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Divorce or Dissolution: What’s the Difference? - Meade Attorneys at Law | Columbus, OH

Divorce or Dissolution: What’s the Difference?

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Deciding to end a marriage is one of the most significant legal and financial transitions a family can face. For residents of Ohio, the process begins with a fundamental choice between two distinct legal paths: divorce or dissolution of marriage. While the result of the legal termination of the marriage is the same, the procedures, timelines, costs, and emotional tolls differ drastically. Many couples assume that if they simply want to end the marriage, they must file for divorce. However, Ohio law provides a streamlined alternative known as dissolution for couples who can agree on all terms before entering the courtroom. Understanding the specific Ohio divorce vs dissolution differences is critical for protecting your financial future and parental rights. This guide provides a comprehensive, legally accurate comparison to help you […]

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Covid-19 and the Ohio Courts - Meade Attorneys at Law | Columbus, OH

Covid-19 and the Ohio Courts

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​There is non-stop news about the pandemic, its spread, and the increasingly drastic measures the Governor and the Ohio Department of Health are taking to combat the disease. Something the news is not reporting on is how the disease is affecting people’s legal court cases in Ohio. The courthouses and the people who work in them are not immune from COVID-19, and many people have been left wondering about their hearings, bonds, attendance requirements, and parenting schedules. The short answer to your questions is this: if you have a lawyer- reach out to their office and ask what the status is of your case. If you don’t have a lawyer- you should find the website of the court your case is filed in and see if they have made any

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Sunday Highlight: Sexting and Your Teen - Meade Attorneys at Law | Columbus, OH

Sunday Highlight: Sexting and Your Teen

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Ohio law does not currently contain a specific statute isolating “sexting” as a distinct minor offense. Instead, the legal definition of sexting involves the creation, possession, or dissemination of sexually explicit images. When minors are involved, these actions trigger statutes originally designed to combat child pornography and the exploitation of minors. Legal Scope: This encompasses any digital transmission of nude or semi-nude images, including text messages (SMS/MMS), social media platforms (Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok), and cloud-based storage. Minor vs. Adult Distinction: Ohio law distinguishes between the age of the offender and the age of the victim. However, in peer-to-peer teen sexting, both parties are minors. This creates a legal paradox where a teenager can be charged with producing or possessing child pornography even if the image is of themselves or a

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From Law Clerk to Lawyer: Andrea Lawson

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The law firm of Parks and Meade would like to congratulate their Law Clerk, Andrea Lawson, who passed the Ohio Bar Examination on Oct. 25. Lawson will be sworn in on Nov. 12 by the Ohio Supreme Court. The law firm of Parks and Meade would like to congratulate their Law Clerk, Andrea Lawson, who passed the Ohio Bar Examination on Oct. 25. Lawson will be sworn in on Nov. 12 by the Ohio Supreme Court. Lawson, who lives in Clintonville, is looking forward to a career in criminal defense, family law and child advocacy.  Lawson’s experience as clerk at the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office sparked her interest in providing critical legal services to indigent individuals. “Everyone deserves representation,” she said, expanding further on the first-responder type of atmosphere

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ATTORNEY DARREN MEADE WINS LANDMARK FELONY SENTENCING CASE BEFORE THE OHIO SUPREME COURT

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Parks and Meade Partner, Attorney Darren Meade, won a major case before the Ohio Supreme Court this past week. With a combination of extensive legal research, persuasive writing, and effective oral argument, Meade swung a 4-3 decision in his client’s favor. The ruling will have a major impact not only on a Parks and Meade’s client, but on felony sentencing throughout Ohio. The Ohio Supreme Court agreed with Meade that the Ohio felony sentencing laws, as written, do not permit a felony prison term suspended for probation to be run consecutive (“back to back”) with a prison sentence actually imposed. For Mr. Meade’s client, that means a six month sentence in a lock-down facility has been vacated. Perhaps even more importantly, the client’s five (5) year suspended prison sentence (to

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