One of the most common questions parents have during a divorce or parenting dispute is: “At what age can my child decide which parent they want to live with?” The short answer is that Ohio law does not automatically grant a child the right to choose which parent they will live with simply because they reach a certain age. Instead, Ohio courts make parenting determinations based on the child’s best interests and the circumstances of the individual family. What Factors Does an Ohio Court Consider? When determining how parental rights and responsibilities should be allocated, the court considers a variety of factors involving the child, the parents, and the family’s circumstances. These can include: The child’s wishes and concerns The child’s relationship with each parent, siblings, and other household members The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community Each parent’s mental and physical health Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect Whether a parent has failed to comply with parenting time or child support obligations The parents’ work schedules, living arrangements, and proposed parenting plans Whether either parent intends to relocate The court’s goal is not necessarily to determine which parent the child “likes better.” Instead, the judge must consider what arrangement will best support the child’s safety, stability, relationships, and overall well-being. Does My Child’s Opinion Matter? Yes—but it is only one consideration. Ohio courts can consider the wishes and concerns of a child who has sufficient maturity and understanding to express a meaningful preference. In appropriate circumstances, a judge may speak privately with the child in an in-camera interview, allowing the child to share their thoughts without the parents present. A child should never be pressured to choose sides. Parents attempting to influence or coach a child against the other parent can create additional conflict and may negatively affect the court’s assessment of the situation. In some cases, the court may also appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to investigate the family’s circumstances and make recommendations concerning the child’s best interests. The Bottom Line There is no magic age in Ohio at which a child can decide where they will live. As children become older and more mature, their preferences may carry greater weight, but the court remains responsible for making the final determination. If your child has expressed a strong preference about living arrangements, it is important to understand how that preference may—or may not—affect your case before taking action. At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we deliver the highest-quality legal representation from a team of professionals while providing excellent customer service. Call us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to make an appointment.

One of the biggest concerns for many people considering divorce is what will happen to the home, retirement accounts, savings, personal property, and debts accumulated during the marriage. In Ohio, property division is based on specific legal principles, but the outcome depends on the unique financial circumstances of each couple. What Is Marital Property? Generally, property acquired during the marriage through either spouse’s efforts is considered marital property. Ohio courts typically seek an equitable division of marital property. Although “equitable” does not automatically mean a precise 50/50 split, an equal division is common when the circumstances support it. The court generally looks at property acquired from the time of marriage through the termination of the marriage, although the circumstances surrounding separation can sometimes affect how property is characterized. What Property May Remain Separate? Not everything owned by a spouse necessarily becomes marital property. Ohio recognizes certain separate, or non-marital, assets, including: ​Property owned before the marriage Gifts made specifically to one spouse ​Inheritances received by one spouse ​Certain personal injury proceeds, particularly amounts intended to compensate an injured spouse for pain and suffering However, proving that an asset is separate can require careful tracing and documentation . For example, if one spouse owned a home before marriage and later used proceeds from that property toward a marital home, records may be necessary to establish the original separate contribution. Can Property Be Divided Unequally? In some circumstances, yes. Financial misconduct can affect property division. Examples may include significant marital funds spent on gambling, illegal substances, an extramarital relationship, or intentionally failing to disclose assets during the divorce process. A spouse claiming financial misconduct generally needs evidence showing what occurred and the amount involved. What About Marital Debt? Debts can be just as complicated as assets. Ohio law does not provide a single formula for dividing all marital debts. Depending on the circumstances, a court may allocate debts equally based on the parties' incomes, on who incurred the debt, or on who is responsible for the obligation. Because property and debt division can have significant long-term financial consequences, understanding what is marital, what is separate, and how each should be addressed is essential before agreeing to a divorce settlement. At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we deliver the highest-quality legal representation from a team of professionals while providing excellent customer service. Call us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to make an appointment.

One of the most common questions parents have during a divorce or parenting dispute is: “At what age can my child decide which parent they want to live with?” The short answer is that Ohio law does not automatically grant a child the right to choose which parent they will live with simply because they reach a certain age. Instead, Ohio courts make parenting determinations based on the child’s best interests and the circumstances of the individual family. What Factors Does an Ohio Court Consider? When determining how parental rights and responsibilities should be allocated, the court considers a variety of factors involving the child, the parents, and the family’s circumstances. These can include: The child’s wishes and concerns The child’s relationship with each parent, siblings, and other household members The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community Each parent’s mental and physical health Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect Whether a parent has failed to comply with parenting time or child support obligations The parents’ work schedules, living arrangements, and proposed parenting plans Whether either parent intends to relocate The court’s goal is not necessarily to determine which parent the child “likes better.” Instead, the judge must consider what arrangement will best support the child’s safety, stability, relationships, and overall well-being. Does My Child’s Opinion Matter? Yes—but it is only one consideration. Ohio courts can consider the wishes and concerns of a child who has sufficient maturity and understanding to express a meaningful preference. In appropriate circumstances, a judge may speak privately with the child in an in-camera interview, allowing the child to share their thoughts without the parents present. A child should never be pressured to choose sides. Parents attempting to influence or coach a child against the other parent can create additional conflict and may negatively affect the court’s assessment of the situation. In some cases, the court may also appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to investigate the family’s circumstances and make recommendations concerning the child’s best interests. The Bottom Line There is no magic age in Ohio at which a child can decide where they will live. As children become older and more mature, their preferences may carry greater weight, but the court remains responsible for making the final determination. If your child has expressed a strong preference about living arrangements, it is important to understand how that preference may—or may not—affect your case before taking action. At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we deliver the highest-quality legal representation from a team of professionals while providing excellent customer service. Call us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to make an appointment.

One of the biggest concerns for many people considering divorce is what will happen to the home, retirement accounts, savings, personal property, and debts accumulated during the marriage. In Ohio, property division is based on specific legal principles, but the outcome depends on the unique financial circumstances of each couple. What Is Marital Property? Generally, property acquired during the marriage through either spouse’s efforts is considered marital property. Ohio courts typically seek an equitable division of marital property. Although “equitable” does not automatically mean a precise 50/50 split, an equal division is common when the circumstances support it. The court generally looks at property acquired from the time of marriage through the termination of the marriage, although the circumstances surrounding separation can sometimes affect how property is characterized. What Property May Remain Separate? Not everything owned by a spouse necessarily becomes marital property. Ohio recognizes certain separate, or non-marital, assets, including: ​Property owned before the marriage Gifts made specifically to one spouse ​Inheritances received by one spouse ​Certain personal injury proceeds, particularly amounts intended to compensate an injured spouse for pain and suffering However, proving that an asset is separate can require careful tracing and documentation . For example, if one spouse owned a home before marriage and later used proceeds from that property toward a marital home, records may be necessary to establish the original separate contribution. Can Property Be Divided Unequally? In some circumstances, yes. Financial misconduct can affect property division. Examples may include significant marital funds spent on gambling, illegal substances, an extramarital relationship, or intentionally failing to disclose assets during the divorce process. A spouse claiming financial misconduct generally needs evidence showing what occurred and the amount involved. What About Marital Debt? Debts can be just as complicated as assets. Ohio law does not provide a single formula for dividing all marital debts. Depending on the circumstances, a court may allocate debts equally based on the parties' incomes, on who incurred the debt, or on who is responsible for the obligation. Because property and debt division can have significant long-term financial consequences, understanding what is marital, what is separate, and how each should be addressed is essential before agreeing to a divorce settlement. At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we deliver the highest-quality legal representation from a team of professionals while providing excellent customer service. Call us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to make an appointment.

One of the most common questions parents have during a divorce or parenting dispute is: “At what age can my child decide which parent they want to live with?” The short answer is that Ohio law does not automatically grant a child the right to choose which parent they will live with simply because they reach a certain age. Instead, Ohio courts make parenting determinations based on the child’s best interests and the circumstances of the individual family. What Factors Does an Ohio Court Consider? When determining how parental rights and responsibilities should be allocated, the court considers a variety of factors involving the child, the parents, and the family’s circumstances. These can include: The child’s wishes and concerns The child’s relationship with each parent, siblings, and other household members The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community Each parent’s mental and physical health Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect Whether a parent has failed to comply with parenting time or child support obligations The parents’ work schedules, living arrangements, and proposed parenting plans Whether either parent intends to relocate The court’s goal is not necessarily to determine which parent the child “likes better.” Instead, the judge must consider what arrangement will best support the child’s safety, stability, relationships, and overall well-being. Does My Child’s Opinion Matter? Yes—but it is only one consideration. Ohio courts can consider the wishes and concerns of a child who has sufficient maturity and understanding to express a meaningful preference. In appropriate circumstances, a judge may speak privately with the child in an in-camera interview, allowing the child to share their thoughts without the parents present. A child should never be pressured to choose sides. Parents attempting to influence or coach a child against the other parent can create additional conflict and may negatively affect the court’s assessment of the situation. In some cases, the court may also appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to investigate the family’s circumstances and make recommendations concerning the child’s best interests. The Bottom Line There is no magic age in Ohio at which a child can decide where they will live. As children become older and more mature, their preferences may carry greater weight, but the court remains responsible for making the final determination. If your child has expressed a strong preference about living arrangements, it is important to understand how that preference may—or may not—affect your case before taking action. At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we deliver the highest-quality legal representation from a team of professionals while providing excellent customer service. Call us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to make an appointment.

One of the biggest concerns for many people considering divorce is what will happen to the home, retirement accounts, savings, personal property, and debts accumulated during the marriage. In Ohio, property division is based on specific legal principles, but the outcome depends on the unique financial circumstances of each couple. What Is Marital Property? Generally, property acquired during the marriage through either spouse’s efforts is considered marital property. Ohio courts typically seek an equitable division of marital property. Although “equitable” does not automatically mean a precise 50/50 split, an equal division is common when the circumstances support it. The court generally looks at property acquired from the time of marriage through the termination of the marriage, although the circumstances surrounding separation can sometimes affect how property is characterized. What Property May Remain Separate? Not everything owned by a spouse necessarily becomes marital property. Ohio recognizes certain separate, or non-marital, assets, including: ​Property owned before the marriage Gifts made specifically to one spouse ​Inheritances received by one spouse ​Certain personal injury proceeds, particularly amounts intended to compensate an injured spouse for pain and suffering However, proving that an asset is separate can require careful tracing and documentation . For example, if one spouse owned a home before marriage and later used proceeds from that property toward a marital home, records may be necessary to establish the original separate contribution. Can Property Be Divided Unequally? In some circumstances, yes. Financial misconduct can affect property division. Examples may include significant marital funds spent on gambling, illegal substances, an extramarital relationship, or intentionally failing to disclose assets during the divorce process. A spouse claiming financial misconduct generally needs evidence showing what occurred and the amount involved. What About Marital Debt? Debts can be just as complicated as assets. Ohio law does not provide a single formula for dividing all marital debts. Depending on the circumstances, a court may allocate debts equally based on the parties' incomes, on who incurred the debt, or on who is responsible for the obligation. Because property and debt division can have significant long-term financial consequences, understanding what is marital, what is separate, and how each should be addressed is essential before agreeing to a divorce settlement. At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we deliver the highest-quality legal representation from a team of professionals while providing excellent customer service. Call us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to make an appointment.