The Nigh Law Group, LLC The Nigh Law Group, LLC 2026-09-22T15:49:32Z https://www.nighlawgroup.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1304197/2025/08/cropped-nigh-siteicon-512px-32x32.png On Behalf of The Nigh Law Group, LLC <![CDATA[How are retained earnings treated in a high-asset divorce?]]> https://www.nighlawgroup.com/?p=47283 2026-09-14T16:35:28Z 2026-09-14T16:35:28Z Sometimes, a closely held business will keep some of its profits rather than distributing them to its owners. Those “retained earnings” might be used to cover operating expenses, expansion efforts, equipment needs or even to manage seasonal cash-flow fluctuations. When an owner divorces, however, those retained earnings can become an issue – particularly when the business has been set aside as that spouse’s separate property via a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.  The spouse who owns the business may argue that the money belongs to the company. The other spouse may allege that profits are being purposefully held back just to keep marital funds hidden so they won’t be divided in the divorce. They may also accuse the owner-spouse of trying to reduce their visible income to reduce how much spousal or child support they may pay.

Control and purpose matter when it comes to retained profits

In general, the court may look at several different factors to determine how the earnings will be treated. For example, the legitimacy of the reason given for retaining the earnings may need to be examined, as well as the history of the company. If similar shares of the earnings have been routinely retained over the years, that’s less suspicious than when the practice is new.  Another issue is whether the owner-spouse has the power to decide when profits are distributed. A sole owner, for example, is going to have more ability to decide whether money gets folded back into the business than a minor shareholder.  Tax returns alone may not show whether retained earnings are reasonable. Corporate records, bank statements, distribution histories, budgets and capital expenditures can provide important context. A valuation expert will likely be needed to speak to the accurate worth of the business. Whether you own the business or believe your spouse is using one to conceal available income, an experienced Ohio family law attorney can work with financial professionals to determine how retained earnings should affect the division of property and any potential support award.]]> On Behalf of The Nigh Law Group, LLC <![CDATA[Can co-parenting therapy help during divorce? ]]> https://www.nighlawgroup.com/?p=47234 2026-08-30T02:53:46Z 2026-08-30T02:53:46Z Divorce ends a marriage, but when former spouses share minor children, it does not end their need to interact. Decisions about school, medical care, activities, holidays and parenting schedules generally require ongoing communication for years. When emotions surrounding divorce make those conversations difficult, co-parenting therapy may help parents develop a more workable relationship. Unlike traditional couples therapy, co-parenting therapy is generally not focused on repairing one’s marriage. Instead, the emphasis is on helping parents communicate and solve parenting problems while keeping their children's needs at the center of the process. Parents may learn strategies for handling disagreements, establishing boundaries and discussing sensitive subjects without allowing every conversation to become an argument.

Is co-parenting therapy worth consideration for your changing family?

Co-parenting therapy can be particularly useful during the transition period wherein one household is splitting into two. Parents may need help to determine how they will handle exchanges, discipline, homework, extracurricular activities and communication with children when they are apart. A therapist can help identify recurring sources of conflict and develop practical strategies for addressing them, before arrangements are formalized with the assistance of a skilled legal team.  Co-parenting therapy may also help parents to more effectively recognize behaviors that place children – unintentionally – in the middle. Asking children to deliver messages, questioning them about the other household or criticizing the other parent in their presence can increase stress. Developing direct, businesslike communication between parents may reduce that pressure. Therapy does not mean parents must become friends or agree about everything. In high-conflict situations, success might simply mean learning to communicate briefly, respectfully and only about necessary parenting matters. And ultimately, some families may determine that a parallel parenting approach with limited direct interaction works better. Co-parenting therapy cannot resolve every custody disagreement, and serious safety concerns may require legal intervention rather than improved communication alone. Still, when both parents can participate appropriately, therapy may provide valuable tools for creating a healthier post-divorce parenting relationship.]]> On Behalf of The Nigh Law Group, LLC <![CDATA[Which spouse gets the country club membership in a divorce?]]> https://www.nighlawgroup.com/?p=47196 2026-08-17T02:57:31Z 2026-08-17T02:57:31Z Country club memberships often represent much more than access to a golf course or dining room. For some couples, membership is tied to friendships, professional networking, family traditions and a substantial financial investment.  As a result of this complex association with a country club, a divorcing couple may understandably wonder whether one, both or neither of them will remain empowered to stay members after their marital union has officially been dissolved. 

Each couple’s circumstances are unique 

Each divorce is unique, and each country club's membership rules are unique. Therefore, one couple’s circumstances may not play out exactly like another’s. Some memberships are issued in one spouse's name, with the other spouse receiving privileges as a result of their marriage. Once the couple’s divorce becomes final, those spousal privileges may end. Other clubs may permit a membership to be transferred, divided or converted into separate memberships under certain circumstances. Money can complicate matters further. Initiation fees at exclusive clubs can be substantial, and a membership may involve equity, refundable deposits or other financial interests. If marital funds were used to acquire or maintain the membership, the financial realities may need to be considered during property division. Even when only one spouse can retain membership privileges, the other spouse may argue that the membership's monetary value should be addressed as part of their overall divorce settlement. Couples should investigate these issues rather than assuming the spouse who plays more golf automatically keeps the membership. Reviewing membership agreements, bylaws and club policies with a skilled legal team can help clarify whether a membership is transferable, whether it carries a measurable financial value and what needs to happen in the wake of a decision to divorce. ]]> On Behalf of The Nigh Law Group, LLC <![CDATA[Is your ex-spouse entitled to a share of your bonus?]]> https://www.nighlawgroup.com/?p=47194 2026-08-05T17:45:15Z 2026-08-05T17:45:15Z Compensation structures that feature handsome bonuses can represent a significant portion of an executive's or professional's compensation. When a spouse who is entitled to such bonuses divorces, their ex (or soon-to-be ex) may or may not be entitled to a share of this type of compensation.  Whether a bonus is considered marital property or separate property depends on several factors, including when it was earned, what it was intended to compensate and the unique ins-and-outs of a divorcing couple’s circumstances. There is no automatic rule that every bonus must be divided equally.

The basics of dividing bonuses in a divorce

Bonuses paid before a divorce is finalized are often considered marital property, if only to a degree. If a bonus was earned via work performed during the marriage, it may be considered a marital asset even if payment occurs shortly before or after a divorce decree is entered.  Marital vs. non-marital asset analysis generally becomes more complicated when a bonus is paid after the divorce is finalized. Some post-divorce bonuses are intended to reward past performance that occurred during the marriage, while others compensate an employee for future work or encourage them to remain with the company. A retention bonus, signing bonus or incentive tied to future performance may be treated differently from an annual performance bonus based primarily on work completed before the formal end of one’s marriage. To add to the potential “chaos,” high-asset divorces frequently involve more than a single annual bonus. Stock-based incentives, deferred compensation, profit-sharing awards and long-term incentive plans may all require careful analysis. Proper valuation and classification of these forms of compensation can have a substantial impact on a couple’s overall property division outcome. If you anticipate receiving a significant bonus before or after your divorce, it is important to seek legal guidance early. An experienced legal ream can evaluate your compensation structure, explain how Ohio law may apply to your circumstances and work to protect your financial interests while pursuing a fair and equitable resolution to your circumstances. ]]> On Behalf of The Nigh Law Group, LLC <![CDATA[Options for your family business during a divorce]]> https://www.nighlawgroup.com/?p=47188 2026-07-21T19:02:35Z 2026-07-21T19:02:35Z Getting divorced as business owners can make things more complicated. You and your spouse may be equal owners in the business, having started it after you were already married. This means that it is a marital asset, and you have to determine how you are going to address it during the divorce. Fortunately, you do have a few different options. What works best for you will depend on the unique details of your case.

You can keep working together

To begin with, some couples get divorced and continue to work together as business partners. There is nothing prohibiting you from doing so. There may be important steps to take to establish your new relationship, like drafting a partnership agreement, but you absolutely can continue working together after your marriage ends.

You could both sell the business

Often, though, couples cannot imagine working together. Instead, they just sell the company. This makes it easier to divide their assets. They take the money earned in the sale, split it between themselves and go their separate ways.

One person could remain as the sole owner

Finally, there are cases where one spouse decides to keep the business. They have to buy out the ownership share held by the other spouse. Some business owners have the cash on hand to do this directly during the divorce. Others will agree to give up different marital assets, like a family home or a retirement account, if they are awarded full ownership of the business. These are all viable options, and it is important to consider them carefully while going through the legal process of a divorce.  ]]> On Behalf of The Nigh Law Group, LLC <![CDATA[3 ways to make divorce easier for your children]]> https://www.nighlawgroup.com/?p=47179 2026-07-13T19:03:12Z 2026-07-13T19:03:12Z If you have minor children and are divorcing, you are probably concerned about how it will affect them. The truth is that it will likely be tough for them to come to terms with. The good news is that as parents, you have the chance to make it easier for them. Here are three things that may help:

1. Put the children first

Divorce courts put the focus on what is best for the children. You, as parents, should do the same. This translates into things like putting aside your marital difficulties with your spouse and focusing on how to co-parent effectively, cooperating on schedules and generally making sure that the children know that they are still loved and supported by both of you.

2. Refrain from attributing blame

Things can get tense in a divorce, and many parents end up having heated arguments. There may be a time and place for that, but it is never in front of the children. Do not involve your children in the "blame game" for the divorce. Whatever the reasons, you need only tell the children that you and their other parent are no longer compatible. 

3. Provide reassurance

It’s important to reassure your children that things are going to be okay. Explain to them both the things that will change and the things that won’t. You also need to make clear that they are not to blame for the marriage ending, as children can often think they are. There are non-verbal ways of reassuring them, too, such as maintaining consistency where possible. For example, keeping the rules similar between households and carrying on some of the activities and family traditions you had when all living together. When it comes to the legal side of divorce, there are also ways you can go about things that will make life simpler for you and your children. Seeking experienced legal guidance can help with this.]]> On Behalf of The Nigh Law Group, LLC <![CDATA[One house, two futures: Who keeps the family home in divorce?]]> https://www.nighlawgroup.com/?p=47160 2026-06-22T07:54:55Z 2026-06-22T07:54:55Z A divorce can change nearly every aspect of daily life. Along with decisions about dividing property and planning for the future, spouses may face an emotional decision about the place they once called home. The family home holds memories of raising children, celebrating milestones and building a life together. It may also represent financial security at a time when the future feels uncertain. Because the home is frequently one of the largest assets in a marriage, deciding what happens to it can become one of the most significant issues in an Ohio divorce. 

How Ohio courts view the family home

Ohio follows the principle of equitable distribution when dividing marital property. This means courts seek a fair division of assets rather than an automatic 50-50 split. In many cases, the family home qualifies as marital property if the couple purchased it during the marriage. Even when one spouse owned the property before the marriage, part of the home's value may become subject to division if both spouses contributed to mortgage payments, renovations or maintenance during the marriage. Courts evaluate several factors when determining a fair outcome. These factors may include the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial circumstances and the overall division of marital assets and debts. While every situation differs, the goal remains the same: reaching a result that reflects fairness under the circumstances.

What are the options for the family home?

There is no single answer to who keeps the family home after divorce. The right solution depends on the family's financial situation, housing needs and long-term goals. Common outcomes include:
  • Selling the home and dividing the proceeds between the spouses
  • One spouse buying out the other's share of the home's equity
  • One spouse remaining in the home temporarily to provide stability for children
  • Offsetting the home's value with other marital assets during property division
Each option comes with important financial considerations. Mortgage obligations, refinancing requirements and future housing expenses can all affect whether keeping the home is realistic. In many cases, spouses may negotiate an arrangement that works for their family rather than asking a court to decide. Understanding the available options can help individuals approach property division with realistic expectations.

Paving the way forward

The decision about what happens to the family home can affect life long after a divorce is finalized. Taking the time to understand the financial and legal implications of each option can help prevent costly surprises down the road. Working with an experienced family law attorney can help individuals make informed decisions about how to protect their assets and interests. With the right guidance, it is possible to pursue a resolution that provides a stronger foundation for the next chapter of life. ]]> On Behalf of The Nigh Law Group, LLC <![CDATA[Celebrating Milestones at The Nigh Law Group!]]> https://www.nighlawgroup.com/?p=47052 2026-01-20T20:43:41Z 2026-01-07T03:52:00Z The Nigh Law Group. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to our clients and our team make a meaningful difference every day. We are truly fortunate to have them as part of our firm. Thank you for your hard work, loyalty, and the impact you have made and continue to make! Photo of Professionals at The Nigh Law Group, LLC]]> On Behalf of The Nigh Law Group, LLC <![CDATA[Dissolution vs. Divorce: What’s the Difference?]]> https://www.nighlawgroup.com/?p=47051 2025-12-30T11:38:56Z 2025-12-30T11:38:56Z What Is Dissolution of Marriage? Dissolution is the legal process through which the courts officially terminate a marital relationship. In many jurisdictions, dissolution of marriage relates to an uncontested marital termination. The spouses may have already signed a marital contract, such as a prenuptial agreement, dictating the terms of property division. They may have negotiated with one another to settle disputes about parental responsibilities or financial support. Dissolution requires the cooperation of both spouses and a clear separation agreement that outlines all of the terms for the end of the marriage.

What Is Divorce?

Divorce is the legal process of terminating a marriage through the courts. Ohio allows both fault-based divorces brought on specific grounds and no-fault divorces. Divorce can be either contested or uncontested. One spouse can file, and the spouses may be able to settle their disputes before going to court. They can then pursue an uncontested divorce. If they cannot settle with one another, then a litigated or contested divorce where a judge settles their disagreements is likely necessary.

Grounds, Filings, and When Divorce Is Required

Frequently, those with major disputes opt for divorce, and they can choose what type of divorce to pursue. No-fault divorce is an option after a year-long separation or when spouses agree that they are incompatible. Fault-based divorces are an option in cases involving adultery, abuse, fraud, substance abuse, incarceration and bigamy, along with a few other highly specific circumstances. The filing spouse generally determines whether to pursue a no-fault divorce or a fault-based divorce. Even if they pursue a fault-based divorce, proof of marital misconduct usually does not alter the terms for property division, shared custody and financial responsibility after the divorce. Overall, dissolution tends to be the fastest option. Uncontested divorces tend to be faster than contested divorces. The less time that spouses spend in court, the less they have to invest in the process. Litigated divorces tend to cost substantially more than uncontested divorces, and dissolution tends to be the most affordable option available.

Talk to an Ohio Divorce Attorney About Next Steps

Trying to plan a path forward at the end of a marriage can be very challenging. Our firm is always available to help those who know they need to make a change but aren't sure which path is the right one for them. Reaching out to our firm by clicking here or calling 614-379-6444 can help people start evaluating their options to prepare for divorce or dissolution accordingly.]]> On Behalf of The Nigh Law Group, LLC <![CDATA[How Long Does A Divorce Take In Ohio?]]> https://www.nighlawgroup.com/?p=47048 2026-01-20T20:46:39Z 2025-12-26T21:16:09Z Many people ask how long a divorce takes in Ohio. The answer depends on how your case is handled. Ohio law sets certain rules, but your choices and preparation matter just as much.  The Nigh Law Group understands that this time can be challenging, especially as you look for clarity regarding your next steps. We are a successful family law firm focused exclusively on divorce and family law matters throughout Columbus and central Ohio. 

Typical Ohio Divorce Timeline

The timeline often includes: 
  1. Filing the divorce complaint with the Ohio court
  2. Serving the other spouse with legal notice
  3. Waiting for the response period to end
  4. Exchanging financial information
  5. Negotiation or court hearings
  6. Final divorce decree issued by the judge
Ohio law requires a 30-day waiting period after filing before a divorce may be finalized. This applies even in agreed cases. If issues remain unresolved, the case continues until the court is satisfied. Each step builds on the last. Even a simple mistake can slow things down. This is why working with our qualified lawyer matters from day one.

Ohio Uncontested And Contested Divorce

An Ohio uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all major issues. This includes property, support and parenting terms.  In many cases, an uncontested divorce can be finalized in as little as six to 12 weeks, helping save time, stress and money. Still, paperwork and court rules must be followed closely. Having our attorney’s legal guidance keeps things moving without setbacks because when there is disagreement, timelines often extend.  Contested divorces generally take longer, often lasting several months or more. Disputes over assets, income or custody increase court involvement. Our lawyer’s strategic planning early on can limit how long the conflict lasts.

How Our Ohio Divorce Attorney Can Help You Save Time

Our team approach allows us to work efficiently and decisively. While one attorney manages filings and negotiations, another reviews strategy and details. This structure helps us anticipate issues before they cause delay and keeps your case moving toward resolution.

Talk With Our Team Today

If you are wondering how long a divorce takes in Ohio, [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"], can give you clear answers. Dial [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] or complete our contact form to speak with a trusted attorney who understands Ohio divorce law and values your time in our Columbus office. Our attorneys have earned recognition for their consistent results delivery.]]>