In the Part 1 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 a...
Family Law
When Grandparents Step In: Legal Options for Visitation and/or Custody in Ohio – Part 1
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 Divorce: What’s the Difference?
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...
Available Grounds for Divorce in Ohio: What You Need to Know
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...
What to Expect at a Final Hearing in a Domestic Relations Lawsuit
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...
REMINDER: Review Your Beneficiary Designations to Avoid Unintended Consequences
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...
Child Support in Ohio: What Are the Special Circumstances Which May Impact the Child Support Calculation? Part 3
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...
Child Support in Ohio: Key Factors in Child Support Calculations – Part 2
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...
Discussing Custody and the Role of a Guardian ad Litem in Ohio Divorce Cases
Custody in Divorce Cases One of the most crucial decisions in a divorce is determining the custody of minor children. In Ohio, the courts refer to this as the "allocation of parental rights and responsibilities." To make this decision, the court considers several...
Child Support in Ohio: Understanding What It Is and How It’s Calculated – Part 1
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 support from my co-parent? This question, and the concern that underlies...