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Ross Evans is an experienced family law attorney with more than 30 years in private practice, focusing exclusively on Collaborative Practice, mediation, limited scope representation, guardianship matters, and parenting coordination. He is widely recognized throughout Ohio for his leadership in collaborative family law and his extensive experience handling complex custody, visitation, paternity, and family-related disputes.

Before entering private practice, Ross served as a Magistrate with the Hamilton County Juvenile Court from 1988 through 1996, where he presided over custody, visitation, paternity, and delinquency cases. His judicial background gives him unique insight into how courts evaluate family law matters and helps clients navigate emotionally difficult situations with practical, solution-oriented guidance.

Ross later joined Katz, Greenberger & Norton LLP, where he served as Managing Partner from 2003 until 2016. In December 2016, Ross and his longtime partner, Ellen Essig, founded Essig & Evans LLP, a boutique law firm dedicated to family and fertility law matters. That firm transformed into The Family Law and Fertility Law Group in 2023. In addition to his private practice, Ross continues to serve the court as a Guardian Ad Litem and Parenting Coordinator.

Known for his collaborative and client-centered approach, Ross works to help families resolve disputes respectfully and effectively while minimizing unnecessary conflict and litigation whenever possible.

Personal Note

Ross has spent decades serving families throughout the Cincinnati region and remains actively involved in both the legal and local community through leadership, education, and public service.

Experience Overview

Ross Evans has extensive experience in collaborative family law, mediation, custody disputes, parenting coordination, guardianship matters, and juvenile court proceedings. His career includes judicial service as a Hamilton County Juvenile Court Magistrate, leadership roles in private practice, and national leadership in collaborative law organizations. Ross is particularly experienced in helping families resolve high-conflict disputes through structured, non-adversarial approaches designed to preserve relationships and promote long-term stability for children and parents.

  • Managing Partner, Katz, Greenberger & Norton LLP (2003–2016)
  • Co-Founder, Essig & Evans LLP (2016–Present)
  • International leadership in Collaborative Practice development and education

Notable Case Results

  • Successfully argued matters before the Ohio Supreme Court.
  • Admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.
  • Served as Guardian Ad Litem and Parenting Coordinator in numerous high-conflict family law matters.
  • Assisted families in resolving complex custody and parenting disputes through Collaborative Practice and mediation.
  • Provided investigatory oversight and consultation regarding children’s services matters for Hamilton County since 2007.

Awards & Recognitions

  • “Best Law Firm” Tier 1 in Family Law—Best Lawyers in 2026
  • AV Preeminent Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell (since 2012)
  • Named a Top Attorney in Ohio (since 2010)
  • President, International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (2014)
  • Founder and President, Cincinnati Academy of Collaborative Professionals (2007–2009)

Community Involvement

  • Leadership and mentorship within collaborative law organizations
  • Ongoing service to Hamilton County through children’s services oversight and family law advocacy
  • Educational contributions through legal seminars, CLEs, and professional training programs
  • Board Service for numerous Non-Profit Agencies
  • Board Service for the Ohio Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts.