Cook Howard Law, LtdCook Howard Law, Ltd2026-10-14T21:34:42Zhttps://www.cookhowardlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1502121/2021/03/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Cook Howard Law, Ltd.<![CDATA[How courts assess support for the other parent’s relationship]]>https://www.cookhowardlaw.com/?p=470942026-10-14T21:34:42Z2026-10-14T21:34:41ZIn custody matters, courts place weight on how each parent encourages the child’s relationship with the other parent. This appears in Ohio’s best interests of the child statute and often influences parenting‑time decisions. The court looks for consistent behavior and evaluates both past conduct and current patterns.
Cooperation as a factor
Judges must consider whether each parent is likely to honor parenting‑time orders and facilitate ongoing contact. They often review communication habits, responsiveness and the parent’s approach to shared responsibilities. Parents who keep the other parent informed demonstrate a willingness to support the child’s relationship with both households.Courts also examine whether either parent has interfered with parenting time. A pattern of reliable communication and consistent follow‑through shows the court that the parent is committed to stability for the child.
Behaviors that may raise concerns
Certain actions can indicate to the judge that a parent is not supporting the child’s relationship with the other parent, which can impact routine and emotional well‑being.
Negative comments: Courts note when a parent speaks poorly about the other parent in front of the child.
Unnecessary restrictions: Unduly limiting communication or access can suggest an unwillingness to cooperate.
Failure to share information: Withholding child-related details may be viewed as undermining the other parent’s involvement.
When these behaviors appear repeatedly, courts may adjust parenting‑time arrangements to protect the child’s relationship with both parents.
How courts apply this factor
Ohio Judges use this factor to decide which custody arrangement will best support the child’s long‑term stability. A parent who consistently encourages contact, communicates openly and respects boundaries is more likely to be seen as capable of supporting a healthy co‑parenting environment. If you are facing a child custody dispute over lack of cooperation, someone experienced in Ohio family law can help strengthen your legal position.]]>On Behalf of Cook Howard Law, Ltd.<![CDATA[Using social media when going through a divorce]]>https://www.cookhowardlaw.com/?p=470912026-10-01T19:22:00Z2026-10-01T19:22:00ZSocial media has become a major part of divorce proceedings. In recent years, it has served as a source of powerful, court-admissible evidence in many divorce cases. Thus, its influence can’t be ignored.
If you are going through a divorce, your social media posts can be used against you. Here is how this can happen:
Financial discrepancies
Posting luxury purchases or expensive vacations can contradict claims of financial hardship that you may have expressed in your sworn financial disclosure forms. If the income and assets disclosed don’t match the lifestyle being portrayed on social media, your soon-to-be ex-spouse may claim you are hiding assets. This can significantly impact property division and spousal support, and can lead to legal penalties.
Parental fitness
Your social media posts can be used to challenge your parental fitness, which can alter child custody decisions. The court can find that your choices conflict with the best interests of your child.For instance, posting negative things about the other parent can show you are unwilling to cooperate and support your child’s relationship with the other parent; discussing the details of your case online can be used to question your character; photos and videos of frequent partying, heavy drinking and lavish spending can be used to demonstrate misplaced priorities, and so forth.Understandably, you need support when going through a divorce. Thus, you may need to go out with loved ones. If you do this, ensure they understand your situation. Ask them not to take photos of you or tag you online. In Ohio, a person’s own statement made through social media posts, comments or direct messages is not considered hearsay. They qualify as fully admissible evidence that can be used directly against you. Thus, it’s crucial to know what to avoid to protect your interests. ]]>On Behalf of Cook Howard Law, Ltd.<![CDATA[When can prescription drugs lead to arrest?]]>https://www.cookhowardlaw.com/?p=470872026-09-18T22:07:01Z2026-09-18T22:07:01ZHaving prescription medication does not automatically mean you are breaking Ohio law. Under the Ohio Revised Code, lawful possession includes controlled substances obtained through a legitimate prescription from an authorized health professional. The prescription must not be forged, altered or obtained through deception or theft. Problems can arise when you possess prescription drugs without a valid prescription or knowingly obtain them through fraudulent means. Depending on the medication and quantity involved, unlawful possession can result in a misdemeanor or felony charge. Ohio law establishes different penalties based on the drug’s classification and amount.
When does possession become a criminal offense?
You may face arrest if you knowingly possess or use a controlled prescription drug that was not lawfully prescribed to you. An arrest may follow when someone:
Carries medication prescribed to a spouse, relative or friend
Buys pills from an individual or unauthorized online source
Keeps medication stolen from another person
Uses forged prescriptions or lies to obtain drugs
Alters a prescription’s quantity or refill information
Sharing one painkiller, stimulant or anxiety pill can also expose both people to investigation. A prescription authorizes the named patient’s possession, so it does not permit that patient to sell or give the drug away.The charge depends on the substance, amount and prior record. Unauthorized possession of many Schedule I or II drugs is aggravated possession and may begin as a fifth-degree felony. Possession of many Schedule III, IV or V substances may begin as a first-degree misdemeanor, although larger quantities can increase the offense level.If questioned, you should preserve the bottle, prescription records and medical information. An Ohio criminal legal representative can examine whether the medication was lawfully obtained and whether police had grounds for the search and arrest.]]>On Behalf of Cook Howard Law, Ltd.<![CDATA[What is a Rule 75 hearing in an Ohio divorce?]]>https://www.cookhowardlaw.com/?p=470852026-09-07T20:14:07Z2026-09-07T20:14:07ZOhio Civil Rule 75 permits the court to also issue orders regarding possession of the home, spousal support, child support and custody. Usually, these orders are based on financial affidavits and other documents submitted to the court – but sometimes a hearing is required.
Disputes and changes in the temporary orders require more work
After a temporary order has been established, either spouse may submit a written request for a hearing to modify it. The court must grant the requesting party a hearing within 28 days.
A hearing is appropriate if the order relies on incomplete or inaccurate information. For example, one spouse may have understated their income, overstated their expenses or provided an unrealistic description of the children’s routine and needs. A hearing may also be needed when an order creates serious financial hardship or a parenting schedule does not work in practice.
Requesting a hearing does not suspend the existing order. Support payments remain due and the temporary parenting arrangement stays in effect unless the court changes it.
What should you expect at the hearing?
Procedures vary by county. The hearing may take place before a judge or magistrate, and each side may have limited time to present a position. Depending on local rules, the parties may provide testimony and documents such as:
Pay stubs and tax returns
Bank statements and household bills
Child care and health insurance costs
Proposed parenting schedules
Records showing the children’s daily needs
The hearing generally focuses on disputed information and whether the existing order should be modified.
Is the resulting order permanent?
An order issued after a Rule 75 hearing is still temporary. It does not decide the final outcome of support or parental rights, which may be resolved through settlement or trial.
Temporary orders can, however, affect a family for months and establish routines that influence negotiations down the road, especially regarding children. If an order is based on incorrect information or creates an unworkable arrangement, an oral hearing offers an opportunity to ask the court to correct it.
If you’re approaching a divorce, it is always wisest to discuss your goals as early as possible with an experienced attorney.]]>On Behalf of Cook Howard Law, Ltd.<![CDATA[Can your spouse make you leave the home during divorce?]]>https://www.cookhowardlaw.com/?p=470842026-08-19T02:48:56Z2026-08-19T02:48:56ZLiving apart is very common during a divorce. Often, when one person files for divorce, they will also move out of the house and find other living arrangements.
While it is certainly true that couples can choose to do this on their own, you may find yourself wondering if your spouse can force you to leave. If you get home and they hand you divorce papers and tell you that they are kicking you out of the house, for example, do you really have to leave? What if you don’t have other living arrangements?
You may both have a right to live in the house
In many cases, it is not legal for your spouse to kick you out of the house. Understandably, living together can be difficult and contentious. But they do not have the right to force you to leave.For example, perhaps you and your spouse are both on the home’s title together. As such, it is property that you own, and you have as much legal right to stay there as your spouse does. They can ask you to leave, and the two of you could have discussions about it, but they cannot force you to do so.There are some exceptions, typically revolving around a court order. If there are allegations of domestic violence, for instance, your spouse may be able to get an order requiring you to leave or a protective order mandating that you keep a certain distance from them. But in a typical divorce, they cannot force you to leave of their own volition.
Navigating a contentious divorce
If you are involved in a complicated and potentially high-conflict divorce, you must understand your legal options. It can help to work with an experienced attorney.]]>On Behalf of Cook Howard Law, Ltd.<![CDATA[Supreme Court rules on conditions for those on community control]]>https://www.cookhowardlaw.com/?p=470822026-08-05T23:39:22Z2026-08-05T23:39:22ZThe case before the Supreme Court of Ohio
That was the question before the Supreme Court of Ohio earlier this year. Specifically, as part of her sentence for misdemeanor theft, a court placed a Geauga County woman on community control for one year. Among the conditions placed on her was not using alcohol or drugs or even entering a bar and that she must submit to random alcohol and drug testing.
When she objected, an appeals court repealed the alcohol- and drug-related restrictions on the grounds that her offense didn’t involve these substances. That’s how the case ended up before the high court.
The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the original trial court’s sentence on the basis that the state sentencing law allows the monitoring of alcohol and drug use as a condition of community control regardless of the offense.
The high court also agreed with the trial court’s assessment that these terms of community control were allowable since they were related to “conduct which is criminal or reasonably related to future criminality…” as established under a prior Supreme Court case because the woman had a history of DUI.
The high court opinion noted that while trial courts have discretion in establishing the terms of community control, those conditions cannot be “unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable.”
What if the conditions are unfair?
When someone is sentenced to community control or any other kind of supervised release, it is crucial to understand and follow the terms established by the court. Not following them can worsen a person’s legal issues and land them behind bars.
Anyone who believes the terms they are required to follow are “unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable” has a right to challenge them. Having experienced guidance to do this can be valuable, given all that is at stake.]]>On Behalf of Cook Howard Law, Ltd.<![CDATA[What are the 3 standard field sobriety tests?]]>https://www.cookhowardlaw.com/?p=470802026-07-10T15:26:11Z2026-07-10T15:26:11Zperform standardized tests that align with medical science for results to be credible.
What are the three tests police officers use to estimate a person's impairment?
1. The walk-and-turn test
People often stumble when they walk while under the influence. The walk-and-turn test is a simple way for officers to roughly gauge the likelihood of a person's intoxication.
2. The one-leg stand test
Alcohol also affects balance, not just the way people walk. Individuals may struggle to maintain their balance on one foot while under the influence.
3. The horizontal gaze nystagmus test
Police officers often request that people follow a moving object with their eyes during field sobriety testing. The purpose of this test is to watch for involuntary muscle spasm. Failing one or more of the standard field sobriety tests can provide police officers with the probable cause they need to arrest a driver and administer a chemical test.
Working with an attorney can be helpful for those who have an explanation for why they failed field sobriety tests other than alcohol. Anyone accused of a drunk driving offense may need help understanding the law and assessing different possible defense strategies, and that’s okay.]]>On Behalf of Cook Howard Law, Ltd.<![CDATA[Why are more couples choosing gray divorce?]]>https://www.cookhowardlaw.com/?p=470792026-06-29T20:18:34Z2026-06-29T20:18:34ZGray divorce refers to divorce among older couples, often after decades of marriage. Although these divorces were once uncommon, they have become increasingly common as people live longer, enjoy greater financial independence and reconsider what they want from the next stage of life.
Ending a long marriage is rarely the result of a single event. Instead, gray divorce often reflects years of changing priorities, evolving relationships and a desire for greater personal fulfillment. Understanding these factors may help couples evaluate their own circumstances more carefully.
Changing goals and life priorities
People often change significantly over the course of a long marriage. Interests, career goals and personal values that once aligned may gradually move in different directions. As children become adults and retirement approaches, couples sometimes realize they no longer share the same vision for the future.For some, the empty nest years create an opportunity to reassess life. Rather than staying in an unfulfilling relationship, they may decide they would rather pursue new interests, personal growth or a different lifestyle. Longer life expectancy also means many people expect to spend decades in retirement, making long-term happiness an increasingly important consideration.
When emotional connection changes over time
Many gray divorce causes are tied to emotional rather than financial issues. Some couples feel their relationship has become stagnant, while others believe they have gradually grown apart after years of putting careers or family responsibilities first. A lack of meaningful communication or emotional connection may eventually lead one or both spouses to consider divorce.Major life events can also influence these decisions. Recovering from a serious illness, losing a loved one or experiencing another significant life change may encourage someone to reevaluate personal priorities and future goals. For many couples, these moments become a turning point rather than the sole cause of divorce.Every marriage is unique, and there is rarely a single explanation for why a long-term relationship ends. Understanding common gray divorce causes may help individuals make informed decisions while considering the financial and emotional consequences of divorce. If you are considering ending a long-term marriage or have questions about your options, seeking legal guidance can help you understand the next steps.]]>On Behalf of Cook Howard Law, Ltd.<![CDATA[3 prescription drug mistakes that may lead to criminal charges]]>https://www.cookhowardlaw.com/?p=470782026-06-12T00:47:14Z2026-06-12T00:47:14Z1. Driving while taking medication
Numerous types of drugs that can affect the ability to drive. Drugs that cause drowsiness, that affect cognition and that impact motor function can all diminish driving capabilities. People who take these drugs could be at risk of impaired driving charges, even if they insist they have acclimated to the impact of the medication and experience no impairment.
2. Buying on the unregulated market
Patients typically need to fill their prescriptions at licensed pharmacies. There are some people who offer medication for sale secretly, often at the rate that seems more affordable than the copay for a name-brand medication or the market price for certain drugs. Purchasing from an unlicensed provider puts people at risk of requiring contaminated or expired medication, and it also exposes them to the possibility of criminal prosecution.
3. Sharing medication with others
Selling medication outright to another person or giving them medication because they cannot afford it and the patient with the prescription does not need it are both criminal acts. There does not need to be any financial gain for the transfer of medication to constitute a crime.
Anyone facing drug charges may need support to minimize the impact their pending criminal charges may have on their future. Working with a criminal defense attorney can help defendants understand their rights and explore different possible defense strategies.]]>On Behalf of Cook Howard Law, Ltd.<![CDATA[How a misunderstanding could lead to indecent exposure charges]]>https://www.cookhowardlaw.com/?p=470772026-06-01T17:02:11Z2026-06-01T17:02:11ZPublic urination can constitute indecent exposure
Sometimes, nature calls at inconvenient moments. People may feel the need to empty their bladders while they are far from any actual bathroom facilities. Relieving themselves outside can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Men, in particular, are at risk of misunderstandings if they choose to relieve themselves in a public location. Especially when at a park or similar facility where there could be children present, people could face accusations of indecent exposure when their goal had nothing to do with sexual stimulation or gratification. People who walk past at the wrong moment may assume nefarious intentions in a situation that is embarrassing but ultimately not predatory.
Indecent exposure is often a misdemeanor, but the consequences go far beyond jail time and fines. A conviction can lead to social stigma and lost opportunities.
Those accused of indecent exposure or similar offenses due to a misunderstanding of their conduct may need help responding to their pending charges. Reviewing what led to an arrest with a criminal defense attorney can help people avoid criminal penalties and lifetime stigma that could follow a conviction or guilty plea.]]>