Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Divorce legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Ohio Divorce Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Civil Litigation, Real Estate Law and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: Can dissolution paperwork be amended for proceeds of house sale since ex failed refinance requirement?

In my dissolution, my ex-husband was required to refinance the mortgage to remove my name within two years. He has not done this, and although he attempted to refinance in September 2024, he was laid off again and the mortgage remains in my name. There was a 'late' payment reported to my... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 26, 2025

Yes, but you may not need to do that. So long as you are satisfied with receiving your percentage of equity from the sale from the title company, then all is well.

If you really want to force the refinance, you can always file a motion to show cause. But, if he's not making enough to...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Contracts and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: Is my handwritten note binding in an Ohio divorce?

I signed a handwritten note detailing some terms for property separation, child support, and 401k division, intending it for a dissolution. The note was not signed by my spouse, nor was it notarized or witnessed. Later, I decided to change my stance on these terms, and my spouse filed for divorce... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 6, 2025

Unlikely. Ohio now allows for post-marital agreements that would govern the terms of a property division in divorce but they are enforceable only in the following situations.

(A) The agreement is in writing and signed by both spouses ;

(B) The agreement is entered into freely...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Ohio on
Q: How do I file for divorce in Ohio after 9 years of marriage with no children, assets, or debts?

I want to file for divorce after 9 years of marriage in Ohio. We have no children, no assets, no debts, and I'm not seeking any specific arrangements like spousal support. How should I proceed?

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Mar 5, 2025

If you and your spouse can agree on the terms of terminating your marriage, it can proceed as a dissolution, which can be quicker and less expensive. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to consult some local family law attorneys who can review the process and answer your questions. Many offer free... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: How to enforce 50% pension entitlement after divorce?

The judgment from my divorce in Ohio entitles me to 50% of my ex-wife's pension, but she recently retired and I have not yet received anything. I haven't obtained a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) or contacted the pension plan administrator. We haven't discussed this issue... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 28, 2025

Contact the plan administrator regarding the situation and ask if they have their own preferred QDRO, which they probably do, for the division. Draft the QDRO according to their requirements and get it approved by them. Then file the QDRO with the DR court, and give a copy of the court approved... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Business Law, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Can I claim equity in a house bought with my husband's military death benefit?

My husband and I have been married for a year and a half. Four months into the marriage, my stepson committed suicide while in the military, and my husband received a death benefit as the beneficiary. We used this benefit to purchase and pay off a house, with both our names on the deed, and the... View More

Bruce Martin Broyles
Bruce Martin Broyles
answered on Feb 25, 2025

In Ohio, the important issue of separate property vs. marital property is the ability to trace the source of the funds. How real property is titled is not determinative of how the property is titled. Even though the funds went to your husband and then were deposited into a joint checking account,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: My boyfriend has been trying to find out when he was divorced. His ex will not give him any information.

We’ve tried everything on the Internet to try and find it with no luck. She said it was in the mid 90s, but that’s all she’ll say. She lives in Ohio. He tried calling every county he could think of with no luck. What else can we do?

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 11, 2024

I think it's possible based on this description that he was never actually divorced. This is usually something that is pretty easy to check. She would have had to file in a domestic relations court of the county in which she resided. If you have already contacted that county's clerk of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: Is it possible to keep co-owning a house while applying for marriage dissolution in Ohio? Thanks!

Me and my husband are filling for marriage dissolution, and we agreed on everything and want to keep the house in both names, as it is, and use the property as a rental home. While filling for it, there's no option to "co-own" the property, but I read in some articles online that... View More

Samuel Patry
PREMIUM
Samuel Patry
answered on Jul 3, 2024

Generally speaking, the purpose of terminating your marriage is to disentangle you and your spouse from one another, including mutual obligations related to the ownership of a home. Additionally, continuing to co-own a home after the termination of your marriage (even if through a dissolution) can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: my ex is in contempt 2nd time has not bought me out of my half of the house, and it is now appraised to a higher amount?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 21, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's a concise response to the situation:

1. Your ex-spouse is in contempt of court for the second time.

2. They have not bought you out of your half of the house as required.

3. The house has now been appraised at a higher value....
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: Is there any other way to be legally divorced other than a dissolution or divorce?

I have been separated for 18 months. My spouse and I have absolutely nothing together. She refuses a dissolution even though she is asking for nothing and neither am I. She says I'm going to have to spend the money on an attorney out of spite just to get her to appear. What other options do I... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on May 14, 2024

Check if your local domestic relations court has a legal clinic with volunteer lawyers who help with the divorce paperwork. Or check local law schools for any legal clinics they have. The forms for divorce are typically available on your local court's web site, although it is recommended... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: Is there any other way to be legally divorced other than a dissolution or divorce?

I have been separated for 18 months. My spouse and I have absolutely nothing together. She refuses a dissolution even though she is asking for nothing and neither am I. She says I'm going to have to spend the money on an attorney out of spite just to get her to appear. What other options do I... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 14, 2024

If you truly don't have assets to split, you might consider filing the divorce yourself without an attorney. Many courts have their own forms to assist in low-asset divorces. The most you would pay in that case would be the filing fee.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Ohio on
Q: I have parenting issue with ex spouse with mental illness. He was been non compliant . He wants to modify the agreement.

When he doesn't agree with we agreed to, he's constantly is wanting to change things. We both are supposed to have an ROR, which includes talking to the psychiatrist and or doctors. I agreed to be transparent about my medical health, even though i do not have any psychotic disorders. He... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Apr 11, 2024

I don't see a specific question here. It sounds like you may wish to either file a motion to enforce your present agreement, or in the alternative terminate your agreement in favor of you having custody reserving visitation to the other parent. It sounds like you may wish to have a Guardian ad... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: Going through a divorce, what all can I legally get? Husband refuses to let me have anything!

Me and my husband are going to be going through a divorce. After obtaining legal martial status, we had bought a house, had a child, bought vehicles and appliances for the home. Husband refused to move out so I left, he states he is entitled to everything and I only get my clothes and custody of... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 8, 2024

IN GENERAL: Anything purchased or acquired after a couple is married is considered marital property. That means that if the parties divorce, all of that property must be equitably divided between the parties. This includes houses, cars, personal property, retirement accounts, bank accounts, etc.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: My huband said he filed for a divorce in February of this year 2024.

My husband said he hired an attorney in the beginning of February, he told me his attorney would write up the papers then email to him so he could look over them before signing. My husband then told me his attorney was going to mail me the papers so I could then look at them and if I did not agree... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 3, 2024

It sounds like your husband has hired an attorney on a limited representation basis. That is, the attorney is just drafting documents, but your husband is handling the rest. If that's the case then this does sound above-board.

You do not need to wait any time at all if you want to...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: My huband said he filed for a divorce in February of this year 2024.

My husband said he hired an attorney in the beginning of February, he told me his attorney would write up the papers then email to him so he could look over them before signing. My husband then told me his attorney was going to mail me the papers so I could then look at them and if I did not agree... View More

Raquel Ann Parish
Raquel Ann Parish
answered on Apr 3, 2024

Parties to dissolution or divorce in Ohio have a right to have their own attorney review any documents they receive from another attorney who represents their spouse. When an attorney represents one party the attorney will most certainly write the documents in a way that is advantageous to their... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: Am I able to discard my ex husbands property? He had 60 days from divorce in December 2022.

The divorce states that I am to reside in the rental home, but no other information about his belongings in the decree. It was an uncontested divorce, he did not show up.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 15, 2024

In situations like yours, it's important to approach the disposal of your ex-husband's belongings with caution. Given that he had 60 days from December 2022 as per the divorce decree and assuming this time has elapsed, the next steps depend on the laws of your specific state or country.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: Started common law marriage in Montana moved to Ohio and continued filing all taxes as married 15 years total.

Also recieved medicaid for our children as married in both states. Gave wife wedding rings. Joint bank accounts and shared property. We are now seperated for 4 years. We lived together had implied agreement through filing taxes state and federal as married in Montana for 7 years and continued the... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Feb 22, 2024

In order to fully answer this question, one would need to know whether or not the couple described map of the criteria for common law marriage in Montana when they moved to Ohio. Ohio has not recognized common law marriage (within the state) since 1990. If, however, the couple met all the criteria... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: reaching for some legal help

Hello, I am reaching for some legal help. Does my wife have right to take our children away to her mothers house? I was “kicked out” from the home a month ago, against my will, but been present and coming back daily to see the children and to spend time with them. My wife is claiming that she... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Feb 5, 2024

In the absence of a court order, married parents have equal rights to their children. Thus, she is within her rights to take them over to her mother's house, and you are within your rights to spend time with them as well. Your best course would be to hire an attorney and file a divorce and... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: For a dissolution do we need to list checking accounts, vehicles and mortgage that is already in our separate names
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jan 31, 2024

Yes, each spouse must list all assets and liabilities. Even if accounts are in separate names, they most likely will be considered marital assets. Use the Find a Lawyer to retain a local family law attorney to assist with the forms, because if you a make a mistake on the forms, you might not be... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: I'm seaching information on filing for divorce involving domestic violence and husband on trial. I'm 7 months pregnant.

I need information. He is wanting to sell our home while I'm still in it with my protection order, I need to buy a home for my kids and I. He is currently awaiting trial for domestic violence and strangulation of myself, I am 7 months pregnant. Information on child custody and support as he... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jan 30, 2024

That must be very worrisome. But he cannot sell the home without your signature on the deed, even if you are not named on the deed. In Ohio, but spouses must sign any deed for real estate owned by either or both of them - so you both have to agree to any sale. If you file for divorce, you can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: The opposing party's attorney is first cousins with the judge. Is this conflict of interest?

This is for a divorce case with children. We are now going in front of the judge as the magistrate just quit.

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Jan 28, 2024

Likely it is cause for disqualification. Ohio Jud. Cond. R. 2.11 states in material part:

(A) A judge shall disqualify himself or herself in any proceeding in which the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including but not limited to the following circumstances:...
View More

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.