As a family lawyer, one of the most urgent and emotional calls to get is from a parent saying, “My ex just took our child to another state without my consent. What can I do?” When this happens, it often feels like a nightmare, and you may be worried, angry, and...
In the first two parts of this series, we explored how grandparents in Ohio can seek visitation rights and obtain temporary custody through parental agreements. But what happens when a grandparent believes that a more permanent custody arrangement is necessary to...
In the first part of this series, we explored the various legal avenues available to grandparents seeking visitation with their grandchildren under Ohio law. But what about custody? As early as 1877, the Ohio Supreme Court held in Clark v. Bayer that fit parents have...
Grandparents often play a vital role in a child’s life: offering love, support, and stability. But what happens when family conflicts, parental unfitness or other difficult circumstances put that bond at risk? In such cases, grandparents may seek legal visitation or...
Contested vs. Uncontested: At first glance, the distinction between these terms can seem intimidating. "Contested" may suggest a drawn-out legal battle, while "uncontested" sounds simple and straightforward. But are these assumptions accurate when it comes to divorce...
For many years now, Ohio has been a “no-fault” divorce state. What does that mean, in a practical sense? In order to terminate a marriage, neither spouse has to prove that one or the other is responsible or “at fault” for the demise of the marital relationship. The...
You’ve done all the hard work in your divorce or dissolution action. You’ve exchanged any requisite documents and other discovery, made a full and complete disclosure of all your assets, liabilities and income, and completed any requisite court forms. You’ve...
The Wall Street Journal recently published an article involving a scenario that—while significant and possibly worst-case—may be more common than you may think. Specifically, the article describes a scenario under which Margaret Sjostedt, the former girlfriend of a...
What is Child Support, and How Much Can I Expect to Pay or Receive? One of the most common questions posed by parents of minor children who are separated – or who are about to separate – is: what is child support and how much can I expect to pay or receive in child...
One of the most common questions posed by parents of minor children who are separated – or who are about to separate – is the following: what is child support and how much can I expect to pay or receive in child support from my co-parent? This question and the concern...