Columbus Lawyer Blog

If you are going through a divorce in Columbus, Ohio and you or your spouse owns a timeshare, one important question often comes up: What is it actually worth? Many couples purchased timeshares for $15,000, $25,000, or even more during the marriage. But in Franklin County divorce cases, the real issue is not what you paid — it is what the timeshare is worth today on the open market. The answer often surprises people. Are Timeshares Marital Property in Ohio? Under Ohio law, mo

Business ownership adds a layer of complexity to any divorce. One of the most common questions I hear in Columbus divorce cases is: “If I started my business before we got married, is it protected?” The answer is: possibly — but not automatically. Here ’s how Ohio courts analyze this issue. 1. The Starting Point: Separate Property Under Ohio law, property acquired before the marriage is presumed to be separate property. So if one spouse formed a business prior to the wedding

Dividing military benefits in a divorce is not the same as dividing a traditional 401(k) or pension. If you’re going through a divorce in Columbus or Franklin County, Ohio, and either spouse served in the military, understanding how military retirement, VA benefits, and survivor protections work is critical. Here’s what you need to know. 1. Military Retirement Pay: Divisible in Ohio Divorce Military retirement benefits are governed by federal law — specifically the Uniformed

Navigating family law matters requires a steady hand and a deep understanding of the legal landscape. Hoffman Law has established itself as a pillar of expertise in Columbus, Ohio, offering comprehensive legal services in family law. Their approach combines generational knowledge with a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing complex legal challenges. This article explores the scope of Hoffman Law's expertise, the importance of skilled legal representati

Selecting the appropriate family law attorney in Columbus is a decision that requires careful consideration. Family law matters often involve sensitive issues such as divorce, child custody, and support arrangements. These cases demand not only legal expertise but also a compassionate approach. The right attorney can provide guidance, alleviate stress, and work diligently to protect one’s interests. This article explores the essential factors to consider when choosing a famil

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

In most Ohio divorce cases, reinvested dividends are not considered income. Why? Ohio courts separate: Property division (what assets are divided), and Income (what is used to calculate child or spousal support). If dividends are automatically reinvested and no cash is paid out, they are treated as growth of the investment account, not income. They may increase the value of the account for property division, but they usually do not count as income for support. When Could Rein

When most people think about ending a marriage in Ohio, they think about divorce or dissolution. But in some situations, a marriage can be treated as if it never legally existed. That process is called an annulment. At Hoffman Law, we regularly advise clients on whether they qualify for annulment under Ohio law—and whether it is the best option based on their goals. Below is a clear explanation of the grounds for annulment and the time limits for filing, based on the Ohio Rev

When parents do not share the same faith, questions naturally arise about how a child will be raised after a separation or divorce. One of the most common concerns we hear at Hoffman Law is: “If the other parent has sole legal custody, do I still have a right to share my religion with my child?” For many families in Columbus and throughout Central Ohio, this is a deeply personal and important issue. Whether one parent wants to raise the child in one religion and the other wan

It’s not uncommon for spouses to have some degree of financial independence during marriage — separate credit cards, personal purchases, or even helping family members. But what happens when one spouse secretly sends money to others without the other’s knowledge or consent? In Ohio, that kind of behavior can rise to the level of marital financial misconduct   — often referred to as marital fraud . What Is Marital Financial Misconduct? Under Ohio Revised Code § 3105.171(E)(4),