Divorce vs. Dissolution: When Divorce Should Be Your Choice

When to Choose Divorce (Instead of Dissolution) Dissolution can be a great way to terminate a marriage, while keeping costs low, but it is not recommended in all situations.  Divorce should be the process pursued instead of divorce in the following situations: A party needs immediate relief from the court; A party is absent from…

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Temporary Orders and Divorce

After the formal filing of the divorce “Complaint,” you may pursue restraining orders to prohibit your spouse from taking actions that may dissipate the marital assets.   If appropriate, you may also be able to go to court to ask for reasonable support during the pendency of the divorce proceedings.  Typically, the court will restrain both…

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Allocation of Parental Rights & Responsibilities (Custody in Ohio)

Allocations of parental rights and responsibilities formerly referred to as “custody” are made in all divorces, dissolutions and legal separation where there are minor children that are not the subject of another court’s orders. Allocations are made consistent with the requirements and guidelines set forth in R.C. 3109.04. Specifically, the court will consider what is…

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Curbside Pick-up: Not a Good Idea for Divorce

DIVORCE: Kicking your spouse to the curb – make sure you don’t put their stuff there. Often in movies or commercials when couples split-up, the wife starts throwing all the husband’s stuff into the yard, or puts it in the trash.  While this is a funny scene in a commercial or movie, in reality it…

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Ohio Divorce Attorney: What Do You Do?

A few years ago the only place that an attorney could advertise was the phone book.  Most attorneys chose to make the most of the ad space by publishing a “panel” of services they provided.  This list of services is going the way of the horse whip, but you still see it occasionally on web…

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10 Commandments of Divorce Court

1. Thou shalt not bring your child to divorce court. The ultimate interest of the divorce court is the best interest of the child.  Unless it is requested by the divorce court, bringing your child to the court with you is not in the best interest of the child.  Children do not need to be…

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Child Support Directly to My Ex-Spouse?

In my practice, I receive a lot of questions involving child support daily.  One of the most common questions I receive is as follows:  “Should I pay support directly to my spouse?” A similar question: “Why should I be in arrears when I give her (meaning the ex-spouse or partner) a lot of extra money for the children?” …

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Valuing Marital Assets Accurately–Extremely IMPORTANT!!

  One of the most important aspects of your divorce (besides custody of your children, of course) is to have correct valuations of marital assets.  Your attorney has the very important job of investigating, valuating, and objectively inventorying all marital assets.  Some assets have a readily ascertainable value, such as a bank account, publicly traded…

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What constitutes Separate Property in Ohio?

  Separate Property is defined as all real and personal property, and any interest in real or personal property that is found by the court to be any of the following: An inheritance by one spouse by bequest, devise, or descent during the course of the marriage; Any real or personal property or interest in…

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