If you or your spouse are hesitant to move forward with divorce and believe there is still hope for your marriage, conciliation may be an option worth considering.

In most cases, no. However, under limited circumstances, Ohio could recognize a common law marriage that was entered in Ohio prior to 1991 or a valid out-of-state common law marriage.

Common law marriage, a union formed through mutual consent and cohabitation without obtaining a marriage license or ceremony, has long been a subject of legal debate across various jurisdictions. In Ohio, like many other states, the recognition and enforcement of common-law marriages are subject to specific legal criteria and requirements. Understanding the legality of common-law marriage in Ohio requires an examination of state statutes, court decisions, and established legal principles.

Yes, but it can be tricky. This scenario often lands in the jurisdiction of juvenile courts, where decisions are made with the child's best interests in mind. Changing a child's name is a significant legal step, and it requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure that the decision serves the child's welfare. There are a few key factors that must be weighed by juvenile courts when contemplating a name change for a minor after paternity has been established.

The end of a marriage has intricate implications on your life, especially when it comes to financial aspects like Social Security and retirement plans. When a court considers spousal support, one aspect that emerges is the potential division and distribution of retirement benefits. Retirement benefits can also be divided as a part of marital property when it is earned during the marriage. Dividing retirement benefits in divorce proceedings can spark concerns about “double-dipping,” where a marital asset is divided in property division and again in spousal support. “Double-dipping” can lead to a financial burden on one party.