Family Law Attorney In Kettering

Support For Families Facing Divorce & Custody Issues

When your family is going through a major change, it can be hard to know where to turn or what to do next. Divorce, a custody dispute, or a support problem affects your children, your home, and your future all at once. In these moments, working with a trusted family law attorney in Kettering can help you move forward with clarity instead of confusion.

At Law Offices of Gump & Deal, we have spent more than 50 years helping individuals and families in Kettering and throughout Montgomery County work through difficult family law problems. We focus on clear communication, practical advice, and steady guidance so you understand your options at every step. Our goal is to help you protect what matters most while you make informed decisions about your life. Family cases touch every part of your day-to-day routine. We take that responsibility seriously and approach each matter with professionalism, integrity, and respect.

Call (937) 888-3246 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more. Our attorneys are ready to help.
 

Why Families Work With Our Firm

Choosing the right family attorney is about more than legal knowledge. You need a team that will listen to you, return your calls, and give you honest guidance when decisions are hard. At Law Offices of Gump & Deal, we have built our practice around those priorities for more than five decades.

Our attorneys have represented clients from Kettering and nearby communities in Montgomery County, Greene County, Preble County, Clark County, Miami County, and Warren County. This long history in the area means we understand how Ohio family law is applied in the courts that serve local families. We use that experience to help you prepare for what you are likely to face, whether your case involves settlement discussions, mediation, or a contested hearing.

Many people worry that a lawyer will take over their case without really including them. We work differently. We explain the legal options available, talk with you about the pros and cons of each approach, and then build a plan together. You stay involved in major decisions so the strategy reflects your goals for your children, your finances, and your future. Some matters can be resolved by agreement. Others require firm advocacy in court. Our attorneys handle negotiations and are also prepared to take a case to trial when that approach aligns with your best interests. Knowing that your family lawyer has this range gives you more room to pursue a fair and workable outcome.

Because family issues are so personal, we also place a high value on confidentiality and professionalism. You can expect us to treat your concerns with respect, to answer your questions clearly, and to respond as promptly as we reasonably can when new developments arise in your case.

Family Law Issues We Handle

Every family is different, but many legal issues follow similar patterns. Understanding where your situation fits can make the process feel more manageable. As a family attorney, we work with clients across a wide range of matters that affect children, finances, and long-term planning.

Divorce and legal separation are common starting points. These cases often involve questions about how to divide marital assets and debts, how to handle the family home, and how each spouse will manage financially going forward. Ohio law sets out general rules, and courts that serve Kettering apply those rules to the facts of each case. We guide you through gathering information about bank accounts, retirement, real estate, and other property so you can work toward a division that takes both short-term and long-term needs into account.

Child custody, which in Ohio is often described in terms of parental rights and responsibilities, is frequently the most emotional part of a case. Parents want to know where their children will live, how parenting time will be shared, and who will make important decisions about schooling and health care. We help you understand the factors courts generally consider, such as a child’s relationship with each parent and the stability of each home, and we work with you to present a plan that reflects your children’s best interests.

Child support and spousal support can significantly affect both households. Child support calculations follow state guidelines, but they may be affected by income, parenting time arrangements, and special expenses. Spousal support is more discretionary and depends on factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and their ability to become self-supporting. As your family law lawyer, we help you understand what the numbers may look like and what documentation is helpful so you can prepare for these discussions.

Life seldom stays the same after a court order is entered. People change jobs, children grow, and circumstances shift. We assist with post-judgment modifications and enforcement when an existing order no longer fits or is not being followed. That may involve adjusting parenting time, changing support amounts, or seeking enforcement of property provisions that were not carried out. Throughout all of these issues, our experience in Montgomery County and surrounding courts helps us explain likely procedures and timelines. It also allows us to prepare you for hearings and settlement conferences in a practical way.

What To Do When A Case Begins

The first days of a family law case can feel overwhelming. You may have been served with divorce papers, received a motion to change custody, or reached a point where you know you need a formal court order. Taking a few steady, informed steps at the beginning can make a meaningful difference later.

If you are served with documents, take note of any hearing dates and response deadlines listed. Courts that handle cases for people in Kettering generally expect written responses within specific timeframes. Missing a deadline can limit your ability to be heard on important issues. We encourage you to contact a family attorney as soon as possible so you can review the paperwork together and understand what is being requested. Likewise, if you are considering filing, it is helpful to talk with a lawyer before making big decisions or promises about property or parenting time. Temporary arrangements that seem fair on the surface can create complicated expectations if the case later goes to court.

Helpful first steps when a family case starts:

• Gather recent financial records, such as pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and retirement account information.
• Write down your current parenting schedule, school information, and any special needs your children may have.
• Avoid signing agreements or transferring property until you understand the legal impact.
• Limit written communication that is emotional or reactive, since messages can later appear in court.
• Schedule a consultation with our firm so we can review your situation, explain options, and talk through next steps.

When you contact Law Offices of Gump & Deal, we review your concerns, look at any court papers you have received, and discuss what you hope to achieve. Our role is to explain the range of possible approaches, from cooperative settlement to more formal litigation, and to help you choose a path that matches your priorities.

How Our Attorneys Guide Your Case

Once you decide to move forward, you deserve to know how your case will be handled day to day. We balance legal strategy with practical, steady communication so you feel informed instead of left in the dark. We start by listening carefully to your goals. For some clients, that might mean preserving as much parenting time as possible. For others, it may focus on financial stability or the timing of a move. We explain how Ohio family law generally addresses those concerns and outline potential paths, such as negotiation, mediation, or presenting evidence to a judge.

Throughout your case, we work to keep you updated on filings, deadlines, and hearing dates. When the court that serves your part of Montgomery County sets conferences or temporary hearings, we explain what will happen and how you can prepare. If settlement discussions or mediation sessions are scheduled, we talk in advance about your priorities and possible outcomes so you do not feel surprised during important conversations. Not every case settles quickly. Some require stronger advocacy in the courtroom. Our attorneys handle contested hearings and are prepared to try a case when that step is in line with your interests. Our willingness to appear in court can support meaningful negotiations, because the other side knows that we are ready to present our position in a clear and organized way if a settlement is not possible.

Communication remains central throughout this process. We strive to respond promptly to your questions, to explain next steps in plain language, and to involve you meaningfully in decisions such as settlement proposals or requests to the court. We aim to help you feel that you have a steady guide as you move through each phase, from initial filing to final orders. Working with a knowledgeable team in this part of Ohio can reduce uncertainty and help you focus on your family rather than solely on the legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my divorce case take?

The length of a divorce case depends on factors like disagreement about children, property complexity, and court schedules. Some cases resolve within a few months, while others take longer. We review your situation, explain typical timelines in courts serving Kettering, and work to move your case forward efficiently.

How will your team protect my children?

We focus on your children’s needs by helping you present a parenting plan that supports their stability and well-being. That includes explaining how courts often view issues like routines, school, and each parent’s involvement. We then work with you to pursue arrangements that reflect your children’s best interests.

What should I bring to our first meeting?

For an initial consultation, it helps to bring any court papers you have received, basic financial records, and a brief outline of your current parenting schedule. These details allow us to give more specific guidance. If you cannot gather everything at once, we can still start discussing your options.

Will I have to go to trial?

Many family cases resolve through negotiation or mediation, but some do go to trial when major issues remain disputed. We prepare for both possibilities. Our attorneys work toward reasonable agreements when possible and are ready to present your case in court if that serves your interests.

How often will I get updates on my case?

We work to keep you informed whenever there is meaningful movement in your case, such as new court dates, filings, or settlement discussions. You can also reach out with questions between updates. Our goal is for you to understand what is happening and why at each stage.

If your family is facing a divorce, custody dispute, or support issue in Kettering, you do not have to navigate Ohio family law on your own. At Law Offices of Gump & Deal, we draw on more than 50 years of experience in Montgomery County and surrounding courts to guide you through each step of the process. When you contact us, we take the time to understand your concerns, explain your options, and discuss practical next steps. You gain a steady legal team focused on clear communication, respect, and thoughtful advocacy for you and your children.

To talk with our team about your family law situation, call (937) 888-3246.