Have you heard the phrase, “parenting plan” in your conversations with attorneys or counselors? Ever wonder what that means or what your rights are in relation to a parenting plan? In an ideal world parents living in separate households would
Birth Certificates: Which Parent is Named and Why?
As a Family Law Attorney, I frequently get asked questions about birth certificates and the names that identify the parents of the child. Sometimes the answer is clear-cut and sometimes unique situations arise that cause people to need help interpreting
Co-Parenting & Clothing Disputes
Co-Parenting Issues: Kids’ Clothes One post-separation parenting issue that commonly rears its ugly head is the dispute over sharing clothing. I often get calls from a parent along the lines of, “I bought this coat, and the child wore
Do I Need a Living Will?
Do I Need a Living Will? It never fails. Around this time of the year I start getting calls from people looking to make good on those New Years’ Resolutions to finally get their affairs in order. Many of these
How can I change my current custody arrangement (current custody order)?
How can I change my current custody arrangement (current custody order)? During a divorce or dissolution, there are many ways the custody of dependents can be decided. The parties can agree that one parent has sole legal custody of
“During the Marriage” Part One: The De Facto Date of Marriage
During the Marriage Part One: The De Facto Date of Marriage By Melanie Mize During a divorce action, the Court must equitably divide the assets and liabilities (debts) of the divorcing couple. But when did the marriage actually begin?
Spring Cleaning: Life Changes and Estate Planning
SPRING CLEANING: LIFE CHANGES AND ESTATE PLANNING It’s easy to ignore estate planning when you’re young. It’s easy to say, “well, it’s just me right now…”. But what happens when you get married? What happens when you have your first
Q&A: I’m meeting with my divorce lawyer. What should I bring with me?
Question: I’m meeting with my divorce lawyer, what should I bring with me? Answer: When meeting with an attorney, it is wise to bring with you any documentation that substantiates, or proves, your claim. If you are meeting with
Nuts and Bolts of Divorce: Child Support
THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF DIVORCE: CHILD SUPPORT HOW DO THE COURTS DETERMINE INCOME AND EXPENSES When a couple divorces and they are parents of minor child/ren, child support is always at issue in their case. Ohio Revised Code §3119
Q&A: Under Ohio law, is my spouse entitled to half of whatever I own as soon as we are married?
Question: Under Ohio law, is my spouse entitled to half of whatever I own as soon as we are married? Answer: The short answer is no. The law recognizes that some property is separate and some is marital. Marital property