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Brian Alan Sommers

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  • Dayton, OH
  • Licensed for 20 years
  • Free consultation
Brian Alan Sommers
Brian Alan Sommers
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About Brian

Board Certified Family Law Specialist through the Ohio State Bar Association.

I have dedicated my legal career to law family law. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AALM) and Board Certified Specialist in Family Iaw, I advise clients on a board range of personal matters relating to divorce, dissolution, child custody, shared parenting, child and spousal support, relocation protection orders, post decree modifications and premarital agreements. I have a stong passion to educate my client so they may make the best choice for thier family.  I am licensed to practice law in every county in the State of Ohio, and I routinely practice in Clark, Clinton, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble and  Warren counties.

I am active member in the family law community on local and state levels. I am the past chair of Montgomery County Bar Association Domestic Relations Committee (2010-2013) and currently serve on Ohio State Bar Association Family Law committee as well.  Further, I maintain Supreme Court certification to be appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem. I also serve on the Dayton Bar Association Committee for Bar Exam and Qualifications.  I

Practice areas

OtherChild custodyJuvenile lawFamilyDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 50%

    A divorce is a legal proceeding that ends a marriage. Through the divorce suit, you’ll work with the court and attorneys to determine the disposition of your joint property, spousal support issues, and custody and child support issues.

    20 years

  2. Family: 20%

    Like a divorce, a dissolution ends in the termination of the marriage. However, fault cannot be assigned to either party and both individuals must be willing to agree to all terms and particulars of a settlement.

    20 years

  3. Juvenile law: 10%

    Cases involving the rights and interests of children of parents who are or have been married are heard in the Domestic Relations Court. In contrast, cases involving children of unmarried parents are heard in the Juvenile Court.

    20 years

  4. Child custody: 10%

    In matters of custody, the court is focused on the best interests of the child. When a marriage ends or when parents are unmarried but want to share custody, the parents must submit a plan allocating responsibility for the children.

    20 years

  1. Child support: 10%

    If you want to claim child support, you must request an order for support from the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). Ohio law governs how much child support a parent must pay.

    20 years

Languages spoken

English

Contact

10532 Success Lane
address map

Kirkland & Sommers Co., LPA

10532 Success Lane
Centerville, OH, 45458

Website
www.kirklandsommers.com

Brians's Bio

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
OHActive200010/19/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers179
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Super LawyerSuper Lawyers Magazine2020
FellowAmerican Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers2018
Best Family Law Lawyers in Ohio and AmericaBest Lawyers in America2018
Certified Specialist - Family Relations LawOhio State Bar Association2011
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PartnerKirkland & Sommers Co., LPA2008 - Present
MemberBrian A. Sommers Co., LPA2000 - 2008
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow2018 - Present
Dayton Bar Association, Bar Exam and Qualifications CommitteeMember2010 - Present
Ohio State Bar AssocationFamily Relations Law Committee2009 - Present
Montgomery County Family Law ForumMember2003 - Present
Dayton Bar Association, Family Law CommitteeMember2002 - Present
Ohio State Bar AssociationMember2000 - Present
Dayton Bar Association, Family Law CommitteePast Chairman2010 - 2013
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of DaytonJD - Juris Doctor2000
Indana State UniversityBS - Bachelor of Science1989
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Family LawCivil Protection Orders2017
Divorce Law PracticeDivorce/Family Law2015
Annual Dayton Bar Assoc Family Law ConferenceCivil Protection Orders2015
Unique Domestic Relations IssuesLegal Status of Frozen Embryos2012
Domestic Relations 101Spousal Support and Property Division2012
Grandparents RightsGrandparents Rights2011
Domestic Relations SeminarSpousal Support2011
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Cable v. CableAffirmed lower court
Urbanic v. UrbanicAffirmed lower court for client
Qi v. YangAffirmed in part and reversed in apart
Steele v. SteeleAffirmed Lower Court
Musgrove v. Musgrove, 2011-Ohio-4460
Gregory v. Gregory, 172 Ohio App. 3d 822Appeals affirmed in part and reserved in part
Morgan v. MorganAffirmed lower court's decision

Reviews

(36)
5 Star
97%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Review Brian Sommers

Sommers is the ONLY choice...

Posted by

My experience with Attorney Brian Sommers has and continues to be just that, an experience. Brian first began representing me during a divorce/custody case two years ago. I would call him almost psychic as what he first predicted is exactly what happened. Brian’s hard work and due diligence gained me approximately 50% more parenting time than I would have had per the Standard Order. Please note that I in no way feel it is realistic to expect someone to know everything or to be perfect. I do however expect should a mistake be made, that all parties be upfront about it and then move forward. I also consider “knowledgeable” to mean knowing where to go to get information and then being able to understand how to apply said knowledge. Based on my beliefs and from what I have experienced, I have rated all aspects above as EXCELLENT. When working with Brian you will always know where you stand, the reality of your particular situation and then receive an accurate assessment of what to expect. If you are looking for someone to just tell you what you want to hear, to do whatever you ask (right or wrong) and simply take your money, then you should keep looking. If you are looking for someone that represents what is right, that is honest (he doesn’t “sugar coat it”), that is hardworking and really good at their job, contact him. We even have had some good laughs along the way. Brian continues to represent me today regarding parenting time issues. Even after I relocated, I have asked Brian to stay involved with my case. It is really simple; you are getting what you are paying for and more. To put it another way, I implicitly trust him and in his abilities. Best Wishes…

COMPETENT AND COMPASSIONATE

Posted by

Attorney Sommers was a godsend. He is knowledgeable, reliable, and punctual. He took the time to explain the legalities and details to me with patience and kindness. He addressed my concerns and questions quickly. He truly cares for his clients. Divorce changes lives and Attorney Sommers helped to make my transition as comfortable as possible. I will recommend his services to family and friends without a moment's hesitation.

A steady hand in troubled waters

Posted by

Brian Sommers went above and beyond for my children. He provided excellent advice and guided me through every legal aspect of my custody case. I have used other attorneys in the past, but I will never recommend anyone other than Brian, and his staff. Thank you Mr. Sommers!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Lawyer

Posted by

I hired Brian Alan Sommers to represent me in a divorce case. He was honest and he works hard to represent you for the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Brian A. Sommers.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A real professional!

Posted by

Brian represented me many years ago in a high conflict custody case. I went through my share of lawyers and was almost always disappointed. I got to a point I didnt know whom to trust. Brian is an exceptional lawyer. He was amazing. Sadly, I didnt win my case, but he worked so hard for me and he was so compassionate and understanding with me as I went through the toughest and lowest time in my life. Fortunatley, it is all behind me now. It's been years and I still think of him fondly. And remember how well he treated me during a time that SO many in the justice system treated me poorly and judged me unfairly. Due to all the stress and sadness I never stopped to take a second and thank him for all he did for me and how hard he tried. If you are facing a domestic issue such as custody and you are scared and unsure of whom to trust with your case please do yourself a favor and hire Brian. He is the real deal. He is what all lawyers should aspire to be. Thanks for your compassion and your patience Brian!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Tenacious and thorough

Posted by

I hired Brian Sommers for a very difficult custody case. I'm not a fighter and typically give in for the sake of taking the path of least resistance when it comes to the ex. Brian assured me continuously that we had to fight and would win. The best interests of my daughter was at stake and had he not kept insisting we fight, I would have given in. Brian is a bulldog in the courtroom. If you want to see your opponent get ripped to shreds or watch them squirm under the intense heat from Brian (which is really tough to witness) then he is the counsel for you. He does not back down, barrels through the discomfort of others and really does fight for what is right. His thoroughness is evident and he stays late to get the job done. Many times I would get a call from him on the weekend asking for more details, preparing for trial etc. He's a machine! I gained full custody of my daughter after 9 years of shared parenting which is very difficult to terminate. If you want to win and have nerves of steel to watch him annihilate the opposing party, Brian is the attorney for you. I highly recommend him and will continue to send referrals his way.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

An amazing attorney

Posted by

From the first phone conversation I had to the court hearing(s) and beyond Brian was absolutely the best. The total case lasted over six months but he was always aware of what was going on. He provided sound advice and his knowledge and understanding of child support and the laws that regulate it is superior. If I ever find myself in need of lawyer in this area of practice I will not hesitate to hire Brian again.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great lawyer

Posted by

Brian helped me gain custody of my children. He was very helpful in answering my questions and was always up to date with my case. We spent a lot of hours preparing for the case, which, at the end payed off.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Absolutely the best

Posted by

Brian Sommers and his team are top notch. As a father and a military member, fighting for custody of my children, I was terrified of losing. Brian and his team went out of their way to ensure I had the best chance possible. With Brian’s help, we settled prior to the hearing and I gained custody of the kids. Thank you Brian!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Brian Sommers' response: Thank you for your kind words and your service to our country. It was my honor to assist you and your family.

Professional and Cares!

Posted by

I went through a recent divorce and when the divorce was filed in April my original intention was to not hire a lawyer. I gave my x wife the opportunity to work with her lawyer and be fair. This did not happen and after multiple attempts and questions regarding calculations that I knew were not done correctly, I had to take action. Brian came highly recommended to me so I decided to hire him. Going through this process I realized immediately Brian cared about his clients. He walked me through each piece of the child support calculations and the separation agreements. When we requested changes he had me in the office during dictation so we were both on the same page. He took an uncomfortable situation and made me feel comfortable with the decision by using a fact based approach that provided justification for each calculation and line item in the separation agreement. No one is going to like every component of a divorce or feel they received a great deal, but given the divorce rules in Ohio, Brian made it as fair as possible. Chis Simmons, his paralegal, is phenomenal as well, she is prompt and was always responsive with any needs during the process. I highly recommend Brian if you are looking for a lawyer to work hard for what is fair and do things the right way.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(16)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

William Miller, Divorce and separation Attorney on Dec 28, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I Have known Brian for more than 15 years. He is extremely knowledgeable and zealous in his practice areas. I have personally referred friends to Brian and I endorse him

Simon Patry, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 29, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

When our law firm has a conflict of interest and have to refer a client to another lawyer one of the law firms on that list is Brian's. He is knowledgeable and never gives up and that is exactly what you need in a divorce, custody and family law attorney.

Michael Sheets, Family Attorney on Jun 22, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Brian is an excellent attorney and a worthy adversary. He does a great job for his clients.

Samera Habib, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 21, 2015
Relationship: Other

I endorse Mr. Sommers.

Aaron Hartley, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Brian is an excellent attorney.

Michael Waddington, Family Attorney on Jun 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Brian. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

Jeremiah Denslow, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 15, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Brian is a pillar of the Dayton legal community.

Lucas Wilder

I endorse this lawyer.

Helen Wallace, Child custody Attorney on Jan 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Brian is an excellent domestic relations attorney who has demonstrated his superior knowledge of family law by becoming a board certified.

Robert Mues, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 3, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Brian is very professional and a strong advocate for his client. I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Miller, Family Attorney on Mar 19, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Very knowledgeable attorney. He is committed to getting the best for his client.

Ronald Burdge, Family Attorney on Jan 21, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Being Board Certified in the area of Family Law says a lot about Brian Sommers' understanding and knowledge of domestic relations issues and Family Law. I would highly recommend him to you if his office is anywhere near you and you have a domestic relations or family law problem.

Antony Abboud, Family Attorney on Jan 18, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Brian is an excellent domestic relations attorney. He is very knowledgeable and experienced in his field.

Joseph Ostrowski, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 16, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Attorney Sommers exemplifies the very best attributes of an active attorney and a level of professionalism we should all aspire to. Honesty, dedication and a love of the law which means. giving back to others who lack our understanding of the law. The thousands years of combined legal experience of professionals activity participating in forum represent some of the very best of our profession, which is after all, at its base is desire to those in need. This Attorney’s experience allows to obtain excellent results for his clients. Most importantly, this Attorney is willing to help complete strangers (as is the case in this forum) with legal problem for which we may have some helpful information and thereby demystify the legal process as much as possible. I would recommend this Attorney without any hesitation for all practice areas listed.

Roberta Fay, Divorce and separation Attorney on Dec 28, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Nicholas Gounaris, Divorce and separation Attorney on Dec 28, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Brian is a tremendous lawyer and an even better advocate for his clients.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$295-$295/hour
  • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs45 minutes
PAYMENT METHODS

Cash, Check, Credit Card