Once you or your spouse has filed for divorce, finances often change dramatically. As a parent, one of your paramount concerns is to make sure that your child continues to have the monetary support they need. That is where temporary child support comes in: it ensures that your child is taken care of until a formal, permanent child support order is in place. As a parent, it is your right and responsibility to make sure that your child has the security of financial support from the beginning, whether you and your spouse are separated or already seeking a divorce. How temporary child sup ..read more

A family law matter doesn’t have to be an adversarial game in which you and the other party face off and fight about everything from child custody to spousal and child support to who gets the linens and the lawnmower. Even if the two of you are still far apart on many issues, you have a choice that is less costly—both financially and emotionally. Mediation offers an alternative to traditional litigation that allows you to work out differences in an atmosphere where consensus, not contentiousness, is the way to reach mutually acceptable resolution. Mediation is a negotiation process th ..read more

In child custody cases, the court prioritizes the best interests of the children above all else, including the preferences and convenience of the parents. Therefore, criminal charges can have a significant impact on the outcome of child custody disputes, as they may strongly influence how the case proceeds. Prioritization of the Safety and Well-Being of Children The foremost consideration of the court is to ensure the safety and welfare of the child, which is why a judge will assess multiple factors to determine whether a parent with a criminal record is capable of providing a secure environm ..read more

While child custody is probably the most common source of discord for divorcing spouses, alimony, or spousal support, is a close second. What is spousal support? According to Ohio Revised Code § 3105.18, spousal support refers to “any payment or payments to be made to a spouse or former spouse, or to a third party for the benefit of a spouse or a former spouse, that is both for sustenance and for support of the spouse or former spouse.” What factors does the court look at in determining spousal support? The court does not use any set guidelines in determining if spousal support should ..read more

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Like most U.S. states, Ohio recognizes “equitable distribution” when courts divide marital property (both assets and debts) in a divorce.Generally, marital property is everything that was acquired from the date of the marriage until the divorce decree is finalized, and often includes all real estate currently owned by one or both spouses, retirement benefits, funds from a public employee deferred compensation account, and income and appreciation from the other spouse’s monetary or in-kind contributions during the marriage. But what about a house you owned before you got married, or an ..read more

Being served with divorce papers can put you on an emotional rollercoaster, even if you knew you were going to be served. So, how do you respond? While you may be hurt, frustrated or angry, this is a time when you need to take a deep breath, get your financial and other important documents in order, and find out what the proper procedure is so that you can best protect your rights. In Ohio, a divorce or dissolution of marriage can be granted because of incompatibility (although a spouse can deny that to be the case) or when spouses have lived separately and apart, without interruption ..read more

When it comes to child custody in Ohio, the law states that the courts are not permitted to automatically favor either the father or mother, nor show any gender bias; their duty is solely to protect and ensure the best interests of the child. Since revisions to the law in 1991, it has become increasingly common for the courts to find that shared parenting is best for the child, especially when both mother and father encourage their child to have a healthy, loving relationship with the other parent. In fact, some Central Ohio courts favor shared parenting even when the parents are in h ..read more

If you and the other party have decided to go with mediation as a way to settle your divorce, custody, or other family law issues, chances are you have many questions about the process: What should I expect? What happens if we can’t reach an agreement? Do I still need a lawyer? The good news is that mediation has helped thousands of parties in Ohio in a way that is less costly and less stressful than most litigated matters, and it has allowed them to reach a settlement that is mutually acceptable—without having to go to court. Understanding the mediation process Mediation is a legal p ..read more

Are uncertainties starting to appear in your marriage? Are you considering divorce? Or do you think your spouse is about to serve you with divorce litigation? Many soon-to-be divorced spouses know that their marriage is about to end long before paperwork is even filed. If you suspect your marriage is headed for divorce, you may be able to save yourself time, money, and stress by consulting with a knowledgeable family law attorney as soon as possible. Here are some of the most important questions you should ask an Columbus, Ohio divorce lawyer: How should I prepare for divorce? Unles ..read more