After parents divorce or part ways, the issue of the “allocation of parental rights and responsibilities” will need to be determined. Children come first. Ohio understands that every parenting situation is unique, but that you can’t be a parent without a child. When parents make adult level decisions on changes to their life that require […]
Last Updated: January 2026 Stepparent adoption represents one of the most meaningful ways to legally formalize the bond between a stepparent and stepchild in Ohio. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the stepparent adoption process in 2026, including legal requirements, costs, timelines, and recent changes to Ohio adoption law. What is […]
Family law disputes can be emotionally challenging, particularly when conflict between parents affects the parent-child relationship. Parental alienation—when one parent undermines a child’s relationship with the other parent—creates profound emotional harm and can significantly influence decisions regarding the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. Recognizing these behaviors early and taking appropriate action is essential to […]
After a divorce, dissolution, or separation, it’s not uncommon for one of the parties to move across state lines. But in such cases, if a dispute arises in connection with parenting (aka child custody), parents who reside in different jurisdictions may wonder in which state the case should be brought. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction […]
Disputes regarding the care and residence of children can often be the most contentious aspect of a divorce, a post-decree regarding children, or cases involving never married parents. Importantly, there are a number of factors that can impact the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities in Ohio, and potentially jeopardize your rights. Since emotions can […]
Many people are familiar with the common family law terms “custody” and “visitation” and what they mean. However, it’s important to be aware that under Ohio law, child custody is officially referred to as the “allocation of parental rights and responsibilities.” Visitation for a parent is called “parenting time.” These terms have been used since […]
Co-parenting can be a challenging journey for divorced or separated parents, often fraught with disagreements and conflicting perspectives. In Ohio, however, there’s a valuable resource that aims to ease the process and foster healthier relationships for the well-being of children – Parent Coordination. This innovative approach helps parents work together more effectively, ensuring a smoother […]
A parent’s drug or alcohol abuse can have a detrimental impact on a child’s welfare — it can also affect the outcome of a child custody or parenting case. While parents have a Constitutional right to raise their children, a judge may terminate parental rights in extreme cases. However, if a child’s welfare would be […]
Going to court can be intimidating. Not only is it likely an unfamiliar environment, but if you have to go to court, chances are you have something important at stake. In a family law case that could be custody (now called allocation of parental rights) or visitation (now called parenting time) of your children, whether […]
Discussions of infant adoption often center around the baby, the birth mother, and the adoptive parents. Adoption terminates a birth mother’s legal rights to her child, the father’s legal rights, and establishes parental rights in the person or couple adopting the baby. What place does a birth father have in this scenario, and what rights […]
Melissa Graham-Hurd & Associates, LLC
4030 Massillon Road
Green, Ohio 44685
(330) 996-4099
(330) 643-0732
