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 …

5 Things Beneficiaries of Bank Accounts Need to Know

What happens to the beneficiaries of bank accounts when the owner passes away? Learn from our attorney, Jessa Gary, five of the most common topics to keep in mind, from rules to paying taxes and more. Recently, a writer for …

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,” …

Long-Term Care Insurance Settlement

What the Genworth Long-Term Care Insurance Settlement Means to You

The recent settlement in the case of Haney, et al. v. Genworth Life Insurance Company, et al. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, makes clear that Genworth and its long-term care insurance program are failing. …

The ABCs on 529s

529 plans continue to be a popular savings tool for the many expenses that come with a college education. Although they’ve been around since the late 1980s in Ohio and a few other states – and have since spread to …

Post-Marital Agreements Permissible in Ohio

For those in second marriages where a premarital agreement was not put in place, post- marital agreements are a viable and appropriate tool for purposes of planning their estates. For long-term second marriages where assets have been comingled and family …