Columbus, Ohio, Family Law Blog

Many post-divorce custody arrangements in Ohio divide the child's time with each parent more or less equally. Research strongly supports shared child custody after the dissolution of a marriage or relationship. Children tend to have better self-esteem and mental health when they maintain relationships with both parents. To pursue these positive outcomes, parents need to keep communication channels open and develop a parenting plan that limits stress on the kids.

The needs of children vary depending on their age. Younger children under 10 might require more help adapting to a lifestyle that requires that they move back and forth between parental households. Parents should tell them a few days in advance before they switch to the other parent's house to reduce feelings of disruption. Parents should frame time spent with the other parent in a positive light. Any differences and disagreements that they possess should not be shared with the children.

Infidelity, addiction, financial mismanagement and other difficult situations can quickly lead to a high-conflict divorce for an Ohio couple. When at least one party involved is manipulative, narcissistic or emotionally immature, the problems can be compounded, especially if children are involved. These exes will probably need to navigate a challenging journey toward co-parenting.

Absent situations of neglect or abuse, children generally benefit from a relationship with both parents. In most cases, courts will strongly encourage joint custody or at least some form of regular visitation. Of course, the parents themselves will also be charged with keeping in line with the child custody order. In a high-conflict situation, the kids may find themselves pulled into ongoing arguments between the parents. One parent may even engage in emotionally manipulative tactics to undermine the kids' bond with the other parent. They might also use the children to check up on their former spouse's new dating life.

Affluent couples seeking divorces in Ohio will have to negotiate a financial settlement. People with many assets, such as family businesses, real estate and securities, could discuss their finances and explore settlement options with a financial adviser trained to deal specifically with divorce. Both former spouses might choose to engage a divorce financial adviser jointly as they mediate their divorce, or individuals could hire an adviser for guidance when navigating major divorce decisions. Someone who did not have a hands-on role with finances during a marriage might especially benefit from a professional's analysis of the situation.

Divorce financial advisers typically understand state family laws that influence the division of property as well as tax consequences. These advisers can calculate current valuations for marital assets, including private equity holdings, and suggest approaches to dividing the assets. Their analyses could show former spouses how various settlement approaches might influence future income.

Ohio parents may have concerns about an existing child custody or visitation order. While these concerns are normal, it may not necessarily be enough to forbid a child from having a relationship with both parents. In fact, parents may be held in contempt of court if they do not comply with the terms of a custody or visitation agreement. If a parent does decide to prevent a child from seeing a mother or father, it is important to carefully document the reason why.

It is generally valid to prevent a child from being transferred to the other parent's care if the child is apprehensive about an upcoming transition. Children who are anxious may be unable to sleep, specifically ask not to see the other parent or cry more than usual. If children are anxious about seeing their other parent, it may be worth discussing those concerns with that individual.