Practical Guidance. Personalized Support. Real Solutions.
We provide focused mediation, parent coordination, and essential estate and probate planning. Every case receives individualized attention and thoughtful guidance designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
MEDIATION
Mediation offers a calm, guided space for families to work through difficult issues without the stress of litigation. We help you talk through concerns, understand your options, and move toward agreements that bring clarity and peace of mind.
DIVORCE & JUVENILE CUSTODY
PROBATE
LANDLORD & TENANT
- Divorce or legal separation
- Parenting time and visitation schedules
- Child custody and decision-making responsibilities
- Child or spousal support
- Division of property or debt
- Parenting arrangements for unmarried parents
Parties may come to mediation in two ways:
Voluntary Mediation:Parents or parties can contact The SKG Law Firm directly to schedule mediation and later have their agreement reviewed and filed through an attorney or the court.
Court-Ordered Mediation:A judge or magistrate may refer the case to mediation as part of the court process. In these cases, the court provides notice and outlines the topics to be addressed.
Most sessions last one to three hours. Complex cases or multiple issues may require more than one session.
Q: Do I still need to go to court if I choose mediation?
Yes. Most parties using mediation already have a court case open, plan to file, or are represented by an attorney. Mediation works within the court process, not outside it.
Q: What’s the purpose of mediation if my case is already in court?
Mediation gives you the chance to discuss and resolve issues privately before a hearing or trial. It can simplify your case and save time, money, and stress.
Q: What if mediation doesn’t solve everything?
That’s okay. Mediation can still reduce or clarify the issues that need to be decided in court, helping the process move more smoothly.
Q: Can our mediation agreement be filed with the court?
Yes. If both parties agree, the written agreement can be submitted to the court and made part of a final order.
Q: Is mediation required to end with an agreement?
No. Mediation is voluntary, and not every session results in a full agreement. Sometimes progress is made on a few issues, and the rest continue through the court process.
Q: What does the mediator report to the court if we don’t agree?
The mediator simply reports that mediation occurred but no resolution was reached — no details about the discussion are shared.
Q: Can we try mediation again later?
Yes. Parties can return to mediation up to three (3) times before the final court date if new issues arise or if they want another opportunity to work toward resolution.
Q: What happens next if there’s still no agreement?
The case returns to the court process, where a judge or magistrate will make decisions on the unresolved issues.
- Estates and wills
- Guardianships or conservatorships
- Trust administration
- Family disagreements about care, property, or finances
Q: Can I choose to mediate a probate issue on my own?
Not typically. Probate mediation is almost always court-ordered once a case is filed.
Q: Who decides when mediation is needed?
A judge or magistrate may refer the case to mediation to encourage settlement and reduce court time.
Q: How much time should I plan for mediation?
Probate mediations are often scheduled as full-day sessions, given the complexity and number of parties involved.
Q: Do attorneys need to attend?
Yes. Attorneys representing the parties are generally expected to attend and participate in probate mediation.
Q: Is mediation required to end with an agreement?
No. Mediation is voluntary, and not every session results in a full agreement. Sometimes progress is made on a few issues, and the rest continue through the court process.
Q: What does the mediator report to the court if we don’t agree?
The mediator simply reports that mediation occurred but no resolution was reached — no details about the discussion are shared.
Q: Can we try mediation again later?
Parties may only return to mediation at the discretion of the court.
Q: What happens next if there’s still no agreement?
The case returns to the court process, where a judge or magistrate will make decisions on the unresolved issues.
- Payment plans for overdue rent (“Pay and Stay” agreements)
- Move-out (set-out) dates
- Repair and maintenance concerns
- Security deposit or lease disputes
Q: Can I request mediation before going to court?
Yes. Landlords or tenants may contact The SKG Law Firm directly to schedule mediation before filing in court.
Q: Can the court order us to mediate?
Yes. Many eviction cases in Ohio are referred to mediation after a 3-Day Notice or once a case has been filed.
Sessions usually last one to two hours, depending on the number of issues and participants.
Q: What if we reach an agreement?
If all issues are resolved, the court may dismiss or close the case by agreement.
Q: What if we only agree on some things?
Any remaining issues return to the court for a judge or magistrate to decide.
Q: Do I still need to attend my next court hearing?
Yes — always. Even if mediation is scheduled or ongoing, you must attend all court dates unless the court tells you otherwise. Failing to appear can result in a default judgment or eviction order.
Q: Is there a penalty for not agreeing?
No. Mediation is voluntary, and no one is forced to settle.
Q: What does the mediator tell the court?
Only that mediation occurred and no agreement was reached — no details are shared.
Q: What happens next?
The case returns to the court process, and the eviction hearing continues as scheduled.
PARENT COORDINATOR
As a trained Parent Coordinator, we help families move from high-conflict patterns to more consistent, child-centered cooperation. Our role is to assist with communication, clarification of orders, and solutions that keep children’s needs at the forefront.
Q: Who appoints a Parent Coordinator?
A judge or magistrate appoints a Parent Coordinator after a final order or divorce, typically when parents continue to have conflict or communication issues.
Q: Can parents request one?
Yes. Parents may jointly request the appointment of a PC and submit that request to the court for approval.
Q: How long does the appointment last?
The term for a Parent Coordinator may be as short as six months or may continue until the child turns 18, depending on the court’s order and the family’s needs.
Q: What is the main role of the PC?
The Parent Coordinator helps parents follow the terms of their parenting plan, reduce conflict, and focus on the child’s best interests.
Q: What issues can a PC address?
Common topics include exchanges, communication, scheduling, school or activity decisions, and other day-to-day matters within the parenting plan.
Q: Does the PC provide therapy or counseling?
No. A Parent Coordinator is not a therapist or counselor. Their role is limited to helping parents follow the parenting plan and resolve disputes in a structured, child-focused way.
Q: Can the PC make decisions?
Yes — if authorized by the court order. A PC may issue written recommendations or limited decisions that are filed with the court for review.
Q: Can a PC change the parenting plan or custody order?
No. A Parent Coordinator cannot modify custody or make major changes to the parenting plan. Only the court can do that. The PC’s authority is limited to the scope outlined in the court order.
Q: Is parent coordination mandatory?
Yes. Parent coordination is court-ordered, meaning both parents are required to participate once appointed. However, parents control how much they engage during the term of the appointment.
Q: How does the deposit work?
Each parent is generally required to pay a deposit before services begin. The coordinator bills against that deposit as time is spent on communication, meetings, or written reports.
Q: What happens if a parent never pays or reaches out?
If a parent doesn’t pay the deposit or make contact, the coordinator cannot begin services. However, the appointment remains active until it expires or the court changes it — even if no participation occurs.
Q: Why is participation important?
The Parent Coordinator serves as the first line of defense before returning to court. Using the service can prevent unnecessary hearings, reduce legal costs, and help parents resolve disputes more efficiently.
Yes. Parents must continue to follow all court orders and attend every scheduled hearing unless the court specifically instructs otherwise.
ESTATE PLANNING
Planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones. Our estate planning services help you protect your wishes, prepare for life’s uncertainties, and bring long-term peace of mind to you and your family.
Q. What exactly is an estate plan?
An estate plan is a set of legal documents that protects your wishes, your assets, and the people you care about. It outlines who can make decisions for you during your lifetime and how your property should be handled after you pass.
Q. Do I really need an estate plan if I don’t have a lot of assets?
Yes. Estate planning is about more than money. It covers medical decisions, guardianship for children, end-of-life preferences, and who has the authority to help you if you become unable to manage your affairs.
Q. What documents are included in a basic estate plan?
Most plans include a Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Living Will, and—when appropriate—Trusts or Transfer-on-Death designations. These documents work together to protect you now and later.
Q. How long does it take to complete an estate plan?
Most plans can be completed within a few weeks from consultation to signing
Q. What happens if I don’t create an estate plan?
Without a plan, Ohio law decides who receives your assets and who can make decisions for you, which may not reflect your wishes.
Q. I’m young and healthy. Should I still plan now?
Yes. Everyone—regardless of age, income, or family size. Estate planning ensures that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.
Q. How do I know which documents I need?
During your consultation, your goals and family situation are reviewed and only the documents that fit your needs are suggested.
PROBATE
Probate matters can arise during some of life’s most significant moments. We provide steady, compassionate guidance through the legal processes handled in Probate Court, helping families navigate everything from personal transitions to matters involving care, protection, and important life changes.
You can file or request help for a variety of matters in Probate Court, including:
- Open an estate for someone who has passed away
(including appointing an executor/administrator and settling their affairs) - Apply for guardianship of an adult or minor
(when a loved one needs help with personal, medical, or financial decisions) - Request a legal name change
(for yourself or your minor child) - File an adoption
(including stepparent, kinship, and private adoptions) - Manage certain family or emergency matters
(such as adult protective services cases or limited conservatorships)
Q. What is a guardianship for an adult?
It’s a court-approved process that allows someone to make personal and/or financial decisions for an adult who cannot safely manage their own affairs.
Q. When is guardianship needed?
Guardianship may be appropriate when a loved one struggles with dementia, disability, illness, or other conditions that affect judgment and daily living.
Q. Can the court appoint someone temporarily?
Yes. In emergencies, Probate Court can grant temporary or limited guardianship to protect an adult’s immediate needs.
Q. Can I change my name or my child’s name?
Yes. Probate Court oversees legal name changes for adults and minors through a straightforward filing and hearing process.
Q. Does Probate Court handle adoptions?
Yes. Many adoptions—such as stepparent, kinship, and private adoptions—are finalized through Probate Court.
Q. Can Probate Court assist with minor guardianship?
Yes. Probate Court can appoint a guardian for a child when parents are unable to care for them or when long-term stability is needed.
Q. What does it mean to ‘open an estate’?
This is the process of formally notifying the court, appointing an executor or administrator, and beginning to settle the person’s affairs.
Q. Do all situations require probate?
No. Some assets pass automatically if there are beneficiaries or joint owners. Probate is only needed for assets titled solely in the person’s name.
Q. What does the executor or administrator do?
They gather assets, pay bills, file required documents, and distribute property according to the Will or Ohio law.
