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collaborative law is becoming a more
accessible option for families seeking to
resolve disputes in a constructive and
cost-effective manner.
Family law attorneys can play a
crucial role in promoting collaborative
law by educating clients about its bene-
fits and helping them understand the
process. By offering it as a viable alter-
native to traditional litigation, attorneys
can help families find lasting solutions to
their disputes. For attorneys looking to
incorporate collaborative law into their
practices, introductory trainings are held
several times a year. Collaborative lawyers
must be equipped to handle the unique
aspects of these cases, such as managing
multi-disciplinary teams and facilitating
constructive negotiations. In addition,
attorneys should be prepared to educate
their clients about the collaborative
process, ensuring that clients understand
its benefits, the commitment required, and
the potential limitations.
Collaborative law is an effective and
compassionate alternative to traditional
litigation in Ohio family law cases. By
focusing on cooperation, confidenti-
ality, and respect, collaborative law offers
families a way to resolve disputes while
lessening the emotional and financial
costs associated with court battles. While
not suitable for every case, collaborative
law provides a valuable option for many
Ohio families, offering a better way to
navigate the difficult process of ending a
marriage. Attorneys who embrace collab-
orative law can offer their clients a path
to resolution that preserves relationships,
minimizes conflict, and ensures more
favorable outcomes for everyone involved.
ETHICAL
QUANDARY?
The CBA is proud to offer ethical
guidance to Greater Cincinnati
attorneys through our Ethics
Committee's hotline.
Laura Thudium is a dedicated family law attorney in
Cincinnati, Ohio, practicing since 2016. She founded
Thudium Law, LLC in 2022. Laura is committed to
guiding clients through complex and sensitive legal
matters with compassion and expertise.
Melissa Thompson Millard is an associate attorney
with Barbara J. Howard Co., L.P.A. She focuses her
practice primarily on family and matrimonial law.
Licensed to practice in Ohio and Kentucky, Melissa
represents clients throughout both states who are
dealing with legal matters related to divorce, child
custody and support, property division, alimony and
other related issues. Melissa attended the University of
Cincinnati College of Law, obtaining her Juris Doctor,
magna cum laude. In 2014, she was admitted to the
practice of law in Ohio, and in 2015, she was admitted
to the practice of law in Kentucky.
March
Janice Barr 513-520-9142
Sean Vicente 513-946-3715
Stephen A. Simon 513-357-4520
April
G. Todd Hoffpauir 513-768-5238
Terry Patterson 513-841-1495
The members of the CBA Ethics & Professional
Responsibility Committee listed above are available
to help you interpret your obligations under the Ohio
Rules of Professional Conduct. Questions posed
should be framed hypothetically and should relate
to your own prospective conduct. The committee
also accepts requests for written opinions.
THE REPORT | March/April 2025 | CincyBar.org 7