July 2020

Navigating Ohio child custody laws is one of the most challenging aspects of separation, directly impacting your child’s future. In Ohio, this process is officially termed the “allocation of parental rights and responsibilities.” It is a mandatory judicial review governed by specific statutes designed to achieve a single goal: protecting the child’s future. The Ohio Family Court relies heavily on a strict, nine-factor checklist to remove personal bias from the equation. Understanding these mandatory Ohio custody factors is essential for presenting a strong case focused on the best interest of the child. This guide provides an up-to-date breakdown of the legal standards, the criteria judges must evaluate, and practical steps parents can take to strengthen their position in a child custody dispute in Ohio.   The “Best Interest of the Child” […]

The bond between a grandparent and a grandchild is precious, but unfortunately, it is often threatened by parental separation, divorce, or disagreements. While Ohio law strongly respects a parent’s constitutional right to raise their child, it also recognizes the importance of the grandparent-grandchild relationship. For grandparents seeking to maintain or establish contact, navigating Ohio’s specific statutes and court procedures requires experienced legal guidance. This guide provides an overview of the legal pathways for grandparent visitation and custody in the state. What Are Grandparent Rights in Ohio? Grandparent rights refer to the legal concept that a court may order parents to permit a grandparent to spend time with their grandchild, even against the parents’ wishes, but only under certain, limited circumstances. When Ohio Law Allows Grandparents to Seek Visitation A grandparent’s

In Ohio, child support is calculated by a formula that has been codified into state law. That formula takes the parent’s gross income and combines them. The formula allows for certain deductions, such as local income tax, child support for other children, or spousal support paid or received. This adjusted gross income is then applied to a chart that calculates the amount of child support required to equalize the costs of raising a child. The paying parent will pay his or her share of the amount to the other parent. There is also an adjustment made for if there is private health insurance being paid for the child or work related childcare. The final figure of the calculation is called the guideline child support and is presumed to be the correct amount