Columbus Lawyer Blog

If you’re considering a dissolution of marriage in Franklin County, one of the first questions many people ask is “Can we keep this private?” The short answer: Not entirely. But there are  ways to limit what becomes publicly accessible. Here’s what you need to know. Are Dissolution Cases Public in Franklin County? In Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations, dissolution cases are public court records by default. That means: The case caption (names

Navigating the divorce filing process in Ohio can be a complex and emotionally taxing experience. Understanding the necessary steps and legal requirements is essential for ensuring a smooth transition through this difficult time. This guide provides a detailed overview of the divorce filing process in Columbus, Ohio, offering practical advice and clear instructions to assist individuals in managing their cases effectively. Understanding the Divorce Filing Process Ohio The div

You get sued. A creditor gets a judgment. And suddenly the big question is: Does my spouse have to share this debt—or is this all on me? Like most things in divorce law, the answer in Ohio is: it depends, but the why matters more than the when . First: What Is “Marital Debt” in Ohio? Ohio courts don’t just divide assets—they divide debts too. A debt is generally considered marital if it was: Incurred during the marriage, and For a marital purpose (supporting the household, f

How Premarital Property Becomes Marital in an Ohio Divorce It seemed harmless at the time. You owned the house before the marriage. You added your spouse’s name later—maybe for convenience, refinancing, or “because we’re married anyway.” Fast-forward to divorce… and now the question is: Did I just give away my premarital property? In Ohio, the uncomfortable answer is often yes. Premarital Property Isn’t Bulletproof Ohio law generally protects property you owned before the mar

One of the most common questions we hear in divorce cases involving significant assets is: “If the property is in a trust, is it protected from divorce?” The short answer is not always. Whether trust property is subject to division in a divorce depends on how the trust is structured, who controls it, and how it was funded. Courts look beyond the label “trust” and examine the substance  of the arrangement. Below is a practical overview of how trusts are typically treated in di

When people think about dividing assets in a divorce, they usually focus on houses, bank accounts, and retirement plans. But one asset that is often overlooked—and can be very valuable—is life insurance with cash value. In Ohio (including Columbus and Franklin County), life insurance policies that build cash value are treated as marital property if paid for during the marriage. That means they must be addressed in your property division just like any other account. At Hoff