Thomas Grist, Esq.

Attorney at Law

Civil Litigation:

Guardianships and Adoptions

Ohio is considered a 'no-fault' divorce state, meaning, in general, either spouse can terminate a marriage for any reason, or no real reason at all, whether or not the other spouse wants that same result.  Such cases are heard in Domestic Relations Court.  

A Dissolution can be used to terminate a marriage when both spouses are in agreement on all issues, such as child custody/visitation/support, spousal support, and the division of assets and debts.

A Divorce is typically filed in cases where some or all of these issues cannot be negotiated and agreed to in advance. 

In some cases, spouses may enter into a Legal Separation, which has specific implications unlike Divorces or Dissolutions. 

On occasion, it may be necessary for the parties to return to court in Post Decree Proceedings, to resolve conflicts that have arisen after a Divorce or Dissolution has been finalized.  


Areas of practice

Family Law Matters in Domestic Relations, Juvenile and Probate Courts​

Small and medium sized businesses sometimes grow so quickly that business owners may need an attorney's advice before they even realize it, resulting in unnecessary and costly mistakes.  Whether a business has changing HR requirements, zoning or other issues with local municipalities, or needs assistance with contracts or collections, having experienced representation can help owners and management focus their attention to managing and growing the business.

Other family law matters, such as adoptions and guardianships, will be heard in a county's Probate Court.  Such cases come with many legal implications, and because many Probate Courts have specific, sometimes unusual, and often county-specific rules and requirements, the assistance of an experienced attorney in these matters is highly recommended.

Cases of Child Dependency, Abuse, Neglect and Delinquency

​Criminal Law Matters:

No one charged with a crime or under investigation for any reason should attempt to resolve such matters without legal representation.  Do not talk to legal authorities or attempt to negotiate with a prosecutor without first talking to an lawyer.  


Divorce & Dissolution

Civil lawsuits are filed in the various Municipal Courts and County Courts of Common Pleas when disputes arise between private citizens and/or businesses.  Whether you have been sued and need someone to represent you, or you believe you may have a legal claim against a person, business or other entity, it is imperative that you speak to an attorney experienced in civil litigation as soon as possible, because many such cases have critical timing requirements that will impact your claim or defense.


The State of Ohio, through its various county agencies, has the legal authority to attempt to remove children from their parents temporarily and/or permanently.  Such cases are typically heard in Juvenile Court. 

A parent in such cases should never be unrepresented by an attorney, and should retain one with significant experience in these matters, ideally in the county court in which the case is pending.  

Juveniles charges with any crime, from traffic offenses and other misdemeanors, to serious felonies, will have their cases heard in Juvenile Court.

Attorney Grist has practiced in all of the Juvenile Courts located throughout Northeast Ohio.

Business Law & Civil Litigation: