Ohio Divorce Information


Property Ownership For Divorce Purposes

Equitable distribution state, which means the court has the authority to divide marital property in any manner which is "equitable" or "just," though a 50/50 division will be presumed to be equitable. Marital fault is generally not considered when dividing property in Ohio.

What Property is Divided?

Separate property state. Only marital property is divided in a divorce. Separate property is generally 1) Property acquired before the marriage, 2) Property acquired by gift, 3) Property acquired by inheritance, 4) Personal injury awards, unless compensation for medical expenses or lost income, 5) Passive appreciation of separate property, 6) Passive income from separate property.

Alimony

At the court's discretion. Marital fault generally is not considered. Terminates upon the death of either party, and upon the receiving party's remarriage.

Child Support

Income shares method, which means the income of both parents is considered. Emancipation is age 18, unless still in high school, in which case it is graduation or age 19, whichever comes first. Courts generally will not order payment of college education costs. Child Support Calculator.

Child Support Enforcement

The Ohio child support enforcement agency can be found at:

http://jfs.ohio.gov/OCS

Divorce Related Statutes For Ohio

http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/31

Other Resources

The Divorce Financial Survival Series