Comprehensive Guide to Domestic Relations in Ohio Gets a Refresh

The Ohio’s Domestic Relations Resource Guide just got a major upgrade! Our Partner and Family Law Group Chair, Joanne Beasy, dives into the essential topics, such as parental rights and spousal support, and talks about how the guide will help judges, attorneys and clients navigate family law. Discover key insights for both seasoned and new practitioners via her latest blog below.

A valuable resource for Ohio’s domestic relations judges just received a makeover that will not only help them but also family law attorneys and their clients.

A 10-member judicial workgroup revised the Domestic Relations Resource Guide, an online document on the Ohio Supreme Court website that provides quick access to important information, can be updated promptly, and gives an A-Z explanation on everything from awarding parental rights and calculating child support to grounds for divorce.

The guide is comprehensive and easy to navigate. And while much of the subject matter might be known to experienced judges and family law practitioners, it holds lots of interesting information for newer attorneys and individuals.

For example, did you know:

• To file for divorce, you must be a resident of Ohio for six months immediately preceding the filing of the complaint and a resident of the county at least 90 days immediately preceding the filing? However, this requirement may be waived if both parties consent.
• Marital fault, other than financial misconduct, does not impact property division.
• The amount of a spousal support award is income-driven, but there is not a mathematical formula like the one used to compute child support?
• For calculating child support, income is defined as either (1) the gross income of the parent who is employed to full capacity or (2) the sum of the gross income of the parent and any potential income of the parent for a parent who is unemployed or underemployed?
• In addition to child support, a person may be ordered to pay cash medical support to help with a child’s health insurance expenses?

While individuals facing divorce will find the guide helpful, they will likely have additional questions that only an experienced attorney can answer. The Family Law Practice Group at Isaac Wiles stands ready to help.