Stagnaro Hannigan Koop Co, LPA Stagnaro Hannigan Koop Co, LPA 2026-08-17T02:06:25Z https://www.shkfamilylaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1303390/2023/06/cropped-site-icon_favicon-32x32.png On Behalf of Stagnaro Hannigan Koop Co, LPA <![CDATA[Relocating with your child in Ohio: What parents should know]]> https://www.shkfamilylaw.com/?p=46857 2026-08-17T02:06:25Z 2026-08-17T02:06:25Z A relocation opportunity can arrive as good news and immediate anxiety at once. When a custody order governs your parenting schedule, that decision carries procedural consequences. Ohio law establishes specific obligations before you relocate your child.

Why the relocation notice matters

Any move that changes your current parenting time schedule can trigger court review. Under Ohio Revised Code § 3109.051(G), a residential parent must file a notice of intent to relocate. You submit that notice to the court that issued your original custody order.  The statutory relocation notice provision also directs the court to transmit a copy to the other parent. The requirement exists because relocation can substantially diminish another parent's continuing contact with a child.

What your notice should include

Transparency is key during the legal review process. Your filing should present the court with a comprehensive account of the proposed relocation:
  • New address: List the general area if you do not have one yet.
  • Timing: County rules often expect 30 to 60 days of warning.
  • Reason for the move: A job offer or family support may apply.
  • Proposed schedule: Show how the other parent could keep steady time.
Early filing affords the court and the other parent adequate opportunity to respond.

How the court responds to an objection

If both parents agree, you can submit a signed joint plan for approval. If the other parent objects, the court may hold a hearing. The judge then reviews whether the move serves your child's best interest. Factors can include your child's ties to school and community. The court may also weigh the distance and the reason for the move. Your child's wishes may matter if the child is mature enough.

What the judge weighs

The judge may look at your child's ties to school and community. Distance and your reason for moving matter too. Out-of-state moves can raise jurisdiction questions under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. Your child's wishes may count if the child is mature enough. 

Weighing your next step

Ohio relocation disputes turn on procedural notice, advance timing and demonstrated best interest. You submit the filing before departure. The other parent retains the right to object. A court then determines whether your existing arrangement remains workable. Compliance with these obligations can help preserve the parenting time you currently hold. Substantial geographic distance or a contested objection can generate more difficult questions about custody and parenting time. If your circumstances grow more complicated, an attorney can help you understand your options.]]> On Behalf of Stagnaro Hannigan Koop Co, LPA <![CDATA[How does Ohio calculate child support for high earners?]]> https://www.shkfamilylaw.com/?p=46856 2026-08-14T16:11:25Z 2026-08-14T16:11:25Z High income can push the case beyond the standard schedule Child support usually starts with the Ohio worksheet and schedule. In higher-income cases, however, the court may need to use more discretion when the standard formula does not fully address the child’s standard of living or the parents’ actual resources. Ohio’s child support rules still provide the starting point, but the worksheet may not resolve every issue when income is unusually high or inconsistent.

What income may count in a high-earner support case?

A child support dispute may involve more than salary. The court may need to review bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, restricted stock, deferred compensation or other forms of pay that do not show up the same way every month. Relevant income may include:
  • Annual or performance bonuses
  • Restricted stock units or stock options
  • Profit distributions or business income
  • Commissions or incentive pay
  • Recurring fringe benefits with real financial value
These issues often matter when one parent argues that the listed income does not reflect the full financial picture.

Variable pay can make child support disputes more complex

When income rises and falls, support may become harder to calculate in a fair way. The timing of bonuses, stock awards or fluctuating business income can change how each side presents their case. A close review of compensation records, tax returns and the paying parent’s actual earning pattern often shapes child support disputes. A family lawyer can determine whether the numbers reflect ongoing income or a temporary spike that should not drive the final order.]]> On Behalf of Stagnaro Hannigan Koop Co, LPA <![CDATA[Why dividing stock options can get complicated in Ohio divorces]]> https://www.shkfamilylaw.com/?p=46855 2026-07-23T13:49:21Z 2026-07-23T13:49:21Z What to watch out for when dividing stock options Ohio follows the equitable distribution law. The court aims to divide marital property fairly, but not necessarily equally. Dividing stock options can still be difficult because of:
  • Vested and unvested stock options: Some stock options become available immediately. Others become available only after an employee works for the company for a certain period. The court identifies the stock options earned during the marriage and divides only those options.
  • Changing value: Because stock prices can change at any time, the value of stock options can also change. This makes them harder to value during a divorce.
  • Tax concerns: A spouse who receives the stock options under a divorce agreement may have to pay taxes on them.
Ohio spouses can split the stock options in various ways based on their circumstances. If the stock options are vested, the couple may sell them and divide the money or agree to wait until the options can actually be used or converted into shares or cash. Sometimes, they trade one asset for another instead of dividing the stock options. Choosing the right option while considering the tax consequences can preserve the value each spouse receives.

Why carefully dividing stock options matters

Stock options can make up a large portion of a family's assets. Ohio courts generally treat options earned during the marriage as marital property. A miscalculation can affect the financial interests of either party. Several conditions affect the value of stock options and how courts divide them. These challenges can significantly affect the outcome, so working through them carefully – ideally with financial and legal guidance – can help avoid costly surprises later.]]> On Behalf of Stagnaro Hannigan Koop Co, LPA <![CDATA[Ohio divorce property division: What happens to assets and debts?]]> https://www.shkfamilylaw.com/?p=46854 2026-07-21T11:55:16Z 2026-07-21T11:55:16Z Classifying assets and debts in Ohio divorce Initially, courts identify whether an asset or debt is marital or separate. They generally consider real estate, vehicles, retirement benefits and debts acquired during the marriage to be marital property and liabilities. Even if one spouse holds the title, the court may still treat the asset as marital. Separate property often includes the assets owned before the marriage, inheritances and compensation received for personal (bodily) injuries. However, if a spouse cannot trace separate property, it may lose its separate character.

How property and debt are divided in Ohio

When dividing marital property and debt, courts check several factors. Common issues that can affect this division include:
  • The marital home: One spouse may keep the property or both parties may sell it and divide the equity.
  • Retirement accounts and pensions: The court may divide the marital portion of a 401(k) or pension. Some plans may require a special order, such as a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), to complete the transfer correctly.
  • Commingled property: Separate funds placed in a joint account can create disputes. Clear records often make the difference in proving what remains separate.
  • Credit card debt: Judges look at when a spouse incurred the charges and whether those charges benefited the marriage.
  • Medical debt: Bills incurred during the marriage may qualify as marital debt and court may divide them based on each spouse's financial position.
  • Tax debt: The court divides liabilities based on who controlled the finances and whether either party engaged in financial misconduct or concealment. Debts tied to misconduct: If one spouse ran up debt through reckless spending, the court may assign a larger portion of that liability to them.
The outcome depends not just on what property or debt exists, but on what each spouse can prove.

Make the right legal decision

Property and debt division can shape a family’s financial future after divorce. When questions arise over these issues, a well-prepared legal strategy can help make a meaningful difference in how they are presented and resolved.]]> On Behalf of Stagnaro Hannigan Koop Co, LPA <![CDATA[How should business owners prepare for a spousal support dispute?]]> https://www.shkfamilylaw.com/?p=46853 2026-07-10T16:17:00Z 2026-07-10T16:17:00Z Organize your business records Keeping accurate records can help present a clearer picture of your company's finances. Gather recent tax returns, profit and loss statements and other materials that show how your business performs over time. If your income changes from month to month, documents covering more than one year can also provide helpful context.

Separate business and personal finances

If you regularly pay personal expenses from a business account or mix the two together, it may become harder to understand your financial situation. Keeping separate accounts helps establish a clear line between company finances and your own. That distinction can make discussions about spousal support more straightforward.

Review all sources of compensation

Your salary is not always the only income considered during a spousal support dispute. If you receive owner distributions, bonuses or other forms of compensation, it is important to account for them as well. Looking at your complete package early can help you identify questions or gaps before those issues arise during the process.

Take time to prepare before important decisions

Preparing for a spousal support dispute starts with understanding your business and your personal finances. Organizing your records, keeping accounts separate and reviewing every source of compensation can help create a more accurate view of your circumstances. Seeking legal guidance early can also help you understand how your business may be considered during discussions.]]> On Behalf of Stagnaro Hannigan Koop Co, LPA <![CDATA[Can owning a business affect child custody in Ohio?]]> https://www.shkfamilylaw.com/?p=46850 2026-07-03T14:23:32Z 2026-07-03T14:23:32Z How can you protect parenting time when your schedule is not typical? A demanding schedule does not mean you have less to offer as a parent. What often matters more is showing how you stay involved in your child's life and how your schedule can realistically support parenting time. A plan that fits your actual routine may help show that your work responsibilities and your role as a parent can exist side by side. A parenting plan may include:
  • Flexible exchange times
  • Adjustments for business travel
  • Video calls during work trips
  • Alternative schedules during busy seasons
These details can help build a schedule that reflects real life instead of an ideal routine that may not last. Ohio's best-interest factors also keep the focus on the child's routine, stability and relationships.

Building a plan that works long term

A custody arrangement works best when it reflects how life actually looks, not how it looks on paper. Questions about child custody often become more manageable when the plan accounts for your real schedule and your child's daily needs. If you are worried that running a business will count against you, it may help to remember that a demanding career does not prevent you from being the steady, involved parent your child knows.]]> On Behalf of Stagnaro Hannigan Koop Co, LPA <![CDATA[What records can support a parenting time modification request?]]> https://www.shkfamilylaw.com/?p=46842 2026-06-24T15:40:29Z 2026-06-24T15:40:29Z Changes in a child's needs or schedule Information about your child's daily life can help explain why a parenting schedule may no longer fit as well as it once did. As your children get older, they often take on new academic responsibilities, activities and commitments that were not part of the picture before. Records you can collect include:
  • School schedules or attendance records
  • Extracurricular activity calendars
  • Medical records related to ongoing treatment or care
  • Information about developmental or educational needs
These can help provide context of how your child's routine has evolved and why adjustments may be necessary to keep pace with those changes.

Changes in parental circumstances

Your own circumstances can change just as much over time. A new position at work, a shift in hours or a move to a different location can affect your ability to follow the existing schedule in the same way you once did. On your end, you can include the following with your request:
  • Work schedules
  • Relocation-related records
  • Calendars that track recurring conflicts
Having documentation of the changes in your schedule can help show that the challenges are part of an ongoing situation rather than isolated incidents.

Communication history

Texts, emails and messages exchanged through co-parenting apps can help document scheduling issues, missed exchanges or discussions about possible adjustments. A consistent record of these conversations may also show efforts to address concerns cooperatively before seeking a formal modification. In many situations, a documented history can provide a more complete picture than either parent could offer from memory alone.

Next steps

The strongest requests are often supported by information that clearly shows how circumstances have changed over time. If you believe your parenting time arrangement no longer works, seeking legal guidance can help you determine what information is important for your circumstances.]]> On Behalf of Stagnaro Hannigan Koop Co, LPA <![CDATA[What to expect during the collaborative divorce process]]> https://www.shkfamilylaw.com/?p=46841 2026-06-22T04:39:13Z 2026-06-22T12:33:04Z a structured, voluntary alternative that resolves every marital issue outside the courtroom, culminating in an agreed-upon dissolution of marriage.

The core pillars of collaborative law in Ohio

Collaborative divorce is not informal mediation or a kitchen table negotiation. It is a legally recognized framework built on three statutory foundations:
  • The participation agreement: Both spouses and their attorneys sign a binding contract, committing to good-faith negotiation and agreeing not to file contested motions while the process is active.
  • Full voluntary disclosure: Both parties commit upfront to disclosing all material information (marital assets, debts, separate property, and business holdings) without the need for depositions or subpoenas.
  • The disqualification clause: If either party abandons the collaborative process to pursue litigation, both collaborative attorneys are immediately disqualified from further representation. Both spouses must hire new counsel and start over, a powerful financial incentive to stay at the table and reach a resolution.
These three elements work together to create a process where honest negotiation replaces courtroom conflict.

What the process looks like step by step

Step 1: Retaining collaborative attorneys

Both spouses select independent family law attorneys with specific training in collaborative law. Each attorney's role is to protect their client's legal rights while guiding both parties toward a workable agreement, not to escalate conflict.

Step 2: Assembling the team

Depending on the complexity of the household, the attorneys help select neutral professionals (like a financial specialist or a divorce coach) to support the process. Having them handle the financial and emotional dimensions of the separation allows the attorneys to focus on the legal framework.

Step 3: Joint working sessions

The process unfolds through a series of structured joint meetings. Both spouses, their attorneys, and the neutral specialists work through property division, support allocations, and parenting responsibilities using a set agenda, focused entirely on future goals rather than past grievances.

Step 4: Finalizing the dissolution

Once both parties reach a comprehensive agreement, the attorneys draft a Separation Agreement and Parenting Plan. These documents are filed as part of a joint Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Because every issue is already resolved, the final court hearing is brief, a judge reviews the paperwork for equity and signs the decree, often completing the process in far less time than a contested divorce. Ending a marriage does not mean surrendering control of your finances or your children's future to an unpredictable court process. An experienced collaborative family law attorney can evaluate whether this approach fits your situation and help you build the team you need to move forward.  ]]> On Behalf of Stagnaro Hannigan Koop Co, LPA <![CDATA[Can you live in the same house during divorce?]]> https://www.shkfamilylaw.com/?p=46840 2026-06-21T12:16:53Z 2026-06-21T12:16:53Z After spouses have the initial divorce conversation, one of the immediate concerns is the living arrangement. If you are wondering where to live before your divorce is finalized, you have several options. You can move out or, if possible, remain in the family home. It’s very common for divorcing spouses to remain under the same roof, especially in a state like Ohio that does not require physical separation before filing for divorce. This option saves money and maintains immediate stability for children. However, it can also increase the chances of conflict. Running into your soon-to-be ex-spouse now and then can mean constant emotional triggers. Nonetheless, you can successfully live in the same house during divorce. Here is how you can do this:

Have personal spaces

Designate personal spaces in the house. For example, one of you can move to the guest bedroom, the guest house, or the basement. Having separate living spaces ensures you both have privacy and reduces contact. It’s important to respect each other’s zones.

Live as roommates

You should live as roommates. For starters, discuss how to split expenses. One person may pay rent while the other pays utilities and household expenses. Or you can track and split expenses using a formula that works for you. Additionally, avoid doing chores for one another, such as laundry or cooking. Doing chores independently and dividing household responsibilities allows you to stop operating as a married couple.  You should also discuss how to use communal/shared spaces to reduce contact. For instance, one can cook two hours before the other.

Have a parenting schedule

If you have children, consider creating a temporary parenting plan that addresses school drop-offs and pick-ups, extracurricular activities, homework etc. Remaining in the family home during divorce can be beneficial when approached correctly. Learn more about other steps to take to protect your interests.     ]]> On Behalf of Stagnaro Hannigan Koop Co, LPA <![CDATA[What is the duration of spousal support in Ohio?]]> https://www.shkfamilylaw.com/?p=46839 2026-06-15T15:41:39Z 2026-06-15T15:41:39Z Spousal support can be an important issue in an Ohio divorce, particularly when one spouse has a significantly lower income or fewer financial resources. Courts may award support to help address financial disparities and promote stability during or after the divorce process. The length of spousal support varies from case to case. Ohio courts consider the circumstances of the marriage and the needs of both parties when determining how long support should continue.

Temporary spousal support 

Temporary spousal support, also called pendente lite support, is awarded while an Ohio divorce case is pending. Its purpose is to provide financial assistance to a spouse who needs help covering living expenses during the legal proceedings. This type of spousal support is intended to address immediate financial needs while the divorce moves through the court system. The amount may depend on the parties' incomes, expenses and financial obligations. Temporary support does not continue indefinitely. In most cases, it ends when the court issues the final divorce decree and enters any post-divorce support orders. Because some divorce cases take longer than others to resolve, the duration of temporary support is generally tied to the length of the proceedings rather than the length of the marriage.

Permanent spousal support

Permanent spousal support refers to support awarded after the divorce is finalized. Despite its name, permanent support does not automatically mean payments will continue for life. Ohio courts have broad discretion to determine an appropriate duration based on the facts of the case. When making this decision, courts may evaluate factors such as the length of the marriage, the age and health of the spouses, earning abilities and the standard of living established during the marriage. Longer marriages may result in longer support awards, while shorter marriages may support a more limited period of assistance. Permanent spousal support may be paid through regular installments over time or through a lump sum award, depending on the circumstances. The court will determine what arrangement is appropriate based on the parties' financial situations and future needs. Spousal support decisions can significantly affect your financial future, and seeking legal guidance may help you better understand your rights and options during an Ohio divorce.]]>