Frequently Asked Questions

Legal custody involves decision-making authority over education, healthcare, and religion, while physical custody determines where the child lives day-to-day. Ohio courts often award shared legal custody but may designate one primary residential parent. At Reckard Law, we help Columbus families understand which custody arrangement best protects their parental rights and serves their child's needs.

Ohio uses a state formula based on both parents' gross incomes, number of children, health insurance costs, and parenting time. The calculation considers work-related childcare and other allowable expenses. At Reckard Law, we review financial documents to ensure accurate support calculations and represent clients in modification hearings when income or circumstances change.

Yes, Ohio courts allow custody modifications when there's a substantial change in circumstances affecting the child's welfare, such as relocation, remarriage, or safety concerns. You must demonstrate the change serves the child's best interest. Reckard Law assists Columbus families in preparing modification petitions and presenting evidence to support updated custody arrangements.

Many people focus solely on immediate emotions rather than long-term financial consequences, especially regarding asset division and spousal support. Rushing through property settlement without full financial disclosure often leads to unfair outcomes. At Reckard Law, we conduct thorough financial analysis and develop negotiation strategies that protect your interests through every stage of dissolution.

Spousal support is appropriate when one spouse sacrificed career advancement, earns significantly less, or requires time to become self-supporting after a long marriage. Ohio courts consider marriage length, income disparity, and standard of living. Reckard Law represents both paying and receiving spouses in Columbus, establishing fair temporary or long-term support based on financial need and ability.

Mediation involves negotiating settlements outside court with a neutral facilitator, typically faster and less expensive than litigation. Contested divorce requires court hearings where a judge decides disputed issues like property division and custody. At Reckard Law, we guide Columbus clients through both mediated negotiations and courtroom representation, depending on case complexity and cooperation levels.

Ohio courts evaluate the relocation's impact on the child's relationship with both parents, reasons for moving, educational and quality-of-life benefits, and proposed visitation schedule modifications. The relocating parent must prove the move serves the child's best interest. Reckard Law handles relocation cases in Columbus, presenting evidence and parenting plan adjustments to support or oppose move requests.

Yes, support can end if the receiving spouse remarries, cohabitates with a partner, or experiences significant income increase. Either party can file a termination petition showing changed circumstances. At Reckard Law, we represent Columbus clients seeking support modifications or terminations, providing financial documentation and legal arguments to demonstrate substantial changes warranting adjustment.

Gather documentation showing your involvement in the child's life, including school records, medical appointments, activity schedules, and communication logs with the other parent. Prepare a proposed parenting plan detailing schedules, holidays, and decision-making. Reckard Law helps Columbus parents organize evidence, identify credible witnesses, and develop courtroom strategies that demonstrate fitness and commitment to their child's wellbeing.

Uncontested divorces in Ohio typically finalize within 30 to 90 days after filing, depending on court schedules and whether children are involved. Both parties must agree on all terms including property, support, and custody. At Reckard Law, we streamline the dissolution process for Columbus clients, preparing settlement agreements and court documents to expedite uncontested matters efficiently.

A comprehensive parenting plan outlines custody schedules, holiday rotations, vacation time, transportation responsibilities, decision-making authority, and communication methods between parents. It should address school breaks, extracurricular activities, and dispute resolution processes. Reckard Law creates customized parenting plans for Columbus families, ensuring clarity and reducing future conflicts while prioritizing the child's stability and needs.

Yes, Ohio offers enforcement remedies including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, and contempt of court proceedings that may result in jail time. The state's Child Support Enforcement Agency assists with collections. At Reckard Law, we represent Columbus parents in court hearings to enforce unpaid support orders, documenting arrears and pursuing legal action to secure owed payments.