If you’re involved in a family law matter and check your case status online, you might see the word “disposed.” At first glance, that can seem confusing or even alarming. Does it mean the court made a final decision? Can anything else happen? Is the case truly over? In Ohio, “disposed” has a specific legal […]
Can Same-Sex Couples Adopt in Ohio?
Same-sex couples can adopt children in Ohio. However, the couple’s marital status and adoption plan affect the process and rights they have. Keep reading to learn more. Married Same-Sex Couples Can Adopt a Child Together Ohio allows same-sex couples to jointly adopt a child if they are legally married. If the marriage is formal and […]
Is There Common Law Marriage in Ohio?
Ohio generally does not recognize common law marriages. In fact, any common law marriage that was not established before October 10, 1991, or in another state is not valid under Ohio law. According to Ohio Revised Code § 2105.12(B)(1), a marriage must be formally solemnized and properly recorded to be valid. While common law marriage […]
What Is a Custodial Parent?
When parents go through a divorce or separation, one of the most important questions is: Who will the child live with? The answer often involves the role of a custodial parent. This term comes up a lot in family law cases, and it’s important to understand what it means and how it affects parenting rights […]
How Long Do Alimony Payments Last In Ohio?
Alimony (or spousal support) is court-ordered financial support paid by one spouse to the other spouse. A couple may agree on alimony terms, or a spouse may seek alimony through litigation. The primary purpose of alimony is to provide financial support for a spouse who does not have sufficient income or resources to provide for […]
What’s the Difference Between Legal Custody and Physical Custody in Ohio?
Custody of a child determines who has the right to make important decisions for the child, who the child lives with, and who cares for the child when parents divorce or are not married. Legal custody and physical custody are common terms used to describe a parent’s rights and responsibilities regarding their child. Ohio has […]
5 Things To Remember If You’re Up Against False Accusations in Court
Facing false accusations can be frightening — especially in the context of a family law dispute, such as a divorce, spousal support, or custody battle. You might feel powerless, worried that the judge or jury will believe the other party’s lies. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Below are five key […]
What’s the Difference Between Alimony and Spousal Support?
In Ohio, there’s no difference between alimony and spousal support. Both terms mean the same thing: payments one spouse makes to the other after a divorce. The purpose of these payments is to help the lower-earning or financially dependent spouse maintain stability and adjust to life after marriage. While “alimony” is the older term, Ohio […]
Does Polyamory Lead To Divorce In Columbus, OH?
In Columbus, where the divorce rate stands at 2.4 per 1,000 residents, marriage follows a traditional path shaped by centuries of law and cultural norms. The legal system tends to work smoothly for conventional marriages, but if polyamory is added to the mix, the simple can quickly become complicated. What Does The Law Say About […]
What is the Child Custody Process in Ohio?
If you have minor children, you will need to plan for them as part of your divorce or dissolution. As you think about what’s best for your children, it’s important to understand some of the key terms: custody, parenting time (also called visitation) and shared parenting. Once you decide what you’d like to ask for […]
