The Dog Days of Divorce

What happens to a family pet after a divorce? Our Family Law Practice Chair Joanne Beasy weighs in on different examples of families who went to battle over their beloved animals. Read more here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dog-days-divorce-isaac-wiles-burkholder-llc-dqbme/

Knock, Knock, Is Anybody [in the Marital] Home?

What happens to the home where you built a life when divorce is the only solution? In her latest blog, our Family Law Partner Joanne Beasy explains the intricacies related to selling or keeping a house during divorce proceedings. Read the full …

Dissolution v. Divorce: What Are the Differences?

While dissolution requires an amicable agreement between both parties before filing with the court, divorce is a more expensive and time-consuming process. Although quicker, it is important to note that dissolutions require both parties to be in full agreement on …

Custody Evaluators vs. Guardians ad Litem – What is the Difference?

Recently, the Ohio Supreme Court issued guidelines regarding custody evaluations in family law cases. Not every case involves a custody evaluation (nor should every case). Custody evaluators and guardians ad litem provide the court with custody and parenting time information. …

Is Court-Ordered Nesting “For the Birds,” or Can it Work?

I have encountered numerous unusual divorce and child custody cases as a family law attorney. But a recent custody dispute resulted in a court-ordered arrangement that took unusual to a new level. The judicial officer in the case ordered “nesting,” …

What is a QDRO in the Divorce or Dissolution Process?

Let’s talk retirement accounts. Even if your spouse never set foot in your workplace, or you never set foot in your spouse’s workplace, in the Court’s view, any retirement account that was created or grew during the marriage is marital property built by …

May a Child Call a Step-Mom “Mom”?

According to a New Jersey Court, the answer is yes, a step-mom may be called “Mom” by his/her step-child. While this conclusion seems surprising at first, the Court’s focus on what is in the child’s best interest, versus the parents’ best interest is persuasive.  In …

Trial Means Trial…Car Troubles or Not…

In a recent decision from the Ohio Fifth District Court of Appeals, a hard lesson was learned by a party…trial means trial. In this case, the Wife and her counsel did not appear for trial because the Wife’s counsel had …

New Franklin County Parenting Coordination Rule!

Effective September 15, 2015, the Franklin County Common Pleas Domestic Relations Division and Juvenile Branch adopted Parenting Coordination Rules.  As the Rules explain, parenting coordination is “a child-focused dispute resolution process ordered by the Court to assist parties in implementing …

Your Mobile Phone Easily Records Conversations…But Is Recording Legal?

Ohio is a “one party” consent state when it comes to recording a “wire, oral or electronic communication.” R.C. 2933.52(B)(4). That means if YOU are a party to the communication/conversation, you can record it without telling the other person you are recording. …

Representing Yourself? Pay Very Close Attention to Deadlines!

In a recent decision by the Tenth District (Franklin County) Court of Appeals, a party to a divorce action who was representing herself in a post-decree matter lost because she didn’t heed the Court’s deadlines.  First, she didn’t timely file …