Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.Columbus Divorce Lawyer | Franklin County Criminal Defense Attorney2026-08-26T10:47:49Zhttps://www.grlfamilylaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1502258/2020/07/cropped-GregLewis-site-icon-512-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.<![CDATA[Grey divorce: Financial considerations for couples over 50]]>https://www.grlfamilylaw.com/?p=499192026-08-10T23:30:38Z2026-08-10T23:30:38ZFor many couples, the years leading up to retirement represent the payoff for decades of work. A divorce during this stage of life can interrupt those expectations in ways that are difficult to reverse.
Unlike younger couples, people over 50 often have fewer working years to rebuild savings or recover from costly financial decisions. A settlement that seemed reasonable in the moment could affect retirement income, housing options or financial security for years to come. Understanding how divorce can affect long-term finances can help people avoid decisions that may have lasting consequences.
Why grey divorce requires a different financial perspective
A divorce later in life involves assets that took decades to accumulate. Retirement plans, investment accounts, real estate and other long-term financial resources may represent much of a couple's wealth. Dividing those assets is not as simple as assigning each spouse a dollar amount. The way property is divided today can influence future taxes, retirement income and overall financial stability.Ohio follows an equitable distribution system, meaning courts divide marital property fairly based on the circumstances instead of automatically splitting everything equally. The length of the marriage, each spouse's financial position and the nature of certain assets can all influence the outcome.Timing also matters. Someone in their late 50s or 60s may have limited opportunities to replace retirement savings or increase future earnings. That reality often makes financial planning a more significant part of the divorce process than it might be for younger couples.
Financial issues that deserve close attention
A careful review of financial matters can help identify decisions that may carry lasting consequences. Important considerations often include:
Retirement accounts, pensions and investment portfolios
Whether keeping or selling the marital home supports long-term financial goals
Potential spousal support and its effect on future income
Health insurance coverage before Medicare eligibility
Estate plans, beneficiary designations and powers of attorney after divorce
Each of these decisions can impact financial security well beyond the divorce itself.
Building a stable financial future
A grey divorce requires balancing today's needs with tomorrow's financial realities. Careful planning and informed decisions can help preserve the resources built over many years while creating a stronger foundation for the future. Because every financial situation is different, working with an experienced Ohio family law attorney can provide guidance that reflects both current circumstances and long-term objectives. ]]>On Behalf of Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.<![CDATA[Can you receive spousal support even after a short marriage?]]>https://www.grlfamilylaw.com/?p=499092026-07-24T17:17:24Z2026-07-24T17:17:24ZCourts look beyond the length of the marriage
A short marriage does not automatically block spousal support. In Ohio, judges decide whether support is appropriate and reasonable by reviewing the facts instead of using a fixed formula. Temporary support may also help a lower-earning spouse manage financial needs while the divorce is pending.
The court also evaluates how much the award should be, how payments should work and how long they should last. That review often includes factors beyond the number of years you were married. Key considerations include:
Income and earning ability: Judges often compare each spouse's income and ability to earn.
Lost earning opportunities: The court generally considers whether you delayed education or employment to support your spouse or care for your family.
Household contributions: Managing the home or supporting your spouse's career can carry weight even without direct financial payments.
Training needs: Judges may examine whether additional education or training could improve your ability to earn.
No single factor controls the result. The court weighs how these facts fit together before making a decision.
Know what facts matter before you decide
Every marriage has its own financial story, even when it lasts only a few years. For example, one spouse may have left a steady job so the other could finish graduate school or accept work in another city. Those details often give the court important context.
Since spousal support depends on the facts, legal guidance can help you see which details matter most in your divorce. That clarity often leads to more informed decisions as the process continues.]]>On Behalf of Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.<![CDATA[Dividing complex retirement portfolios in divorce]]>https://www.grlfamilylaw.com/?p=498962026-07-24T17:16:12Z2026-07-24T17:16:12ZRetirement assets that may become part of your divorce
You may think of retirement savings as a single 401(k), but large retirement accounts often include several types of assets. Your retirement savings may include:
Contributing to employer-sponsored plans such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s
Maintaining traditional or Roth individual retirement accounts
Receiving future income through pension plans
Participating in deferred compensation programs
Holding government or military retirement benefits
Building retirement savings through business-related plans
Different retirement assets follow different rules. If you have several types of retirement accounts, the court may look at each one on its own.
How Ohio divides retirement assets
Ohio courts generally treat property acquired during a marriage as marital property and divide it equitably. This means the court tries to reach a fair result based on the facts of the marriage and the property involved. It does not always mean each spouse receives exactly half of every asset.
Retirement accounts can raise additional issues because not every part of an account counts as marital property. You may have started saving in an account before your marriage, or one of your accounts may include separate property. Courts may review account records and contribution records to determine which portions qualify as marital or separate property.
Why some retirement portfolios become more difficult to divide
Some retirement accounts need more review. Your portfolio may become more difficult to divide if it involves:
Combining savings from several employers over many years
Accumulating retirement benefits during a long-term marriage
Creating specialized plans through business ownership
Calculating future payments from pension benefits
Mixing marital and separate property within one account
These situations may require more financial records and account information. Those records can affect how the court classifies and divides your retirement assets.
Preparing for the division process
Retirement accounts do not always transfer in the same way as bank accounts or other property. Some retirement plans require specific court orders before any division can occur. Account statements, employment records and contribution records may help show what assets exist and what value they hold.
If you have spent years building substantial retirement savings, your accounts may need separate review and valuation. For many people, retirement accounts represent long-term financial goals, so they often receive careful attention during a divorce.]]>On Behalf of Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.<![CDATA[Helping your child cope with your divorce in Ohio]]>https://www.grlfamilylaw.com/?p=498952026-06-05T12:29:06Z2026-06-05T12:29:06ZKeep communication open and age-appropriate
Talking to your child about the divorce is one of the most important things you can do. However, you may want to consider tailoring the conversation to their age and maturity level. Younger children might need simple explanations that reassure them you still love them, and the divorce is not their fault. On the other hand, older children and teenagers may have more questions and need more detailed information.
You should encourage your child to express their feelings without judgment. Let them know it is okay to feel upset or angry. Avoid speaking negatively about your co-parent in front of your child, as this can create additional emotional stress and put them in an uncomfortable position of feeling they need to choose sides.
Maintain consistency and routine
Children thrive on predictability, especially during times of change. Keeping regular schedules for meals, bedtime, school activities and visits with each parent can provide them a sense of stability. If your child knows what to expect, they might feel more secure and less anxious about the changes happening around them.
If possible, try to coordinate with your co-parent to maintain similar rules and expectations in both households. Establishing a sense of consistency aligns with Ohio's legal framework. State law encourages parents to create a shared parenting plan that outlines parenting time schedules, decision-making responsibilities and communication methods.
Courts generally favor arrangements where both parents remain actively involved in their children's lives, provided this serves their best interests.
Consider professional support when needed
Sometimes your child might need additional help processing their emotions about divorce. A counselor or therapist who specializes in working with children can provide valuable support. These professionals create a safe space where your child can express feelings they might not feel comfortable sharing with you.
Many schools in Ohio also offer counseling services or support groups for children dealing with family changes. Reaching out to your child's school counselor can connect you with helpful resources in your community.
In some Ohio divorce cases involving children, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child's best interests or order a custody evaluation. These professionals assess the family situation and make recommendations to the court. Demonstrating that you have prioritized your child's emotional health and sought appropriate support can reflect positively in these evaluations.
Your actions can protect your child after separation
Navigating separation in Ohio is never easy. By staying attentive to your child's emotional needs and providing consistent support, you can help them navigate the challenges that come with their parents’ divorce. Open communication, stability and access to appropriate resources can strengthen their sense of security and help them adjust to the changes while maintaining healthy relationships with both parents.
]]>On Behalf of Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.<![CDATA[Who gets the family business in an Ohio divorce?]]>https://www.grlfamilylaw.com/?p=498892026-05-12T08:48:49Z2026-05-12T08:48:49ZUnderstanding equitable distribution laws
Ohio operates under a principle known as equitable distribution. This means that Ohio courts must begin with the presumption that an equal (50/50) division of marital property is the most appropriate starting point. A judge only moves away from an equal split toward a "fair but unequal" distribution if it is proven that an equal split would be unfair (inequitable).
To make this determination, the court reviews several mandatory factors, including how long the marriage lasted, the total assets and liabilities of each spouse, and the specific tax consequences that will result from dividing the property.
Distinguishing marital from separate assets
The first step in any property division is determining whether the business is marital or separate property. Generally, courts treat any business started after the wedding date as marital property. If you owned the business before the marriage, courts typically categorize it as separate property.
However, the lines could blur if you used marital funds for business expenses or if the company grew in value due to active efforts during the marriage. In these cases, the active appreciation in value may be subject to division.
Appraising the value of your company
Before a business can be divided, its monetary worth must be established. This often involves hiring a professional appraiser to conduct a business valuation.
There are several methods for determining this figure, such as examining the company's net assets, historical earnings or comparable sales in the industry. Accurate records are essential during this phase, as the court requires a clear picture of the company's financial health to make an informed decision.
Resolving business interests fairly
Once a value is assigned, there are several ways to handle the business interest:
Asset offsetting and retention: Rather than selling the company and splitting the cash, one spouse might keep the entire business. To make this fair, one spouse gives up their claim to other valuable property like the family home or a retirement fund, which goes to the other spouse instead.
Liquidation and sale: The business might be sold and the proceeds divided between both parties according to the court’s distribution order.
Continued joint ownership: In rare cases, former spouses may remain co-owners. This path requires a high degree of cooperation and a robust, newly drafted operating agreement to define roles and prevent future legal disputes.
Ultimately, the goal is to select a path that meets Ohio’s equitable standards while ensuring the business remains a viable and stable asset for years to come.
Choosing strategic next steps
Every family business is unique, and the legal path forward depends on specific goals and the complexities of the assets involved. While going through the changes, having a clear understanding of rights under Ohio law is a strong asset.
Taking the time to gather documentation and consult with professionals can provide the clarity needed to reach a resolution that respects both past hard work and future stability.]]>On Behalf of Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.<![CDATA[Dividing stock options and restricted stock units in an Ohio divorce]]>https://www.grlfamilylaw.com/?p=498612026-08-26T10:47:49Z2026-04-24T09:18:18ZMany people receive stock options or restricted stock units as part of their compensation package. These assets can be worth significant amounts of money but dividing them in divorce gets complicated. Ohio courts generally treat stock options and RSUs as marital property if you earned them during the marriage. Understanding how to value and split these assets helps protect your financial interests.
How Ohio treats stock options and RSUs in divorce
Ohio follows equitable distribution, meaning courts divide assets fairly but not always equally. Therefore, the law considers several factors when determining whether stock compensation counts as marital property. Among these are:
Vesting schedules: Ohio courts look at when you earned the stock and when it vests to decide which portion belongs to the marriage and which portion remains separate property.
Work performed: Courts may consider stock options as payment for work you did during the marriage even if they vest after your divorce becomes final.
Valuation timing: The value of unvested stock can change dramatically between your divorce filing and when the stock actually vests, which creates challenges for fair division.
Tax consequences: Exercising stock options or selling RSUs triggers income taxes and sometimes additional penalties that reduce the actual value you receive.
Dividing these assets fairly requires understanding both when you earned them and what they will actually be worth after taxes.
Methods for dividing stock compensation
Ohio couples and courts use different approaches to split stock options and RSUs depending on the specific situation.
Cash out and split the current value immediately if the stock has already vested
Agree to divide the stock later when it vests or when you exercise the options
Trade stock compensation for other marital assets of equal value like home equity or retirement accounts
Consider how each method affects your tax burden and net proceeds
Someone familiar with Ohio divorce law and complex asset valuation might help you understand which division method protects your interests and minimizes your tax liability.Stock options and RSUs require careful handling in Ohio divorce cases. How you time the division and account for taxes significantly affects the actual amount you walk away with after your divorce.Dividing complex assets can have a major impact on your financial future. If you are going through a divorce in Ohio and need help understanding how these assets factor into your settlement, call us at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-3"] or email us to schedule a consultation.]]>On Behalf of Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.<![CDATA[Do disability benefits count towards my spousal support payments?]]>https://www.grlfamilylaw.com/?p=498602026-04-14T16:20:21Z2026-04-14T16:20:21ZGoing through a divorce is hard enough. Doing it while living on a fixed disability income adds another layer of stress. Your benefits may feel like a lifeline, but they can also factor into what the court decides you owe or receive.
So, does Ohio law count your disability benefits as income when calculating spousal support? The answer can directly affect your financial future and it starts with understanding how Ohio courts approach income.
Why do Ohio courts examine all income sources?
Ohio courts usually look at all potential income streams when they determine spousal support. Their goal is to balance what the paying spouse can reasonably afford with what the receiving spouse actually needs. Because of this, the court will closely review every source of money you receive, including disability benefits. Thus, understanding this broad approach helps explain why the type of benefits you receive matters so much.
Which disability benefits count as income?
With the court's wide-reaching review in mind, you should know which benefits count as income. Ohio courts generally count both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and private disability insurance benefits as income for the paying spouse. If you receive these benefits and are responsible for paying support, the court will factor them into its calculation of what you can afford.On the other hand, if you are the spouse receiving support, the rules work differently. The court considers your disability income as part of your financial need, which can lower the support amount you receive. Either way, disability benefits play a clear role in the court's decision. However, not every type of benefit works the same way.
A key exception you should know about
Beyond SSDI and private disability benefits, there is one important distinction worth knowing. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based program that usually differs from insurance-based benefits like SSDI. Because of this, Ohio courts often do not count SSI as income when determining spousal support. If SSI is your primary source of income, this exception can work in your favor.
Understanding your income can protect your future
Knowing how Ohio courts treat your disability income is an important step toward protecting your financial stability. The rules often vary depending on the type of benefits you receive and your role in the support arrangement. That is why understanding which income sources factor into your support calculation puts you in a better position to make sound decisions moving forward.]]>On Behalf of Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.<![CDATA[How far in advance should you plan divorce timelines?]]>https://www.grlfamilylaw.com/?p=498502026-03-03T15:59:29Z2026-03-03T15:59:29ZFinancial factors that affect your filing date
When you file for divorce can greatly impact your finances. Think about these important timing factors:
Tax situation: Filing before December 31 changes how you file taxes for the whole year
Stock options: Waiting until after you receive company stocks might help your financial position
Bonus timing: Filing after getting your yearly bonus makes dividing assets simpler
Health insurance: Your filing date affects how long you keep family health coverage
Yearly finances: Waiting for a complete calendar year makes paperwork easier
Good timing on these factors could mean keeping thousands more dollars during your divorce.
How your work schedule affects divorce timing
Your job schedule creates natural windows for handling divorce. Try to file when you're between big projects, not during major deadlines or launches.
Working from home might make it easier to attend divorce meetings without taking obvious time off. Many companies slow down at year-end, giving you more emotional energy to handle divorce matters.
Planning around your children's school year
Kids need stability during divorce. Starting the process during summer break gives children time to adjust before school starts again.
Filing mid-school year adds stress during important academic times. School holidays offer good transition periods for trying new custody arrangements without missing school.
Waiting for major life transitions
Big life changes affect divorce timing too. It might make sense to wait until after you move to a new home to establish residency.
Holding off until after a job change clarifies your financial situation. Sometimes, waiting until after planned medical procedures makes better sense for health insurance reasons.
The value of strategic timing
Planning your divorce timing protects your money and mental health. Taking time to prepare for the separation allows you to make clearer decisions rather than choices driven by raw emotions.
Rushing without preparation often leads to bad settlements and preventable problems. Most people benefit from six to twelve months of planning before filing. Good timing turns divorce from a crisis into a managed change that protects your family, career and finances.]]>On Behalf of Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.<![CDATA[Identifying hidden assets in high net worth divorce cases]]>https://www.grlfamilylaw.com/?p=498452026-05-05T19:57:39Z2026-02-15T10:28:35ZIdentifying concealment patterns and financial red flags
You may focus on patterns instead of one event. The following changes may indicate that a closer review of financial records and disclosures is necessary:
Income drops despite steady business activity
New companies or accounts created near separation
Transfers labeled as loans without clear support
Missing statements or gaps in records
Spending levels that exceed reported income
These signs may not prove hidden assets. Still, repeated patterns may suggest that more review could help clarify financial activity over time and context.
Applying Ohio discovery methods and forensic asset tracing
You can use discovery tools to gather financial information. Courts often require sworn financial disclosures. You can request tax returns, bank records or business files. Subpoenas can help you obtain information from third parties.
A forensic accountant can review transactions, compare records and trace money flow to look for inconsistencies. If a court finds financial misconduct, it may adjust property division.
Assessing financial questions that may warrant further attention
You might now have a clearer sense of where questions could exist within the financial picture. At this stage, you can focus on organizing what stands out, noting gaps or inconsistencies and deciding which areas deserve closer attention.
Small observations can help shape productive discussions with professionals involved in your case. Taking time to clarify what feels uncertain may help you move forward with greater awareness during an Ohio high net worth divorce.
Contact a trusted family law firm in Ohio today
If you need skilled legal representation for your divorce case in Columbus, our attorney has almost 30 years of experience assisting individuals and families in managing their family law concerns with ease and peace of mind. To schedule a free initial consultation with our lawyer, call our German Village office at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-3"] or send us an email through our contact form.]]>On Behalf of Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.<![CDATA[How can parents who share custody handle the holidays?]]>https://www.grlfamilylaw.com/?p=498442026-02-03T11:41:09Z2026-02-03T11:41:09ZA standard annual schedule
When parents come from different cultures, they may have different priorities regarding the holidays that they spend with their children. In such cases, it may be possible for each parent to have the children on the days that matter the most to their culture or religion every year, allowing for a relatively amicable arrangement.
An alternating schedule
The every-other-holiday approach is a common one. Many parents share the same religions and cultural backgrounds. Therefore, they generally want to see the children on the same days each year. An alternating schedule allows one parent to spend every other holiday with the children. They see their children for some of the major holidays each year and get to enjoy all of the major holidays every other year.
A split schedule
Separated parents can often share the actual holiday so that they can both celebrate with the children. If they live close enough to make a midday custody exchange feasible, a split schedule where the children spend part of the day with one parent and the remainder with the other can be a relatively fair arrangement. Occasionally, parents can even negotiate terms where they share the holidays and the children's birthdays by maintaining joint celebrations.
There are various ways to modify these basic arrangements so that they work for families in all kinds of situations. Parents may need to carefully consider their schedules, family traditions and household dynamics to create workable parenting plans. And, understanding how other families share parenting time can make it easier for adults to find solutions that may work for their families as well.]]>