A protection order is a court order, not an agreement between two people. That distinction catches many Ohioans off guard. The person who asked for the order may call, text, or show up at your door, sometimes wanting to reconcile. But the order binds only you, and responding can still lead to arrest. Understanding how…
Many Ohio parents walk into a custody case assuming the judge will choose an arrangement for them. Under current law, shared parenting doesn’t happen automatically. It has to be requested, and a written plan has to be filed on time. Miss that step, and the court may have only one option left: naming one parent…
If you ask for emergency protection in a domestic violence case in Ohio, the judge has to hear your case the same day you file it. This is a legal requirement, not a courtesy. A temporary order can be signed before you leave the courthouse and the court must ensure that a copy of the…
After twenty or thirty years of marriage, the house is rarely the asset that determines how a divorce will turn out. Retirement accounts are usually settled. Pensions, 401(k)s, Social Security and health coverage are all settled when there is less time to rebuild. Divorce after 50, often called “gray divorce,” runs under the same statutes…
If you are thinking about ending your marriage in Ohio, you may have heard the terms “divorce” and “dissolution.” Although both can legally end a marriage, they are different legal processes. Understanding how each works can help you decide which approach fits your circumstances. What Is a Dissolution in Ohio? A dissolution is generally used…
After a divorce, a new job, family support, or a fresh start in another city may seem like the right next step. However, if you share a child with your former spouse, moving away from Toledo can raise important legal questions. Before making plans, it is important to understand how Ohio law treats parental relocation…
When a marriage ends, one of the biggest questions is often what happens to the property, money, and debts the couple accumulated during the marriage. If you are researching divorce in Ohio, you may come across the terms “community property” and “equitable distribution.” Although these concepts are sometimes discussed together, they describe different approaches to…
Deciding to file for divorce is a major step. Before you submit paperwork, it helps to understand what Ohio law says about residency, grounds for divorce, property, spousal support, and children. Knowing the basics can also help you gather the information you may need and prepare for the decisions ahead. Ohio divorce cases are handled…
A protection order can provide an important layer of legal protection for individuals experiencing domestic violence, stalking, menacing, or other threatening behavior. If you have obtained a protection order—or someone has requested one against you—you may be wondering how long it remains in effect and what happens when it expires. The answer depends on the…
Dividing property is one of the most important parts of the divorce process. For many couples, questions about who keeps the home, how savings accounts are divided, and what happens to retirement benefits can create uncertainty during an already difficult time. In Ohio, property division during divorce is based on the distinction between marital property…