The Difference Between a Restraining Order and a Civil Protection Order

September 2, 2014

Both a restraining order and a civil protection order (CPO) can provide protection to victims of domestic abuse. In Ohio, however, these orders are very different legal tools.  As such, a victim of domestic violence may seek and obtain both a restraining order and a criminal or civil protection order. Obtaining one type of order does not prevent another court from issuing the other type of order.

5 Tips for Having an Amicable Divorce

August 26, 2014

Are you trying to find a divorce lawyer in Columbus, Ohio? You should consider the type of results you expect. Divorce can be a highly emotional, challenging situation. Divorce gets even harder when warring parties focus on getting even, instead of the task at hand. Getting a divorce requires putting together a plan that will greatly affect your future life.

Robert Louis Stevenson said, “Compromise is the best and cheapest lawyer.” At Edward F. Whipps & Associates, we take an amicable if possible, assertive when necessary approach. We know that when you settle divorce issues amicably everyone saves. Here are 5 quick tips for having an amicable divorce.

Pros and Cons of Divorce Mediation

August 19, 2014

In Dublin, Ohio, divorce lawyers know that the Franklin County Domestic Court usually suggests parties attend mediation. This is especially true when custody is at issue in the divorce. Mediation is a process where a neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates communication and negotiation. The goal of mediation is to help the parties reach an agreement. Both parties work together, with the help of the mediator, to develop solutions. Mediation sessions last approximately 1 to 2 hours.  The number of sessions required to complete mediation depends on many different factors including the complexity of the issues and the communication styles of the parties. 

What You Need to Know About Ohio Custody Laws

August 12, 2014

Best Interest of the Child

Anyone dealing with the challenges of deciding child custody needs to understand Ohio’s child custody laws. At Edward F. Whipps & Associates, nothing is more important than the children involved in a family law matter.

In Ohio, the Courts strongly recommend and encourage the parties to mediate custody issues and to come to a joint decision on child custody. If custody of the minor child(ren) cannot be agreed upon by the parties, then the court will look to O.R.C. 3109.04, which requires the court to take into account the best interest of the minor child(ren). In determining the best interest of the child(ren), the court is required to consider all relevant factors.

Getting a divorce in Columbus, Ohio: Do you need a lawyer?

August 5, 2014

The Value of Divorce Attorneys in Columbus, Ohio

Divorce is a complex, emotional, time-consuming process. In Ohio, a marriage can be ended through a divorce or a dissolution. A divorce action is usually a contested proceeding that is initiated by the filing of a complaint. That means the parties are unable to agree on everything when terminating their marriage. In a divorce, the Court helps determine following issues: custody of their children, the full division of their assets, child support, spousal support, or other related subjects. Divorce proceeding require an understanding of legal issues and the ability to navigate the court system.

Obtaining a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order in Ohio

August 1, 2014

Domestic abuse occurs when someone in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate or control the other person. When domestic abuse includes physical abuse, it is called domestic violence. Domestic violence involves violence or threatened violence against a family or household member, which includes the following: 

• Spouse, former spouse, or romantic partner with whom the offender has resided in the last five years
• Child of the offender
• Offender’s parent or foster parent
• Offender’s extended family member
• Parent or child of the offender’s spouse, former spouse, or romantic partner
• Extended family member of the offender’s spouse, former spouse, or romantic partner 

Getting a Divorce in Ohio: What You Need to Know

July 23, 2014

Divorce is the legal end to a marriage and it settles issues regarding assets, debt, and child custody. You can get a divorce in the State of Ohio if you or your spouse has been an Ohio resident for at least six months. You or your spouse must also have been a resident of the county you are filing in for at least 90 days. You may file a “complaint” for divorce in the domestic relations division of the local common pleas court.

Understanding How Military Pension Is Divided in a Divorce

July 18, 2014

In a divorce, money and the children are often the most important issues in question. Military divorces can be especially complicated because military relationships are marked by frequent moves and prolonged deployments. Furthermore, the non-military spouse in a divorce is often unemployed or underemployed, which could make the service member responsible for spousal support after the divorce.

3 Ways to Terminate a Marriage in Ohio

July 9, 2014

Marriage is a personal and spiritual relationship, but when you get married, you also enter into a legal contract. If you’re having relationship troubles and your marriage is in question, you might be wondering exactly what your options are when it comes to bringing the marriage to an end. There are three ways to terminate a marriage in Ohio: divorce, dissolution, and legal separation.

Spousal Support: What You Need to Know Before Getting a Divorce

June 30, 2014

If you’re getting a divorce in Ohio, you or your spouse may be entitled to spousal support. Spousal support is money paid by one spouse to the other either during or after the divorce process. Spousal support used to be known as alimony. The court awards spousal support to maintain a standard of living that both spouses were accustomed to during the marriage. Either spouse can be ordered by the court to pay spousal support to the other, as it is based on income rather than gender.