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Ohio Divorce Questions & Answers
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
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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
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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
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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....
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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
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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.

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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

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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
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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

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

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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
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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...
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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
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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

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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:...
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3 Answers | Asked in Tax Law, Family Law and Divorce for Ohio on
Q: As a custodial parent, do I have the right to claim my son for taxes even though the decree says to alternate?

When first filing for divorce, I agreed to alternate years of claiming my son on taxes with my ex. It's 3.5 years later and I have my son full-time, he has never once had him for a weekend in his home. I would not have agreed to this if I would've known I would be the one to have my son... View More

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on Jan 28, 2024

First, the state isn't going to be the one holding you in contempt, your ex-spouse would be the one bringing a contempt action to enforce the terms of your decree. Second, given that he is not exercising the requisite amount of time needed by the IRS in order to properly claim a minor child,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Tax Law, Family Law and Divorce for Ohio on
Q: As a custodial parent, do I have the right to claim my son for taxes even though the decree says to alternate?

When first filing for divorce, I agreed to alternate years of claiming my son on taxes with my ex. It's 3.5 years later and I have my son full-time, he has never once had him for a weekend in his home. I would not have agreed to this if I would've known I would be the one to have my son... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

In your situation, the IRS generally allows the custodial parent to claim the child for tax purposes. The custodial parent is typically the one with whom the child spends the majority of nights during the year. However, the IRS's rules don't automatically override the terms of your... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Legal Malpractice and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: If a magistrate gives my wife legal advice regarding our divorce and I have proof. Can I sue them?
Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Jan 24, 2024

It is unlikely you can successfully sue the magistrate. In general, public officials enjoy what's called sovereign immunity. You may report the magistrate to your local Bar Association if they have truly stepped outside of their role and become an advocate for your wife. Mind you, simply... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: How long does a judge have to complete a journal entry or judgement entry on the child support order case?

Everything was ordered in court but still waiting on entry

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on Jan 23, 2024

Generally speaking, the judgment entry will be issued after the magistrate's decision. Generally speaking in Ohio, the court is expected to do so "timely" following an adjudicative hearing. If a magistrate is issuing a decision, you will have 14 days to file any objections to that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: My ex is ordered to pay 1/2 of health INS and has refused since 2/23. We reside in OH

The AO has since been modified to state that he carries the insurance starting in 12/23. He believes that since the order has changed, he is not liable for the 10 months he refused to pay, while under the previous order. The total owed is just over $2000.

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Jan 8, 2024

Since you're talking about the enforcement of a specific order, it's not possible to render in general education about that. Does the new order contain language settling and releasing your ex-husband from his obligations? What does the old order say about potential defaults? The specific... View More

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