Cara Lynn Santosuosso

PRO

Cara Lynn Santosuosso

3.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 27 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Westlake, OH
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Uncontested Divorce ... +2 more

1991 Crocker Road, Suite 600, Westlake, OH

Virtual Consultation Available

About Cara

Biography

Marriages can end in contentious litigation, with spouses unable to make even the simplest of decisions jointly. It does not have to end this way. The right counsel can help you manage the turbulent times that come with a divorce, and provide options for a cost-effective and creative path forward.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

27 years

50%
Child Custody 30%

27 years

30%
Uncontested Divorce 10%

10%
Family 5%

27 years

5%
Marriage and Prenuptials 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Ohio for 27 years

State: Ohio

Acquired: 1998

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Cara L. Santosuosso, LLC

1991 Crocker Road, Suite 600, Westlake, OH, 44145

www.clslawohio.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Cara online.

Cara Lynn Santosuosso's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.8 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (15) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | 1 star

Posted by anonymous | June 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Great at ruining a childs life for money.

Extremely disappointed and heartbroken by the way this situation was handled. Cara’s actions have had a devastating impact on my child’s life, and it’s disturbing that someone in her position would coach a mother on how to keep a parent out of their child's life. Her communication was cold, dismissiv...e, and dripping with arrogance. She carries herself like she's above everyone in the room, and it shows. Cara knows the law well—but she uses that knowledge to manipulate it pursposefully. She has no issue throwing irrelevant or outright false claims into a case, even after they've been proven untrue with video evidence, just to plant ideas in the magistrate’s or judge’s head. It’s a calculated, underhanded strategy, and it’s not about justice—it’s about control. She’ll likely respond to this review with a denial or polished rebuttal—that’s what she does. But anyone dealing with her should keep that in mind. If she’s on the other side, you better be ready to fight—and fight her just as hard and dirty as she fights you. She doesn't play fair, and her ego is sky-high. No amount of money will undo the harm caused or protect someone from the weight of their actions. And no, Cara—you won’t keep me from being in my childs life. Enjoy your special place in the afterlife.

Cara Santosuosso

Replied last June 12, 2025

This review was posted by a person that I did not represent. I cannot and will not discuss the specifics of any case, due to confidentiality requirements. My role as a family law attorney is to advocate for my clients, within the bounds of the law and professional ethics. This means presenting facts and legal arguments that support my client's position, which may naturally conflict with the interests of the opposing party. I understand that family law matters are deeply personal and emotionally charged, and that parties on all sides often experience significant stress and disappointment during these proceedings. Every case involves multiple perspectives, and opposing parties may view my advocacy efforts differently than my clients do. However, I am always bound by the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, which require me to represent my clients competently and diligently, while maintaining honesty and integrity in all proceedings. I am confident my representation in this case lived up to those standards.

Posted by anonymous | April 17, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Poor performance

Hired Cara, for her so called experience in child custody. I had a slam dunk case, for me to get full custody of both my children. Instead Cara, thought in her best interest, that I get my son, and my ex gets my daughter. Who in their rite mind would do such a hainass act. Also Cara, has a huge ego.... It’s her way or the highway. She is very argumentative & sarcastic. If you ask Cara that you want something done, she will do the complete opposite. She was more attentive to secondary things, than our children. Ie family possessions etc. Cara, also will always get your hopes up, as her favorite word is STAY TUNED. I did for 14 months & $ 20,000 later. With ABSOLUTELY no results.

Cara Santosuosso

Replied last April 17, 2020

This former client came to me with a complex, multi-state divorce matter already in progress. I am sorry to now hear that he was disappointed by the negotiated settlement to which he agreed. We certainly treated him, as we do all our clients, with the expertise, care and attention his legal matter deserved. I will reach out to him directly, and hope to hear back from him soon.

Posted by anonymous | May 06, 2016 | Divorce & Separation

Poor performance

Hired for divorce which later domestic situation occured. She rarely returned calls in a timely fashion. She was not a person of her word as if when she said she would call back at a certain day or time she did not follow through. She was lackluster in court at best and the sentencing showed this for... she was not an advocate for her client. She did not make sure her client understood all that he needed and she made some poor judgementy calls that got him in further trouble. It was a awful experience ...

Cara Santosuosso

Replied last May 06, 2016

This review was posted by a relative of a former client, who was not privy to the facts of the case or privileged communications.

See All Client Reviews

Cara Lynn Santosuosso's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Cara
Denise Nancy Rini headshot
Denise Rini

Family lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Cara's knowledge of the law and sense of justice makes her an incredibly strong advocate. I enjoy working with her and the challenge of being opposing counsel."

Steven Edward Wolkin headshot
Steven Wolkin

Family lawyer | Dec 24

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Ms. Santosuosso is extreamly knowledgeable in the area of family law. She is a strong advocate for her clients. I have had a number of cases with her and she always impresses me with her ability to manage the case for the benefit of her client."

Cathleen Marie Bolek headshot
Cathleen Bolek

Litigation lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Cara is an outstanding lawyer! She is smart, tough and knows the legal community well. I would recommend her to anyone requiring legal representation."

View All Endorsements
Cathleen Marie Bolek headshot
Cathleen Bolek

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

SuperLawyer, "SuperLawyers®"

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2011

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2020 - Present

Attorney, Law Offices of Cara L. Santosuosso, LLC

2008 - 2020

Partner, Laubacher & Co.

2005 - 2008

Associate, Rotatori, Bender, Gragel, Stoper & Alexander Co., LPA

2003 - 2005

Judicial Attorney, Eighth District, Ohio Court Of Appeals

1999 - 2003

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office

Associations

2024 - Present

Center for Principal Family Advocacy

President

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Justinian Forum

West Shore Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

In Re P.L. 2019-Ohio-4681

Decision affirmed.

Angela Hamper v. Kenneth Dobrski, 2015 -Ohio- 1381 (2015)

Judgment Affirmed.

Ohio Carpenters' Fringe Benefit Fund v. Krulak, 2008-Ohio-220

State ex rel. Dreamer v. Mason, 115 Ohio St.3d 190, 2007-Ohio-4789

In re D.B., 2003-Ohio-2304

In re Washington, 143 Ohio App.3d 576 (2001)

Collins v. Collins, 2007-Ohio-283

Johnson v. Olmsted Township, et al., 102 Fair Empl. Prac.Cas. (BNA) 482, 2007-Ohio-6487

See More Legal Cases

Education

1998

Cleveland State University

JD - Juris Doctor

1995

John Carroll University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1991

Magnificat High School

Speaking Engagements

2020

Legal Ethics: Candor in Evidence, Briefs and Trial Arguments

Legal Ethics: Candor in Evidence, Briefs and Trial Arguments

2018

Smartphone, Social Media and Email Evidence in Divorce Litigation

Legal Ethics: Smartphone, Social Media and Email Evidence

2017

Advanced Custody and Support Issues

Recent Developments in the Rights of Same Sex and Unmarried Couples: Practical Implications

2014

Women in the Law

Featured Speaker

2012

Advanced Family Law

Non-Tradiional Family Structures And Paternity Disputes

2011

Your Family Law Practice in the 21st Century

Domestic Violence and Civil Protection Orders

Publications

2022

IdeaStream: Sound of Ideas Interview - Divorce on the Rise

2019

IdeaStream: Sound of Ideas Interview - New Developments in Divorce Law

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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