Family Law Attorney Near Green, OH

Although many people associate family law only with divorce, this area of the law is actually much more diverse. In fact, family law covers a wide range of legal matters, including marriage, divorce, annulments, property division, alimony, adoption, child support, paternity, and visitation. Each of these matters comes with its own unique set of difficulties, so if you have questions about one or more of these legal issues, it is important to contact an experienced family law attorney near Green, OH who is well-versed in state law and can advise you accordingly.

Divorce in Ohio

Although still technically permitted to file for fault-based divorce, most Ohio couples who wish to end their marriages opt instead to file for a dissolution of marriage, or a no-fault divorce. Unlike its fault-based counterpart, dissolutions do not require that the parties prove that one or the other was to blame for the union’s failure. Instead, the parties need only assert that they are no longer compatible and have lived separate and apart for at least one year.

Because these types of petitions are not filed with the court until both parties have reached an agreement on spousal support, property division, payment of debts, and if necessary, parental rights and visitation, no-fault divorces tend to be resolved much more quickly and amicably than standard divorces. Couples who are unable to come to an agreement on one or more of these issues, on the other hand, will be required to litigate those matters in court.

Ohio Child Custody

Some of the most complex matters with which family law courts must grapple involve child custody. Ohio, like most states, will only sign off on a child custody arrangement if it deems it to be in the child’s best interests. These arrangements must include a plan for visitation and details about how child-rearing responsibilities will be divided between the parents. Although parents are strongly encouraged to come up with these plans in an out-of-court setting, this is often impossible, in which case, a court will be required to step in and render a decision.

Child Support

In Ohio, becoming a parent comes with both legal rights and obligations. For instance, barring any concerns about domestic violence or abuse, parents always have the right to visitation with their children. Both parents are also obligated, however, to financially support their children at least until they reach the age of 18 years old.

When it comes to unmarried or divorced parents, the parent who will be required to pay child support will most likely be the individual who does not have primary custody of the couple’s child. If two parents share custody equally, on the other hand, the parent who has a higher income will usually be asked to make a payment equaling the difference in parental contributions. Otherwise, the amount that the noncustodial parent will be asked to pay will be dictated by a couple’s combined and separate incomes and the number of children being supported.

Contact a Dedicated Family Law Attorney Today for Legal Assistance

For help with your own family law-related matter, please contact dedicated family law attorney near Green, OH, Teresa Fout, Esq. at Fout Law today. Please contact us today to schedule your first consultation.