehending the complexities of divorce proceedings in Medina, Ohio.

The following part will concentrate on offering assets for finding certified authorized professionals within the Medina space.

Suggestions for Partaking a Divorce Legal professional in Medina, Ohio

Choosing acceptable authorized counsel for divorce proceedings in Medina, Ohio, calls for cautious consideration. The following tips goal to information people in making knowledgeable selections that align with their particular authorized and monetary wants.

Tip 1: Conduct Thorough Analysis. Examine the backgrounds and {qualifications} of potential attorneys. Confirm their standing with the Ohio State Bar Affiliation and evaluation shopper testimonials or peer endorsements. A good legal professional will possess a demonstrable report of profitable case outcomes.

Tip 2: Prioritize Native Experience. Search an legal professional with in depth expertise training household regulation inside Medina County. Familiarity with native court docket procedures, judicial preferences, and opposing counsel enhances the effectivity and effectiveness of authorized illustration.

Tip 3: Consider Specialization. Go for an legal professional specializing in household regulation. Targeted experience in divorce, little one custody, and property division ensures a complete understanding of related statutes and case precedents, resulting in extra knowledgeable methods.

Tip 4: Assess Negotiation Expertise. Divorce instances usually contain negotiation and mediation. Consider the legal professional’s communication expertise, conflict-resolution skills, and capability to advocate successfully for the shopper’s pursuits throughout settlement discussions.

Tip 5: Inquire About Litigation Expertise. Even when settlement is the purpose, choose an legal professional with demonstrated litigation expertise. The willingness and capability to proceed to trial gives leverage throughout negotiations and protects the shopper’s pursuits ought to amicable resolutions show unattainable.

Tip 6: Request Charge Construction Transparency. Receive a transparent and complete written price settlement that particulars the legal professional’s billing technique, hourly charges or flat charges, and potential bills. Understanding the monetary implications upfront permits for knowledgeable budgeting and prevents surprising prices.

Tip 7: Schedule Consultations. Prepare preliminary consultations with a number of attorneys to evaluate their suitability for the case. Use these consultations to debate the particular circumstances, authorized choices, and potential outcomes.

Tip 8: Affirm Communication Type. Assess the legal professional’s communication fashion and responsiveness. Common and clear communication is important all through the divorce course of to make sure the shopper stays knowledgeable and engaged in decision-making.

Adhering to those tips facilitates the collection of a reliable and dependable divorce legal professional in Medina, Ohio, maximizing the probability of a positive final result.

The following part transitions to a conclusion summarizing the important thing components mentioned all through the article.

Conclusion

This discourse has supplied an in depth examination of authorized illustration specializing in marital dissolution inside Medina, Ohio. Key points explored embody the importance of native expertise, the benefits of household regulation specialization, negotiation and litigation capabilities, experience in custody disputes and property division, and transparency in price buildings. Every of those components contributes to the standard and effectiveness of authorized counsel in navigating the complexities of divorce proceedings on this jurisdiction.

Choosing a professional authorized skilled is a crucial resolution. People considering or present process divorce in Medina, Ohio, ought to fastidiously think about the attributes outlined herein to make sure their rights and pursuits are adequately protected. Prudent collection of authorized counsel can considerably affect the result of a divorce case and contribute to a safer future.