parents Archives - Ohio Family Law Blog

Has Your Ohio Driver’s License Been Suspended in Montgomery County Because Of Missed Child Support Payments? If So, Read this!

August is Child Support Awareness Month

Parents in Montgomery County who have had their drivers privileges suspended for not paying child support can take advantage of a special reinstatement program that is being offered during the month of August. August is Child Support Awareness Month, and the Montgomery County Child Support Enforcement Agency is giving parents with suspended licenses an opportunity to have the suspension lifted if the parent pays one month of back support. Usually in order to get the suspension lifted, the parent has to pay 3 months.

During the pandemic, many parents had financial difficulties and fell behind in making payments. Sarah Fields, Montgomery County ‘s Assistant Director for Child Support says, “We know parents want to support their children but may need help figuring out a repayment plan that works for everyone involved. This reinstatement opportunity reopens the lines of communications between CSEA and parents and allow us to work together to find solutions for their children. ” It is not debt forgiveness, but it is an opportunity for parents to get back on track.

The CSEA also offers parents services like co-parenting resources such as mediation, and employment resources. Parents taking advantage of this reinstatement … Read More... “Has Your Ohio Driver’s License Been Suspended in Montgomery County Because Of Missed Child Support Payments? If So, Read this!”

Blast From The Past: What and How to Tell Your Children About Your Divorce

Blast from the past 13 years Ohio Family Law Blog

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: What is the best way to tell children about their parents divorcing? This is a frequent question I am asked. I can’t tell you how many times over the years that I have sent clients a link to this 2010 article from Connecticut Psychotherapist Donna F. Ferber. Surely sage advice for all times!

One of the most difficult things you will ever have to do as a parent is tell your children that their parents are breaking up. It is important that you shift your focus from your loss to your children’s loss. Divorce is about the dissolution of a husband-wife relationship. It marks a change in the parent-child relationship. Staying aware of this difference will help you effectively support your children. In talking with your children, stay focused on their feelings about this experience. If you focus on the spousal relationship, your own feelings may get in the way of good parenting.

Here are some tips for explaining the divorce to your children:

If possible, both parents should be present. This illustrates to the children that you will still be able to co-parent.
Tell them close to the time that one of the

Parents – Are You Worried About Your Kids Online Safety?

Bark, your family's watchdog for internet safety

Cellphones and laptops are becoming more and more of a commonality among younger people; and with the popularity of such devices, there comes an immense amount of potential danger attached to them. Some parents may not comprehend the risks before giving their children the privilege of having a cellphone and/or a laptop, but there is a dangerous dark side to a smartphone/laptop while in the hands of a young person.

To try and combat the dangers of cellphone/internet usage by children and teenagers, Bark was created to monitor text conversations of minors. The app works by having parents create an account through the website bark.us, and by starting off with a 30-day free trial, the app is granted access to all of your child’s text messages, email, and even social media accounts. The app monitors your child 24/7 and will send alerts to you if issues are detected by the app’s “watchdog engine” while also supplying “recommended actions and ways to talk about issues as a family”.

Parents Can Use App Monitoring Software Bark To Combat Dangers Of Internet Use

Bark’s “watchdog engine” is engineered through “data science and machine learning” to flag interactions such as cyber bulling, sexting, and … Read More... “Parents – Are You Worried About Your Kids Online Safety?”

In Ohio, Might You Be Liable for the Actions of Your Children? You Might be Surprised!

Parents Could Be Held Liable For Their Child’s Wrongdoing. A Look At 5 Areas Parental Responsibility Laws Regulate In Ohio

Parents Take Note – You Could Be Liable For The Actions of Your Children!

parents liable responsibility law

The answer to that question is “It depends on the facts”. There are five (5) general areas that parental responsibility laws in Ohio regulate.

PERSONAL INJURY BY ASSAULT: In Ohio, a parent can be sued civilly and held liable for the willful assault of their minor child if the force is likely to produce great bodily harm. This liability does not extend to accidental injuries. The parents liability is limited to $10,000, plus court costs. See O.R.C. Section 3109.09.
PROPERTY DAMAGE & THEFT : A parent (or legal guardian) can be liable, just as in number 1 above, for up to $10,000, plus reimbursement of the claimant’s cost of taking the matter to court, if a minor in the parent’s custody willfully damages property belonging to another. This law focuses on property damage as well as theft. If the judgment arises out of a school incident, the court may by agreement order the parent to perform community service in lieu of making full payment on

Parents Behavior During Divorce Can Often Lead To Child Favoritism

Behavior Dangers: Poll Reveals Financial Or Marital Stress Can Affect Parents Behavior Toward Their Child

parents behavior child children A recent 60 minutes “vanity fair poll” discussed numerous situations in which parents discussed their feelings, and opinions regarding their children. The poll consisted of calling 1,000 adults nationwide and polling their opinion.

Some of the results were obvious, for example 90% of the parents polled stated that of all their children, they did not maintain a favorite, and all were equal in their eyes. An article in Psychology Today discussed the dangers of not treating your children equal. Stating often, a child personality and behavior play a large role in favoritism, in that parents often pick their “best” child. This is also significant because once a child maintains the “favorite” role; this attention can mold their personality and behavior.

Another point the article makes is how stress, often financial or marital, can affect the way individuals approach their children, often creating a favorite, and reducing the ability to either mend a relationship or to show your true affection.

Another topic the poll considered was the “behavior blamed on parents” question, asking which behavior can most likely be blamed on … Read More... “Parents Behavior During Divorce Can Often Lead To Child Favoritism”

Shared Parenting Misconceptions in Ohio

Previously my colleague, Anne Shale, posted a very informative article laying out the legal distinctions between sole legal custody and shared parenting in Ohio. Here is the link to her article. Even though it was posted 3 years ago, the information is still correct. Nonetheless, I think it would be helpful to expand, clarify and shoot down several shared parenting myths.

Shared parenting requires an equal parenting time allocation.

Not true. The hallmark of shared parenting is that both mother and father stand on the same legal footing with respect to custody. Each are equal legal custodians of their child(ren). Customarily, there is a provision in the plan that specifies whether mother or father’s city of residence is designated for schooling purposes. But this designation does not carry with it any greater custodial rights. Under a shared parenting arrangement, the actual parenting time allocation can vary anywhere from a 50/50 split to just a few overnights per month for a parent. So don’t just assume that shared parenting can’t be an option just because of the amount of time the child will spend with each parent.

If we have shared parenting, I don’t have to pay support.

Not true. Whether … Read More... “Shared Parenting Misconceptions in Ohio”

Child Custody: Parents versus Grandparents

An Overview Of The Child Custody Case Timothy Cantrell v. Erica Trinkle (2011-CA-17)

child custody The Juvenile Court of Clark County, Ohio awarded custody of the minor child (“CC”) to the paternal grandparents. Mother appealed the decision.

Court of Appeals Holding:

The Juvenile Court’s finding that the Mother was an “unsuitable parent” was against the manifest weight of the evidence.

Parties to the action:

Timothy Cantrell: Father of CC.
Erica Trinkle: Mother of CC.
Tracy and Randy Wood: Paternal grandparents of CC.

Facts of the child custody case:

Timothy Cantrell (“Father”) and Erica Trinkle (“Mother”) had a child, CC, out of wedlock in September 2007. In March 2008, Mother’s Father was providing child care for CC while Mother was working. An automobile accident occurred and the child was not injured. Allegations were made that the maternal Grandfather was intoxicated at the time of the accident. That allegation was not substantiated. Following the automobile accident, a referral was made to the Clark County Children’s Services Board (“CSB”). Neither Father nor Mother complied with the voluntary case plan with CSB and the case was “closed” in December 2008.

In June 2008, Mother and Father ended their relationship with one another. Mother and CC moved … Read More... “Child Custody: Parents versus Grandparents”

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