One of the most common questions we receive from same-sex couples in Columbus divorce and custody cases is: “If our child was born during the marriage through IVF or a sperm donor, does the non-birth mother have parental rights in Ohio?” In many situations, the answer is yes. For married same-sex couples in Ohio, courts now generally recognize that a child born during the marriage is a child of the marriage — even when the child was conceived through IVF or donor insemination
One of the biggest fears many people have when filing for divorce or custody in Columbus is simple: “What if my ex finds out where I moved?” For individuals leaving abusive, controlling, or high-conflict relationships, that concern is very real. Many people do not realize that court filings in divorce and custody cases can sometimes expose personal information — including where a party lives. Fortunately, Ohio offers protections that may help keep your home address confidenti