If I Make More Money Than My Spouse, Are Things Still Split 50/50 in a Divorce?

divorce spousal support

Divorce Likely? The Dangers If You Do Not Have a Prenuptial Agreement or a Postnuptial agreement in Place

divorce spousal supportAs a longtime Ohio divorce lawyer, reading the recent comments made by country music singer Kelsea Ballerini about her divorce from Morgan Evans caught my attention. Kelsea complained on a recent podcast that Morgan “took half the house he didn’t pay for” and other things as well. She was upset that Evans (also a country singer) wrote a song and was profiting about him being “blindsided” by their break-up. Click here to listen to his song about it titled “Over for You”. Kelsea’s comments got me thinking and I thought I would write this blog about property division and spousal support in Ohio.

IF I EARN MORE, I SHOULD GET MORE!

I remember back in the late 70’s and early 80’s, men going through divorces commonly expressing this opinion when we met to discuss a potential divorce. Many were not happy to be told that is NOT how it works in Ohio. Back then most men were the primary breadwinners. Often times the agreed upon roles where the man was the primary breadwinner and the wife was the primary caregiver for their … Read More... “If I Make More Money Than My Spouse, Are Things Still Split 50/50 in a Divorce?”

Now That Postnuptial Agreements are Legal in Ohio, Might One Make Sense for You?

postnuptial agreement divorce

Want To Create a Postnuptial Agreement? It is now Legal in the Stare of Ohio.

Postnuptial Agreement can be a very Practical Step to Avoid Confusion if a Marriage Should Terminate

Postnuptial Agreement divorceFinally Ohio has joined 48 other states and is now permitting postnuptial agreements to be executed and recognized. This is extremely significant news for married couples in Ohio! Click here to read our blog about this law change which we posted here on February 11, 2023.

WHAT ARE POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENTS?

Generally speaking, a postnuptial agreement is a tool of protection. It can modify or revoke a prior prenuptial agreement or be drawn to control marital finances and assets in the event of divorce or death. Under Ohio law a spouse cannot be disinherited under a will. Ohio law provides what minimum property a spouse must receive absent a prenup or postnuptial agreement.

KEY PURPOSES FOR CREATING A POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENT

While married couples generally do not want to contemplate the end of their marriage, executing a postnuptial agreement can be a very practical step to avoid confusion in the event a marriage ends for any reason. It can provide certainty as to individual and joint marital wealth which may … Read More... “Now That Postnuptial Agreements are Legal in Ohio, Might One Make Sense for You?”

Blast From The Past: What is a Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement and What is Its Purpose?

Blast from the past 13 years Ohio Family Law Blog

Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: With the start of the New Year comes a large spike in divorce filings. 2023 is no exception! Clients often have questions about how divorce retainer agreements work. So, I thought it might be a good time to repost this blog from August 8, 2020. Like the cost of many things, the hourly rates and typical retainer amounts charged by divorce lawyers have risen since 2020, perhaps as much as 10+ percent. The other information in the blog is still right on point.

Divorce Lawyers Require A Retainer Fee On Start Of Your Legal Representation

retainer fee divorce lawyersSo, unfortunately you find yourself meeting with a divorce lawyer to discuss terminating your marriage. The conference goes well and after careful consideration you decide to hire the lawyer.

HOW DO DIVORCE LAWYERS CHARGE?

When the subject of fees and the attorney’s hourly rate comes up, you will likely hear the request for a “retainer fee“. Most all divorce lawyers  will require a retainer fee  at the inception of accepting your legal representation. Some, on the other hand will instead request a fixed fee amount rather than one based upon the amount of time and … Read More... “Blast From The Past: What is a Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement and What is Its Purpose?”

A Historical Perspective of No-Fault Divorce Laws in Ohio

no-fault divorce laws ohio

The Pros of a No-Fault Divorce Can Cause Positive Ripple Effects

no-fault divorce lawsThe 1970s-known for disco, bell bottom jeans, lava lamps, muscle cars, the Brady Bunch, Pong, and the first Concorde commercial flight-but what about divorce? In the 1970s a revolution took place in the United States. Not the British Invasion, but rather a divorce law revolution. In the 1970s alone, 37 states amended or repealed divorce laws, now allowing married couples to divorce under a “no-fault” system. Under the old, “fault-based” scheme, one party would have to be found guilty of adultery, abandonment, physical or emotional abuse, or a protracted separation period (at least 2 years), etc.

Generally, under this scheme, if an individual seeking a divorce could not prove that one of the previously listed grounds for divorce was present, American courts would not grant the divorce. Without evidence proving their partner was engaging in atrocious acts, an individual was forced to remain in their marriage. A policy argument in favor for the sweeping change in divorce laws is that under the prior “fault-based” scheme, individuals who wished to divorce often did so through perjury and falsification of evidence to get around the strict statutory requirements.

No-fault divorce lawsRead More... “A Historical Perspective of No-Fault Divorce Laws in Ohio”

Legal Alert: Planning for Parenting Time – Ohio’s Guide for Parents Living Apart

Alert Key Legal Update

Did You Know? Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor has Written a Guide About Planning Parenting Time Schedules for Parents Living Apart

parenting time schedule divorceLooking for a resource in Ohio to help you design a parenting time schedule that will work best for you, your Ex, and your children? I thought it worthwhile to share this resource with the readers of the Ohio Family Law Blog. This is not a new resource. It was published in 2019 by the Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor.

I was thinking about her the other day, since I knew she was retiring from the Ohio Supreme Court in January. She has served Ohio for 24 years in various elected State of Ohio offices – longer than any other woman in Ohio. In addition, Justice O’Connor has been passionate about child related issues throughout her career.

She introduced this resource as being “Ohio specific and it is intended to . . . foster fair and creative parenting schedules based upon children’s developmental milestones and best interests.”

Prenting Time Schedule Resource: How To Download “Planning for Parenting Time – Ohio’s Guide for Parents Living Apart”

This Planning for Parenting Time – Ohio’s Guide for Parents Read More... “Legal Alert: Planning for Parenting Time – Ohio’s Guide for Parents Living Apart”

Tips for Smooth Parenting Exchanges for Divorced Parents

visitation exchange divorce

Tips To Help Make Visitation Exchange Go Smoothly For You, Your Ex, And Your Child

Visitation Exchange Involving Children can often be Stressful after Divorce. Tips to make Parental Exchanges Trouble-Free for all!

visitation exchange divorceIt goes without saying that in most cases divorce is a difficult and an emotional time, especially when children are involved. Even though you may have worked out the details of “sharing” the children the actual exchange of the child/children can be a stressful time and can bring out the worst in the parents. Remembering what you both want is in the best interest of the children is so important! This blog article is going to offer tips to help ensure that the swap goes well.

BE PREPARED IN ADVANCE

First of all be prepared and plan ahead so that your child has all that he or she will need at your ex’s house. It is a good idea to have clothes, toys, and school supplies at both residences, but there are certain items that will most likely need to travel back and forth. In order to make the transition easier, try to get everything ready in advance to reduce the stress. Make sure any medications are … Read More... “Tips for Smooth Parenting Exchanges for Divorced Parents”

Should I Stay or Should I Go? To Divorce or Not?

divorce month holidays

The perfect month For filing for Divorce is…

Divorce for the Holidays! The Perfect Time to File for Divorce?

divorce month holidaysThis is the time of year that many people have this exact question on their mind. If you are old like me, perhaps you remember this song by the British punk rock band The Clash from 1982. Or if not, maybe later from a Levi’s 501 jeans television commercial shot in a pool hall.

Here are some of its memorable lyrics:

“Darling you got to let me know
Should I stay or should I go?
If you say that you are mine
I’ll be here till the end of time
So you got to let me know
Should I stay or should I go?

It’s always tease tease tease
You’re happy when I’m on my knees
One day is fine, and next is black
So if you want me off your back
Well come on and let me know
Should I stay or should I go?”

Click here to watch the Levi Jeans commercial including the song.

Why is January Often Referred to as “Divorce Month?”

There are many reasons that folks come in to my law office after the holidaysRead More... “Should I Stay or Should I Go? To Divorce or Not?”

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