Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.Columbus Divorce Lawyer | Franklin County Criminal Defense Attorney2026-09-29T15:58:42Zhttps://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[What happens if an ex-spouse stops spousal support payments?]]>https://www.grlfamilylaw.com/?p=499542026-09-29T15:58:42Z2026-09-29T15:58:42ZMissed payments can become arrears
Unpaid support can build up as arrears, meaning the amount your ex-spouse still owes under the existing order. A missed payment does not automatically cancel or reduce the obligation. Unless a court changes the order through the proper legal process, the existing terms generally remain in place.
Court enforcement can address nonpayment
A court can address the issue through a contempt proceeding. If the court determines your ex-spouse is in contempt for failing to make required payments, Ohio law requires the court to assess the proceeding's costs and order payment of reasonable attorney fees.
This process gives you a way to ask the court to address unpaid support rather than relying on your ex-spouse to voluntarily continue payments again without guarantee.
Direct payments can change after default
Ohio law also provides a collection option for certain spousal support payments made directly to the recipient. If your ex-spouse defaults, the court can end that direct-payment arrangement, determine how much they owe you and require future and past-due payments to go through the Ohio Office of Child Support.
This option applies only in certain circumstances, including cases where you and your ex-spouse have no minor children born from the marriage and you have not assigned the support payments to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Take action when payments stop
When an ex-spouse stops paying, reviewing your support order and the available enforcement options can help you determine what steps make sense for your situation. An attorney can review the order with you, assess the unpaid amounts and explain which court process may apply to your case.]]>On Behalf of Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.<![CDATA[What should you do if your co-parent is angry with you?]]>https://www.grlfamilylaw.com/?p=499142026-09-01T18:34:47Z2026-09-01T18:34:47ZKeep your emotions in check
When the other parent becomes angry, you may feel tempted to defend yourself or respond with frustration. That reaction often makes the situation worse. If the issue can wait, take time to calm down before responding.
When you reply, focus on your child’s needs instead of personal disagreements. Ohio courts consider each parent's willingness to facilitate and encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent when determining the child’s best interests. A calm and respectful tone can lower tension and show that you want to work together.
Create a clear paper trail
Keep written records of important conversations, especially during periods of conflict. Save text messages, emails and voicemails that document important events. These records may help if questions later arise about schedules, agreements or court orders.
When possible, use written communication instead of phone calls. Messages create a clear record and may encourage more thoughtful responses. Some families use co-parenting apps to organize messages. A court may approve or require these tools in certain situations.
Establish boundaries with your co-parent
Set clear limits for conversations with the other parent. Keep discussions focused on your child, including schedules, school, medical care and activities. Avoid bringing personal conflicts into parenting discussions.
If it fits your situation and any court orders, set reasonable expectations for non-emergency messages. Clear boundaries can protect your personal time while keeping important information flowing.
Recognize when you need outside support
Some situations require outside support. If the other parent threatens you, harasses you or creates safety concerns for you or your child, contact law enforcement. You also may wish to speak with an attorney about whether a protection order or another legal step may be appropriate.
When safety is not a concern, mediation or co-parenting counseling may help resolve disagreements. An attorney can explain possible next steps if ongoing conflict affects parenting arrangements or court orders.
Prioritizing your child's needs
You cannot control the other parent’s actions or behavior, but you can control how you respond to them. Stay respectful, keep organized records and make decisions that support your child. Staying calm and considerate can provide your family with a greater sense of stability during the co-parenting process.]]>On Behalf of Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ.<![CDATA[De-escalation strategies to use when a co-parent is angry]]>https://www.grlfamilylaw.com/?p=499322026-09-01T18:33:02Z2026-09-01T18:33:02ZCo-parenting after a divorce is rarely seamless. However, if one parent is high-conflict, the situation can become overwhelming. In Ohio, the legal system recognizes these challenges and provides ways to help parents like you avoid hostility. The law recognizes the “best interest of the child” is the priority in child custody.
If you are dealing with an angry co-parent, there are practical communication strategies and Ohio-specific legal resources to help you.
Practical communication and techniques
When emotions run high, communication often breaks down into accusations and defensiveness. However, the way you respond can quickly neutralize tense situations. In essence, there are three personal rules you can implement in replies to de-escalate hostile messages:
Keep it brief: Long messages provide lots of opportunities for another parent to argue with you. Do not reply to every single point of a co-parent’s long message if you can tell it is meant to stir conflict.
Step back from the conversation: Leaving a heated conversation does not mean you are weak. For high-conflict people, getting the last word may be more important than finding resolutions. It may just be a waste of your energy.
Use a “pause” rule: If you feel triggered, stop and breathe. If it is not urgent, wait half an hour to cool off and then write your draft. Look over it a final time and remove anything emotional or accusatory.
Before replying, ask yourself if you stuck to the bare facts when drafting a reply. Opinions and feelings leave room for arguments (or pointless negotiations) when decisions are final.
Mediation resources
If direct communication is no longer productive, Ohio courts often utilize mediation as a first step in resolving disputes. A court may order you and your co-parent to attend mediation to reach an agreement.For families stuck in persistent high-conflict cycles, an Ohio court may order the appointment of a Parenting Coordinator (PC). They can help you implement your parenting plan.
Protecting your peace
Dealing with an angry co-parent requires a combination of personal restraint and the strategic use of legal tools. However, a conflict may continue to escalate or your current parenting plan may fail to work despite your best efforts. You may want to consult a family law professional to discuss further legal strategies for your family.]]>On 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.]]>