Step-parent adoption can deeply change a family's emotions, creating both challenges and growth opportunities. Understanding the emotional dynamics involved can help families navigate this significant change with greater awareness and sensitivity. Understanding from the child's view Children might feel a mix of emotions when a step-parent joins their family. Young kids might not understand the changes and could feel confused or sad, especially if the adoption happens after a parent's death or a divorce. Older kids might worry about being disloyal to their biological parents if they accept a st ..read more

Many parents in Ohio share custody of their children. Often, these children participate in clubs, sports, plays and other activities that host events open to the public. While custody arrangements typically outline visitation schedules, they may not always explicitly address attendance at public events. Some parents wonder if they can attend their children’s events when it is not the parents’ custodial time. Custody agreements When custody agreements are silent on attending public events during off-custody times, parents may need to negotiate and reach a mutual understanding. Cooperation and c ..read more

Stepparent adoptions typically have fewer steps and requirements than other types of adoption. However, one of the similarities is the need to get consent from the parent who is giving up his or her parental rights so that the stepparent may adopt the child. To do this, the parent who is not the spouse of the stepparent will complete a consent to adoption form. Function of the form The consent to adoption form serves as the biological parent's official agreement to terminate his or her parental rights. By signing the document, the parent is attesting that this is a voluntary decision. It also ..read more

Divorce is a challenging and emotionally charged experience, but it does not have to define you. Despite the prevalence of divorce in society today, the stigma surrounding it persists. There are 5 ways to reduce the stigma and embrace your new chapter in life. 1. Stay Connected with Your Social Circle Maintaining relationships with friends and family is important during and after a divorce. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who understand and empathize with your situation. Engage in activities you enjoy and create new memories with loved ones. 2. Choose Positive Language The words ..read more

Divorce is a challenging process, especially when it involves a family-owned business. In Ohio, where numerous small enterprises are family-run, the ramifications of divorce can deeply affect the future of the business itself. Protecting your business's integrity is bound to be a high priority in your divorce. You can take steps toward keeping your livelihood intact with a few thoughtful strategies. Assessing the impact When a divorce involves a family-owned business, one unavoidable process is assessing the value of the business. Valuation methods can vary, but typically, the value of the bus ..read more

Filing for divorce requires a careful understanding of jurisdiction. Jurisdiction refers to the specific county where legal proceedings must take place. For those contemplating divorce in Ohio, residency plays a pivotal role in determining which county holds jurisdiction over the case. Residency requirements To initiate divorce proceedings in Ohio, a person must live in the state for at least six months. They must file in the county in which they have lived for at least 90 days.  Meeting residency requirements is an important step as it allows a court to hear the case and apply the proper ..read more

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people hosting divorce parties to celebrate the end of their marriages. While divorce is often an emotionally difficult experience, these parties signify looking forward to new beginnings and focusing on the positive. If you are facing divorce, there are a few things you should know about these parties. The divorce party phenomenon Divorce parties provide an outlet for people to mark the transition from married to single life. The parties allow people to openly announce their divorced status to friends and family. Festivities typically include ..read more

Marriage is a significant life step. Discussing possibly difficult topics before tying the knot can help build a lasting and stable union. One often overlooked tool for facilitating these discussions is the prenuptial agreement. Contrary to common misconceptions, prenups are not just about preparing for divorce. They can foster open communication and understanding between partners and strengthen their relationship before they marry. Financial transparency A prenuptial agreement serves as a structured platform for couples to discuss their financial goals, attitudes toward money, spending habits ..read more

According to the Public Children Services Association of Ohio, there were over 2.5 million children in the state in 2021. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting Ohio's divorce rate at 2.6 per 1,000 in the same year, many of these children are in a situation involving parental custody cases. In matters of child custody, the state acknowledges the significance of considering the opinions of the children involved. However, there are guidelines for doing so. Child's cognitive abilities The evolving cognitive and emotional development of children is an important factor. The c ..read more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the divorce rate in Ohio in 2021 was 2.6 per 1,000 people. Divorce is a life-altering event, further complicated by a myriad of financial issues. Couples facing divorce may find themselves entangled in financial complexities that demand careful consideration. Financial infidelity One of the less-discussed but pervasive issues in divorce is financial infidelity. It happens when one person in a partnership keeps money information hidden or does tricky things with money matters. This could involve not sharing debts, having secret bank a ..read more