Greco LawFindLaw IM Template2026-09-14T05:01:12Zhttps://www.grecoatlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1602558/2021/05/cropped-GrecoLaw-siteicon-512px-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Greco Law<![CDATA[Does shared parenting reduce child support in Ohio?]]>https://www.grecoatlaw.com/?p=490392026-09-11T06:44:12Z2026-09-14T05:01:12ZShared parenting can give you meaningful time with your child. But equal parenting time does not automatically erase your child support obligation. In Ohio, the court considers your parenting schedule along with both parents’ income, child-related expenses and other financial details.
How parenting time affects support
Ohio courts generally calculate child support using the state’s schedule and worksheet. The calculation considers both parents’ incomes and determines each parent’s share of the financial responsibility.Your court-ordered parenting time can affect that calculation. If you have at least 90 overnights each year, Ohio law generally requires a 10% reduction in your annual individual child support obligation. The reduction may not apply if you fail to use your court-ordered parenting time without a valid reason.The 10% adjustment does not mean you will pay no support. A parent may still owe child support because the court bases the obligation on the overall financial circumstances of both parents.Several factors can affect the amount you pay or receive:
Parents’ income and earning ability
Number of children covered by the order
Court-ordered parenting time
Work-related child-care expenses
Health insurance costs for the child
Extraordinary medical or other child-related expenses
The court may also order a larger or smaller adjustment when applying the guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate and would not serve the child’s best interest. The court must consider the relevant circumstances and make the required findings.
What if your schedule changes?
A change in parenting time does not automatically change your child support order. You generally must request a review or modification through the appropriate court or child support agency.For example, if you begin exercising substantially more court-ordered parenting time, you may have grounds to request a review. The court will examine the new schedule along with your income, the other parent’s income and the child’s expenses.
Looking at the full picture
Shared parenting can affect child support, but it does not guarantee a lower payment. Your 90 overnights, income and child-related expenses may all matter. An Ohio family-law attorney can help you understand how the rules may apply to your circumstances and what information you may need to request a review.]]>On Behalf of Greco Law<![CDATA[Can buy-sell agreements protect Ohio business owners in divorce?]]>https://www.grecoatlaw.com/?p=490382026-09-07T13:29:40Z2026-09-07T13:29:40ZHow a buy-sell agreement can help in a high-asset divorce
A well-drafted agreement can address the following concerns that may arise during property division:
An unwanted business partner: A buy-sell agreement can establish restrictions on transferring ownership interests. With this in place, a former spouse cannot acquire an ownership interest and become involved in the business.
A framework for a buyout: If the owner’s interest must be addressed as part of the divorce, the agreement may establish procedures for another owner or the company to purchase that interest. This can help preserve the business’s existing ownership structure.
Business valuation issues: A buy-sell agreement may include a formula or appraisal process to value a business interest. This can help the parties determine the business's value during a divorce. However, the divorce court may not have to use the value stated in the agreement.
Business continuity: A carefully structured agreement can help limit disruptions to the company's operations when an owner’s personal circumstances change. For a business that represents a significant portion of the family's wealth, maintaining stability can be an important consideration.
These benefits are why many business owners create buy-sell agreements well before divorce becomes a concern. They often include these agreements as part of routine succession or partnership planning.
Protecting your business interests during divorce
A buy-sell agreement can be helpful, but business owners should understand how Ohio divorce laws may affect it. An attorney can help business owners understand their legal options and protect the business they have built.]]>On Behalf of Greco Law<![CDATA[Can an Ohio divorce court appoint a receiver over a business?]]>https://www.grecoatlaw.com/?p=490322026-08-26T05:31:26Z2026-08-26T05:31:26ZWhen might a receiver be appointed?
A receiver is a neutral person who manages property or certain business affairs under court supervision. Ohio law permits courts to appoint a receiver in specific circumstances, including situations where property faces a risk of loss, removal or serious harm.
A divorce court may consider this remedy when evidence shows that business assets need protection. The court must have a legal basis for appointing a receiver. A simple disagreement between spouses does not automatically justify one.
The court will look at the specific facts and whether a receivership is needed to protect the property. Ohio courts generally require more than broad claims or concerns. The spouse requesting a receiver should provide evidence showing a genuine and immediate threat to the business or its assets.
What can a receiver do?
The court's order controls the receiver's authority. Depending on that order, a receiver may take possession of property, collect money owed to the business, manage certain operations or enter approved contracts. The receiver may also have authority to sell property when the court permits it.
Factors that may support a receivership request can include:
A serious risk that business assets could be wasted
Disputes over access to company funds
Concerns about unauthorized transfers of property
A threat to the value or operation of the business
A need to preserve assets while the court resolves ownership issues
Under Ohio law, the court can limit the receiver's authority to specific property or expand it to broader business operations when the circumstances allow. The receiver must follow the court's orders and remains subject to court oversight.
What does this mean for the business?
A receivership does not automatically mean that the court will sell the company. The court decides what the receiver can manage and what actions require further approval. The goal may instead involve preserving the company's value until the divorce court resolves the underlying dispute.
For a business owner, a receivership can change who controls important financial and operational decisions during a divorce. Understanding when this remedy may apply can help spouses make informed decisions when a closely held company becomes part of a contested Ohio divorce.]]>On Behalf of Greco Law<![CDATA[How does divorce affect your taxes in Ohio?]]>https://www.grecoatlaw.com/?p=490302026-08-25T14:09:56Z2026-08-25T14:09:56ZDivorce changes more than your daily life. It also changes how you file taxes and how much you might owe. This is especially true for high asset divorces, where homes, retirement accounts, investments and businesses all become part of the split. If you are going through a divorce in Ohio, understanding these tax rules can help you avoid costly surprises later.
Property division and capital gains
When couples divide assets like stocks, real estate or business interests, the IRS does not usually tax the transfer itself. Transfers between spouses during a divorce stay generally tax-free. But that does not mean taxes disappear forever.The person who ends up owning an asset also takes on its cost basis, which is the original purchase price you use to calculate gains later. So if you receive a house or stock portfolio in your Ohio divorce settlement, you could face capital gains tax when you eventually sell it. A financial advisor or tax professional can help you understand which assets carry hidden tax costs before you agree to a settlement.
Retirement accounts and alimony
Retirement accounts need special handling. Dividing a 401(k) or pension usually requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, or QDRO. Without one, withdrawals can trigger early withdrawal penalties and income tax, even if you meant to split the money fairly.For alimony, Ohio follows the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which states that spousal support under agreements executed after December 31, 2018 — or pre-2019 agreements modified to adopt the new tax rules — is non-deductible for the payer and non-taxable to the recipient. This differs from older rules, so it matters when you finalized your divorce.
Plan ahead with the right guidance
High asset divorces in Ohio involve many moving financial parts, and taxes can quietly reduce the value of a settlement if you don't consider them early. Before finalizing an agreement, it helps to work with both a divorce attorney and a tax professional. They can review how taxes will apply to each asset, make sure retirement transfers go through correctly and help you avoid unexpected tax bills after the divorce is final. A little planning now can protect your financial future for years to come.]]>On Behalf of Greco Law<![CDATA[Can a child’s preference affect custody in Ohio?]]>https://www.grecoatlaw.com/?p=490292026-08-17T07:20:05Z2026-08-17T07:20:05ZHow courts consider a child's preference
Ohio courts focus on the child's best interests when deciding custody. A judge may consider a child's wishes if the court believes the child has enough maturity to express a thoughtful opinion. However, no specific age allows a child to decide custody on their own.
The judge may learn the child's views through a private interview instead of asking the child to speak in open court. This process helps reduce pressure and protects the child's privacy. The child's preference becomes one factor among many. Understanding those additional factors provides a clearer picture of the court's decision.
Other factors that shape custody decisions
A child's opinion does not outweigh every other consideration. The court reviews the family's overall circumstances before reaching a decision. Factors may include:
Each parent's ability to meet the child's physical and emotional needs.
The child's relationship with each parent.
The child's adjustment to home, school and community.
Each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent.
Any concerns that could affect the child's safety or well-being.
The court weighs these facts together instead of relying on a single issue. This balanced review helps support decisions that fit each family's situation.
Every custody case is different
A child's preference can influence a custody decision, but it does not determine the outcome by itself. Ohio courts examine all relevant facts before deciding what arrangement serves the child's best interests. Parents who understand this process can prepare for custody proceedings with realistic expectations and make informed decisions as their case moves forward.]]>On Behalf of Greco Law<![CDATA[How trust agreements are treated in an Ohio divorce]]>https://www.grecoatlaw.com/?p=490112026-07-17T22:52:46Z2026-07-17T22:52:46ZThe type of trust drives the court's analysis
The central question Ohio courts ask is whether trust assets constitute marital property, separate property or whether separate assets have become commingled:
Revocable trust: A trust that the spouse who created it can change or dissolve at any time offers little protection in a divorce. Because that spouse retains control over the assets, Ohio courts generally treat them as part of the marital estate and subject to division.
Irrevocable trust: A trust that permanently removes assets from the control of the spouse who created it is much harder for a court to divide. However, Ohio courts can still examine how the spouse funded the trust. If marital assets moved into the trust during the marriage, those transfers may face scrutiny.
The distinction between these two structures is the starting point for any serious trust analysis in a divorce proceeding.
Trusts created by a third party are more difficult to divide
If a parent, grandparent or other family member established an irrevocable trust for your benefit, Ohio courts have generally found that those assets do not belong to the marital estate. That protection is not automatic — courts look closely at how much control you actually have. The more freely you can access the assets, the more likely a court is to treat them as subject to division.
Trust distributions and income are still subject to scrutiny
Distributions you received during the marriage and deposited into shared accounts may have mixed with marital funds, potentially losing their separate character if you can no longer trace them back to the trust. Even if a court declines to divide the trust itself, the income it generates typically enters into spousal support calculations, regardless of how the court classifies the underlying trust assets.
Not all trust protections hold up in court
Some trust agreements include spendthrift provisions specifically designed to prevent a divorcing spouse from accessing or dividing trust assets. Under the Ohio Trust Code, this protection can be effective against property division claims, but it is unenforceable against a valid court order for spousal or child support.
The drafting quality of a trust agreement matters as much as its structure. Engaging counsel with demonstrated experience in complex trust and property division matters can make a material difference in both the outcome and the efficiency of your proceedings.]]>On Behalf of Greco Law<![CDATA[Should business owners plan for future growth in a prenup?]]>https://www.grecoatlaw.com/?p=490102026-07-08T11:08:50Z2026-07-08T11:08:50ZA business rarely stays the same
A business may look quite different many years after the marriage. A real estate company might acquire additional properties. A medical practice might add new partners. An IT company may expand into new markets or hire more employees.
As the business grows, its value can increase as well. That potential growth is one reason many business owners consider how a prenuptial agreement might address future financial interests before questions arise.
A well-drafted agreement can help create clear expectations before those questions arise.
How can a prenup address future growth?
Under Ohio law, couples who plan to marry can use a prenuptial agreement to decide how certain property rights and financial matters will be treated during the marriage and if the marriage ends. Depending on its terms, a prenup might identify an existing business as separate property and address how future increases in value or ownership interests will be handled.
Even then, a prenup does not automatically resolve every issue. If questions arise later, factors such as how the business grew, whether marital efforts contributed to that growth and the language of the agreement might affect the outcome.
Why careful planning matters
Business owners often focus on today’s operations while planning for tomorrow’s success. Taking the same forward-looking approach to a prenup can help reduce uncertainty if circumstances change in the future.
Business growth often brings new financial opportunities and new legal considerations. Addressing those issues before marriage can help business owners create clearer expectations as both marriage and business evolve. Reviewing those issues before marriage can help ensure that a prenuptial agreement reflects the owner’s goals and the reality of a business as it continues to grow.]]>On Behalf of Greco Law<![CDATA[How courts value real estate holdings during a high-asset divorce]]>https://www.grecoatlaw.com/?p=490082026-06-29T16:20:05Z2026-07-07T16:18:15ZTypes of real estate to review
Not all real estate properties serve the same purpose. Owners use some properties for personal reasons while other properties generate income. During a divorce, divorce attorneys usually review each property on its own.
Common examples include:
Family homes
Vacation or second homes
Rental properties
Commercial buildings
Land held for future development
Each property may have a different value and financial impact. Once you have categorized these assets, it is essential to assess the specific elements that dictate how each one is valued.
Factors that influence property value
Several aspects may influence the value of real estate during a divorce. Market conditions are one consideration, and property location, rental income and outstanding debt can also play a role.
In some cases, a property may have increased in value during the marriage. Improvements made over time may also affect the final valuation.
How business interests intersect with real estate
For owners of real estate companies, business assets and property holdings often intersect. One company may own a building and another may manage it. Partnerships or limited liability companies may hold some properties.
These arrangements can make valuation more detailed and time-consuming.
Reviewing real estate for a fair settlement
A divorce involving multiple properties requires careful financial review. Determining the value of real estate holdings can help both spouses make informed decisions. Clear information about property values supports an equal division of marital assets, or an equitable distribution if an equal split is proven to be unfair under state law.]]>On Behalf of Greco Law<![CDATA[How are luxury assets appraised in an Ohio divorce?]]>https://www.grecoatlaw.com/?p=490072026-06-25T08:19:07Z2026-06-25T08:19:07ZWhy ownership history matters
Valuation often starts with classification, or deciding whether an item belongs to both spouses or only one. Marital property usually includes things acquired during the marriage. Separate property may include assets owned before marriage, certain inheritances or gifts made only to one spouse. For gifts received during the marriage, Ohio law requires strong proof that the gift was intended for one spouse alone.
Determining whether an asset stayed separate can become harder when money, titles or accounts mix over time. This is often called commingling. Documents such as deeds, appraisals, account statements, inheritance papers and gift letters can help show where an asset came from and whether it remained separate.
How appraisals show current value
Luxury assets may need more than a rough estimate. Depending on the item, an appraisal may focus on details such as:
Real estate appraisers often compare recent sales, location, condition and market demand.
Art appraisers usually look at authenticity, ownership history, condition and auction or private-sale data.
Jewelry or collectible appraisers typically review materials, rarity, condition, certificates and purchase history.
Timing is also important. An older appraisal might not reflect current conditions, especially if the item changed, demand shifted or debt affects what it is worth after loans or liens are considered.
Keeping valuation disputes focused
Photos, receipts, loan records, tax documents and updated appraisals can help reduce arguments over value and ownership.
Organizing these documents early puts you in a better position to address disputes, support separate property claims and keep the divorce focused on the financial issues that need resolution.]]>On Behalf of Greco Law<![CDATA[Preparing for custody disputes when the other parent is a surgeon]]>https://www.grecoatlaw.com/?p=490012026-06-16T10:14:20Z2026-06-23T10:03:15ZHow Ohio courts evaluate scheduling matters
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 3109, courts may designate one parent as the residential parent and legal custodian. The same law allows courts to approve a shared parenting plan, provided it serves the child’s best interests. A surgeon's work hours change often. Given such volatile working shifts, this makes shared parenting plans harder to manage. Courts look at these schedules. They will then decide how to split parenting time. The court’s ultimate goal is to ensure the child gets consistent care.
How demanding work schedules affect custody decisions
The unpredictable work hours of a surgeon parent can disrupt established school routines, extracurricular commitments, bedtimes and supervision. With this information, Ohio courts would prioritize the child's best interests. Courts would focus on the child’s stability and safety. Because of this, they carefully review a parent’s professional schedule. This schedule affects how they structure parenting time and allocate parental rights and responsibilities.
Practical steps for documentation
If the other parent is a surgeon, you need to set clear ground rules in spite of the co-parent’s demanding but erratic work schedule. You need to protect your child's routine. To help document your child's routine, consider:
Keeping factual records of missed events or scheduling conflicts
Using a shared digital calendar
Creating clear plans for on-call or emergency work situations
Identifying reliable backup caregivers
Maintaining records that demonstrate the child’s daily routine
These practices can help create a clear record of your child’s routine and support productive discussions regarding parenting responsibilities.
The role of guardians and other professionals
It is not enough to document your child’s routine in order to make a case for parental rights. You may need the input of professionals, who could give additional insights into to your circumstances..
A guardian ad litem or custody evaluator may provide observations or recommendations to the court. Other professionals, like teachers or doctors, might also give input. The court weighs all evidence to create a final plan that protects your child.
A co-parenting relationship with a surgeon is complex, but the child's stability must remain the focus. A documented and thoughtful approach helps manage unpredictable schedules. By staying child-focused, you can build a manageable and effective parenting plan.
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