Susan M. Suriano

INTRODUCTION

Susan has practiced law in Central Ohio and the surrounding areas since 2009 and practiced family law exclusively since 2013. Even as a proven litigator since the start of her career, she is committed to serving others through the collaborative law process. This peacemaking process is client-focused and interest-based, which leads to more practical results for couples terminating their marriage and sets the foundation for a successful next stage in their lives. Susan believes that for most families with children this process helps them navigate highly emotional decisions related to their children with guided professionals.

Susan is also a court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem, representing the best interest of children in domestic court cases. Previously, she was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office. First, serving as an Assistant Juvenile Prosecutor, handling delinquency cases and child neglect, dependency, and abuse cases, then later serving as an Assistant Appellate Prosecutor, preparing briefs and oral arguments for the Tenth District Court of Appeals and for the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Prior to her career in law, Susan worked for the University of Cincinnati as a Football Administrator under Coach Mark Dantonio. She organized recruiting visits, campus visits, recruiting databases and mailings, and managed day-to-day recruiting and football needs.

As an undergraduate and graduate student, Susan proudly served as a football intern at The Ohio State University Athletic Department under Coach Jim Tressel, earning a 2002 Football National Championship Ring, and was later the graduate assistant for the Department of Recreational Sports, Sports Club Division.

Susan loves to spend time with her husband and son and travel when she can.

FIELDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE:
Collaborative Law;
Mediation;
Divorce;
Dissolution;
Visitation and Post-decree issues;
Legal Custody and Grandparent Visitation;
Child and Spousal Support matters;
Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities (paternity issues);
Appellate Law

PROFESSIONAL LICENSES:
Ohio, 2009;
United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, 2018

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION:
University of Dayton School of Law, Juris Doctor 2009
The Ohio State University, MA – Sport and Exercise Management 2005

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION:
The Ohio State University, BA – Political Science 2004

COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE GROUP MEMBERSHIPS:
Central Ohio Academy for Divorce Professionals;
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/ACTIVITIES:

PERSONAL INTERESTS/ACTIVITIES:

• American Bar Association, Member,
• Ohio State Bar Association, Member: Section Member- Women In The Profession
• Columbus Bar Association, Member
• Women Lawyers of Franklin County, Member
• Central College Presbyterian Church, Choir Member
• The Ohio State University Alumni Club, Member
• The Ohio State University Women’s Glee Alumni Club, Member
• Ohio Valley Club of Columbus, Member

COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AND RELATED SKILLS TRAINING