The Client Journey
Most people have never hired an attorney before. The process feels opaque, expensive, and unpredictable. This page walks you through exactly what to expect — from your first call to the resolution of your case — with no sugarcoating.
A note on timelines: Every custody case is different. The timelines below reflect typical ranges — your case may move faster or slower depending on the court's docket, the other party's cooperation, and the complexity of the issues involved. Laurie will give you honest, case-specific estimates at every stage.
First Contact
You call or email. Laurie calls you back personally — not a paralegal, not a receptionist. In 15 minutes, you'll describe your situation and she'll tell you honestly whether she can help and what your options look like.
What's Included
Straight Talk
Laurie will tell you if your case is weak. She won't take a case she doesn't believe in — that's not good for you or for her practice.
Engagement
If you decide to retain Laurie, you'll sign an engagement agreement and pay a retainer. She'll then conduct a thorough intake of your case — gathering the facts, documents, and history she needs to build your strategy.
What's Included
Straight Talk
Retainer amounts vary by case complexity. Laurie will give you a clear estimate upfront. Hourly billing applies against the retainer, and you'll receive itemized statements.
Case Strategy
Before any filings or negotiations, Laurie builds your case strategy. This is where her prosecutor background matters most — she approaches your case the way a prosecutor builds a case: methodically, with attention to the evidence that actually moves judges.
What's Included
Straight Talk
Not every case goes to trial — and trial isn't always the best outcome. Laurie will tell you when negotiation serves your interests better than litigation.
Pre-Court
Many custody matters resolve before a judge ever rules. Laurie negotiates directly with opposing counsel or participates in court-ordered mediation to reach agreements that protect your interests. If a fair agreement is reachable, this is the fastest and least expensive path.
What's Included
Straight Talk
Laurie won't pressure you to accept a bad deal to avoid trial. If the other side's position is unreasonable, she'll tell you clearly and prepare to litigate.
Court Filings
Whether your case is contested or not, there are court filings to manage. Laurie handles all drafting, filing, and service of legal documents — and responds to any motions filed by the other side. In contested cases, this phase includes formal discovery.
What's Included
Straight Talk
Court filings take time. Ohio courts have their own schedules, and continuances happen. Laurie will keep you informed of every filing and every response.
Hearings
Most contested custody cases involve multiple hearings before a final ruling. There may also be a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) appointed to represent your child's interests. Laurie prepares you thoroughly for every hearing and manages the GAL relationship strategically.
What's Included
Straight Talk
Judges have wide discretion in custody cases. Laurie will give you an honest read of how hearings went and what the likely trajectory is — not false reassurance.
Resolution
The case concludes either through a negotiated agreement approved by the court or a trial where the judge issues a final custody order. Laurie prepares exhaustively for trial — organizing evidence, preparing witnesses, and crafting the legal arguments that have the best chance of success with your specific judge.
What's Included
Straight Talk
No attorney can guarantee a trial outcome. What Laurie can guarantee is that your case will be prepared and presented as effectively as possible.
Post-Judgment
A court order is only as good as its enforcement. After your case resolves, Laurie remains available to help you enforce the order, address violations, or petition for modification if circumstances change significantly.
What's Included
Straight Talk
A final order doesn't always mean the end of legal proceedings. Children's needs change, parents' circumstances change, and courts can revisit orders when warranted.
A Two-Way Relationship
The best outcomes come from attorney-client partnerships built on honesty and responsiveness. Here's what makes a case go well.
Laurie can only help you with facts she knows. Surprises in court are far more damaging than uncomfortable truths shared in confidence. Attorney-client privilege protects everything you tell her.
Courts have deadlines. When Laurie needs information or a signature, delays can have real consequences. Aim to respond to calls and emails within 24 hours.
Document everything relevant to your case — texts, emails, incidents, missed visitation, school communications. A contemporaneous record is far more credible than memory alone.
Social media posts are discoverable and regularly used against parents in custody proceedings. During your case, treat social media as if opposing counsel is reading every post.
Even if the current order feels unfair, violating it undermines your credibility with the court. If the other parent is violating the order, document it and tell Laurie — don't retaliate.
Courts take parental alienation seriously. Never use your children as messengers, don't speak negatively about the other parent in front of them, and don't question them about the other household.
Understanding Fees
Legal fees in custody cases are a function of complexity and time. Here's how to think about the investment.
An upfront retainer is collected at engagement. This is held in a client trust account and drawn against as work is performed. You'll receive itemized billing statements.
Work is billed hourly against your retainer. This includes court appearances, research, drafting, calls, and correspondence. Laurie will give you a realistic estimate of total fees for your case type.
When your retainer balance falls below a threshold, you'll be asked to replenish it. Contested cases require larger retainers than uncontested matters. LawPay is accepted for secure online payment.
Beware of low flat-fee quotes. Custody cases are inherently unpredictable. Attorneys who quote low flat fees often do so by limiting the work they'll perform — which can leave you under-represented at critical moments. Laurie charges fairly for the work your case actually requires.
Process Questions
This is a solo practice. Laurie handles your case personally — not a junior associate, not a paralegal. You'll have direct access to the attorney who knows your case.
Laurie communicates proactively when there are developments in your case. She responds to calls and emails within one business day. You won't be left wondering what's happening.
For urgent matters — a violation of a court order, a child safety issue — call the office directly at (513) 474-1144. Laurie will prioritize emergency situations.
Yes. You always have the right to change your legal strategy or even to settle a case you initially planned to litigate. Laurie will advise you on the implications of any change in direction.
This happens. It can change the dynamics of the case — sometimes making resolution harder, sometimes easier. Laurie will adjust strategy as the case evolves.
Laurie will have an honest conversation with you about your options. In some cases, limited-scope representation (handling specific parts of the case) is a viable alternative to full representation.
The free 15-minute consultation is exactly what it sounds like — a direct conversation with Laurie about your situation and your options. No obligation, no pressure.