Stephen J. Otte

Top rated Family Law attorney in West Chester, Ohio

The Lampe Law Office, LLC
Stephen J. Otte
The Lampe Law Office, LLC

Practice areas: Family Law; view more

Licensed in Ohio since: 2017

Education: University of Cincinnati College of Law

Selected to Rising Stars: 2025 - 2026

The Lampe Law Office, LLC

9277 Centre Pointe Drive
Suite 100
West Chester, OH 45069 Visit website
Details

As a family law practitioner since 2018, Stephen Joseph Otte has built a strong reputation for effective advocacy and practical, results-oriented representation throughout the greater Cincinnati area. He is known for combining strategic thinking with a clear, solutions-focused approach, helping clients navigate complex and often high-conflict matters with confidence. As an associate attorney at The Lampe Law Office, LLC, in West Chester, Ohio, Stephen represents clients across Butler, Hamilton, Warren, and Clermont counties in all aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody and support, post-decree modifications, domestic violence civil protection orders, and appeals.

Stephen earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, cum laude, from Hanover College in 2014. He went on to attend the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where he distinguished himself academically and professionally. During law school, he served as Senior Articles Editor of the University of Cincinnati Law Review, was Vice President of the Mock Trial Team, interned for a federal judge, and participated in numerous volunteer initiatives. Prior to graduation, he was awarded the Norbert Heinsheimer Essay Prize for Best Law Review Comment. He received his Juris Doctor in 2017 and was admitted to practice law in Ohio that same year.

In his practice, Stephen is recognized for his attention to detail, thorough preparation, and strong courtroom presence. He approaches each case with diligence and responsiveness, ensuring that clients are well-informed and prepared at every stage of the process. He places a strong emphasis on delivering an exceptional client experience, prioritizing clear communication, accessibility, and thoughtful guidance throughout what can be an overwhelming and emotional process. Clients value his ability to break down complex legal issues into practical, understandable advice, as well as his steady advocacy from start to finish. Whether negotiating a resolution or litigating in court, Stephen is committed to protecting his clients’ interests and achieving meaningful results for their families.

Stephen’s approach is grounded in both professionalism and genuine care. He takes the time to understand each client’s unique circumstances and goals, and he works to provide not only effective legal representation but also a sense of stability and direction throughout the process. His combination of preparation, responsiveness, and exceptional advocacy has earned him the trust of his clients and the respect of colleagues and members of the judiciary.

Outside of his practice, Stephen is actively involved in the legal community. He is a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association, regularly volunteers through the Volunteer Lawyers Project, and serves clients through the Hamilton County Family Law Clinic. He previously served as a board member of the Hamilton Juvenile Law Committee and has coached high school mock trial.

Practice areas

Family Law

Focus areas

Adoption, Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Father's Rights, Juvenile Law, Marital Property, Mediation & Collaborative Law, Name Change, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family Law

  • 100% Family Law

First Admitted: 2017, Ohio

Professional Webpage: https://www.lynnlampelaw.com/attorney/stephen-j-otte/

Bar / Professional Activity

  • Since 2018, I have volunteered with the Volunteer Lawyers Project, providing pro bono representation to multiple low-income families. From 2019 to 2023, I served as a Board Member of the Hamilton County Juvenile Law Committee, acting as a liaison to the Cincinnati Bar Association. From 2019 to 2020, I coached a local high school mock trial team. I also serve as a Board Member of Southeast Indiana Citizens for Responsible Growth, a nonprofit advocating for responsible public policy. In 2026, I began volunteering with the Hamilton County Family Law Clinic, where I assist pro bono litigants in preparing filings and developing litigation strategies. I currently participate in the Hanover College Mentor/Mentee Program, providing guidance to students on career development and post-graduate planning., 2026

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

  • In Shaw v. Shaw, CA2023-08-091 (12th Dist. 2024), I represented the appellant exclusively on appeal, challenging the trial court’s decision to vacate a Qualified Domestic Relations Order that had been in place and relied upon for over 20 years. I successfully argued that the QDRO did not improperly modify the divorce decree but instead permissibly clarified it, and that equitable doctrines such as laches independently barred the challenge. The Twelfth District agreed, reversing the trial court in full and reinstating the longstanding QDRO. As a result, I obtained a complete reversal of the trial court’s decision, preserving my client’s rights to significant retirement benefits in a complex post-decree matter.   Shaw v. Shaw :: 2024 :: Ohio Court of Appeals, Twelfth District Decisions :: Ohio Case Law :: Ohio Law :: U.S. Law :: Justia, 2024
  • In Naiman v. Naiman, 2025-Ohio-1589, I represented Wife as Appellee following a highly contested divorce involving complex financial, valuation, and support issues. Despite Husband’s multiple challenges on appeal, including attacks on income imputation, property classification, and business valuation, the Twelfth District largely affirmed the trial court’s rulings in Wife’s favor, including adoption of Wife’s expert’s significantly lower business valuation and the imputation of substantial income to Husband. The only issues remanded were narrow and did not disturb the core financial outcomes Wife secured. I successfully defended nearly all aspects of a favorable trial court judgment on appeal, preserving key financial advantages for Wife in a complex, high-conflict case. Naiman v. Naiman :: 2025 :: Ohio Court of Appeals, Twelfth District Decisions :: Ohio Case Law :: Ohio Law :: U.S. Law :: Justia, 2025

Pro bono / Community Service

  • I have volunteered with the Volunteer Lawyers Project since 2018, providing pro bono representation in multiple cases., 2025
  • Southeast Indiana Citizens for Responsible Growth – Board Member of a nonprofit organization advocating for responsible public policy in Southeast Indiana., 2024
  • Hanover College Mentor/Mentee Program – Provide mentorship to college students on career development, professional decision-making, and navigating post-graduate life., 2026
  • Hamilton County Family Law Clinic – Advised pro bono litigants on litigation strategy and assisted with the preparation of forms and pleadings., 2026
  • Covington Catholic High School Mock Trial Team coach., 2020
  • Tenant Information Project - UC College of Law., 2017
  • Hamilton County Youth Court., 2017

Educational Background

  • University of Cincinnati College of Law, 2014-2017
  • Hanover College - BA Psychology, 2010-2014

White Papers

  • In Shaw v. Shaw, CA2023-08-091 (12th Dist. 2024), I represented the appellant exclusively on appeal, challenging the trial court’s decision to vacate a Qualified Domestic Relations Order that had been in place and relied upon for over 20 years. I successfully argued that the QDRO did not improperly modify the divorce decree but instead permissibly clarified it, and that equitable doctrines such as laches independently barred the challenge. The Twelfth District agreed, reversing the trial court in full and reinstating the longstanding QDRO. As a result, I obtained a complete reversal of the trial court’s decision, preserving my client’s rights to significant retirement benefits in a complex post-decree matter., Twelfth District Court of Appeals Appellate Decision, 2024
  • In Naiman v. Naiman, 2025-Ohio-1589, I represented Wife as Appellee following a highly contested divorce involving complex financial, valuation, and support issues. Despite Husband’s multiple challenges on appeal, including attacks on income imputation, property classification, and business valuation, the Twelfth District largely affirmed the trial court’s rulings in Wife’s favor, including adoption of Wife’s expert’s significantly lower business valuation and the imputation of substantial income to Husband. The only issues remanded were narrow and did not disturb the core financial outcomes Wife secured. I successfully defended nearly all aspects of a favorable trial court judgment on appeal, preserving key financial advantages for Wife in a complex, high-conflict case., Twelfth District Court of Appeals Decision, 2025

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

  • Whether the EPA has Authority under the CAA to Enforce President Obama's Clean Power Plan, University of Cincinnati Law Review, 2015
  • Whether the DOJ Should Have Authority to Compel Apple Inc. to Breach its IPhone Security Measures, University of Cincinnati Law Review, 2016

Honors

  • 2017 Norbert Heinsheimer Essay Prize for Best Comment (awarded to the top law review comment among all members), 2017 Norbert Heinsheimer Essay Prize for Best Comment, UC College of Law, 2017
  • See title., Super Lawyers Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2026
  • Super Lawyers Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2025

Office location for Stephen J. Otte

9277 Centre Pointe Drive
Suite 100
West Chester, OH 45069

Phone: 513-454-6872

Selections

2 Years Rising Stars
  • Rising Stars: 2025 - 2026

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