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Welcome to Our Legal Blog
Our blog serves as an educational series dedicated to current laws and updates on Ohio family law specifically for fathers in Columbus and Athens. Whether you’re ready for a custody hearing, need guidance on child support, or navigating a divorce or dissolution, this is your essential resource. Subscribe to stay informed and receive updates and legal insights on topics relevant to Franklin County, Athens County, and nearby Ohio courts: https://andrewrusslaw.blog
Check out the articles below:
Why Choose an Ohio Family Law Attorney? Family Law Legal Guidance for Men and Fathers
By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney Navigating family law issues can be overwhelming, especially when emotions run high and the stakes are personal. For men and fathers in Central and Southeastern Ohio, understanding your rights and options is crucial. Choosing the right legal support can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. In this post, I will share why selecting an experienced Ohio family law attorney is essential and how it can help you pr
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5 hours ago
Who Claims the Child on Taxes After Divorce or Shared Parenting in Ohio?
Custodial Parent Rules, Form 8332, and Common Misunderstandings (Educational Overview) By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney Educational Note: This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice or tax advice. Tax rules and outcomes can change by year and depend on specific facts. Consider consulting a qualified tax professional and an attorney for guidance on a specific situation. Why tax time becomes a co-parenting flashpoint Divorce
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1 day ago
UNDERSTANDING PARENTING-TIME EVALUATIONS IN OHIO FAMILY COURTS
By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney An Educational Overview Parenting-time disputes are among the most emotionally complex matters addressed in Ohio family courts. When parents cannot agree on schedules, responsibilities, or decision-making authority, courts sometimes rely on neutral professionals to provide additional context about family dynamics. One such tool is the parenting-time evaluation. Parenting-time evaluations are often misunderstood. Some parents view
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2 days ago
How Changes in Parenting Time Should Impact Ohio Child Support: When and How to Seek a Modification
By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney Navigating child support issues can be particularly challenging for fathers in Ohio, especially during or after a divorce or custody arrangement. Changes in parenting time can have significant implications for financial responsibilities, altering the landscape of existing child support obligations. Understanding how these changes may warrant a modification in child support can empower fathers to advocate for their rights and ensu
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3 days ago
Navigating Parenting Time and School Breaks/Holiday Schedules After Shared Parenting Orders in Ohio
Being a father going through a divorce or custody dispute can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to navigating parenting time and school breaks after shared parenting orders. In Ohio, understanding your rights and the nuances of shared parenting can make all the difference. This blog post will guide fathers in Ohio through the complexities of parenting time, school breaks, and holiday schedules in a way that ensures you fulfill your rights and responsibilities
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4 days ago
How Ohio Courts Consider a Child's Mental Health and Emotional Stability in Custody Decisions — What Fathers Should Know
Navigating custody issues can be a challenging ordeal for fathers in Ohio going through a divorce. One of the key factors that Ohio courts consider in custody decisions is the mental health and emotional stability of the child. For fathers looking to protect their parental rights and ensure their children's wellbeing, understanding how these factors influence court decisions is crucial. This blog post aims to provide valuable insights for fathers as they navigate these comple
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5 days ago
Outdated Parenting Time Orders After COVID: How Ohio Courts View Remote-School Era Custody Schedules Today
By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney When Ohio courts issued parenting time orders during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were responding to a moment of genuine uncertainty. Schools closed abruptly. Work schedules shifted overnight. Parents adjusted to remote learning, hybrid instruction, and unprecedented disruptions to daily routines. Parenting plans entered during that period often reflected assumptions that felt temporary at the time—but many of those assumptions qu
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6 days ago
Discover the Role of an Ohio Family Law Attorney: Family Law Legal Support for Fathers
Navigating family law issues can be overwhelming, especially when emotions run high and the stakes involve your children and future. As a father in Central or Southeastern Ohio, understanding the role of an Ohio family law attorney is crucial. These legal professionals provide essential support to help you protect your rights and make informed decisions during challenging times. In this post, I will walk you through what family law legal support entails, how it applies to fat
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Dec 31, 2025
When One Parent Refuses to Communicate: How Courts in Athens and Southeastern Ohio View Co-Parenting Breakdowns
By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney Family law disputes in Athens and Southeastern Ohio often arise not from dramatic violations of court orders, but from quieter, more persistent problems. One of the most common—and most misunderstood—of these problems is the breakdown of communication between parents. When one parent refuses to communicate, responds selectively, or engages only when it suits their interests, the effects can ripple far beyond inconvenience. Over t
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Dec 29, 2025
Understanding Temporary Orders in an Ohio Divorce: Athens & Southeastern Ohio Perspective
By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney Why Temporary Orders Matter in Athens and Southeastern Ohio In Athens and across Southeastern Ohio, family law cases often unfold against a practical backdrop that looks different from larger metro areas. Work may involve shift schedules, commuting across county lines, or seasonal employment. Parents may live in separate towns where transportation and school routes matter. Extended family support can be close by—or spread across
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Dec 28, 2025
How Ohio Courts Handle Grandparents’ Rights and Third-Party Custody: An Educational Overview for Parents and Fathers in Athens, Central, and Southeastern Ohio
By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney Ohio family law cases most often involve disputes between parents. Yet some of the most emotionally complex cases arise when a person other than a parent—most commonly a grandparent—seeks court-ordered involvement in a child’s life. These situations frequently emerge during periods of instability, such as divorce, the death of a parent, serious illness, military deployment, incarceration, or juvenile court involvement. For father
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Dec 27, 2025
Digital Evidence in Ohio Family Law Cases: How Courts in Athens, Central, and Southeastern Ohio Commonly View Texts, Emails, and Co‑Parenting App Records
By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney Family law disputes in Ohio increasingly unfold in a digital environment. Parents who once relied on phone calls, handwritten notes, or in‑person conversations now communicate primarily through text messages, emails, and structured co‑parenting platforms. In domestic relations and juvenile courts across Athens, Central Ohio, and Southeastern Ohio, judges regularly encounter disputes where electronic communication forms a signific
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Dec 26, 2025
How Military Duty Affects Custody Orders & Jurisdiction: Understanding the Intersection of Military Service and Ohio Family Law
By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney Military Service and Family Mobility Military families often experience frequent relocations, deployments, and temporary assignments. These realities can complicate custody arrangements, particularly when parents reside in different states. Jurisdictional Considerations Military relocation does not automatically change which state has authority over custody matters. Courts analyze jurisdiction based on statutory frameworks rather
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Dec 25, 2025
Parental Relocation Interstate Checklist: Winning the Evidentiary Hearing
By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney An Educational Framework for Understanding How Courts Analyze Interstate Relocation Why Interstate Relocation Disputes Are Complex Relocation disputes involve more than distance. They often raise jurisdictional questions, parenting time logistics, and concerns about long-term stability for children. The Role of Evidence in Relocation Cases Courts rely on evidence to understand how relocation affects children and existing parentin
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Dec 25, 2025
Enforcing Out-of-State Support & Custody Orders in Ohio Courts
An Educational Overview for Parents Navigating Interstate Family Law Issues By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney Why Interstate Enforcement Issues Arise Families frequently relocate across state lines for work, military service, or family support. When an existing custody or support order originates in another state, questions often arise about whether and how Ohio courts recognize and enforce those orders. The Role of Uniform Laws Ohio relies on uniform statutory f
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Dec 25, 2025
Understanding the Role of Family Law Attorney Services
Navigating family law issues can be overwhelming, especially when emotions run high and the stakes are personal. Whether you are facing divorce, child custody disputes, or other family-related legal matters, understanding the role of a family law attorney is crucial. These legal professionals specialize in helping individuals protect their rights and interests during challenging times. In this post, I will walk you through what family law attorneys do, how their services can
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Dec 23, 2025
Interstate Child Custody and the UCCJEA in Ohio
What Fathers in Central and Southeastern Ohio Should Understand When Parenting Across State Lines By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney Families in Central and Southeastern Ohio are increasingly mobile. Employment opportunities in Columbus, Athens, Lancaster, and surrounding communities often pull parents across state lines. Military service, remarriage, and housing pressures also contribute to decisions that place parents—and sometimes children—in different states.
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Dec 23, 2025
How School Attendance, Extracurricular Activities, and Educational Needs Affect Parenting Time and Custody Decisions in Ohio
By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney I n Ohio custody and parenting time cases, few issues are as consistently influential—and as frequently misunderstood—as a child’s education. While parents often view school schedules, extracurricular activities, and academic needs as practical logistics to be worked out informally, Ohio courts regularly treat these factors as central to determining a child’s best interests. From Columbus and Central Ohio to Athens and communitie
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Dec 17, 2025
How Ohio Courts Evaluate Parental Fitness: Common Evidence, Myths, and What Really Matters in Custody Cases
By Andrew Russ , Ohio Father’s Rights Attorney In Ohio custody cases, the phrase “parental fitness” is often used in conversation, online searches, and informal discussions among parents. Despite its frequent use, the concept is commonly misunderstood. Ohio courts do not apply a single test or checklist to determine whether a parent is “fit” or “unfit.” Instead, parental fitness is evaluated as part of a broader legal framework focused on the best interests of the child. Unde
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Dec 16, 2025
How Ohio Family Law Attorneys Can Help
Navigating family law issues can be overwhelming, especially when emotions run high and the stakes are personal. Whether you are facing divorce, child custody disputes, or other family-related legal challenges, having the right support is crucial. I want to share how Ohio family law attorney services can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and guiding you through the process with clarity and confidence. Understanding Family Law Attorney Services in Ohio Fa
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Dec 15, 2025
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