Greco Law FindLaw IM Template 2026-06-08T20:56:54Z https://www.thesurianolawfirm.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1602558/2021/05/cropped-GrecoLaw-siteicon-512px-32x32.png On Behalf of Greco Law <![CDATA[Can divorce expose your business records?]]> https://www.thesurianolawfirm.com/?p=48997 2026-05-29T13:52:58Z 2026-05-29T13:52:58Z A divorce involving a company can feel like two cases at once. You need to address the end of the marriage, but you may also need to explain how the business makes money, what it owns and what drives its value. For business owners, physicians with practice interests, real estate investors and executives, this raises a serious concern: how much private company information can the other side see?

Why company records may matter

In an Ohio divorce, the court starts with the presumption that marital property and liabilities should be divided equally. If an equal split would be unfair, the court will determine an equitable division. To make this determination, a court must evaluate whether a business interest is marital property, separate property or a mix of both, which can make company records highly relevant. That does not mean every document becomes open to review. Still, when a divorce involves a company, both sides may look for records that show ownership, income, assets, debt and cash flow. Those records may include tax returns, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, payroll records, bank statements, shareholder agreements, loan files or real estate records. Records from related companies may also matter if money moves between them.

Sensitive information may still come up

In a high-asset divorce, business records can help value the company, confirm income or show whether personal expenses run through the business. This can matter when one spouse owns the company, holds a professional practice interest or controls several related entities. Business owners often worry about exposing private data, such as client lists, pricing models, employee pay or internal strategy. Those concerns can carry extra weight when a company has partners, investors, professional duties or trade-sensitive information.

Privacy issues need early attention

Divorce does not erase the need to protect real business interests. The key question often involves how the parties review records, who can see them and what limits should apply. Depending on the case, protective steps may include privacy agreements, redactions, access limits or financial professionals who review records without turning the divorce into a business dispute.

Keeping the case focused

Business records can become part of a divorce when ownership, income or value remains in dispute. For high-earning professionals and business owners, the goal is not only to share the right financial information, but also to control how sensitive records move through the case. Early planning can help you identify what may be relevant, what may need protection and who may need notice. That can reduce disruption, protect private information and keep the divorce focused on the financial issues the court needs to decide.]]> On Behalf of Greco Law <![CDATA[What should be included in a prenup?]]> https://www.thesurianolawfirm.com/?p=48996 2026-05-20T14:51:06Z 2026-05-20T14:51:06Z establish legal safety nets around specific elements of your finances.

Classification of income and earnings

Without a prenuptial agreement, courts generally view income earned during a marriage as marital property, regardless of who generated it. A comprehensive prenup clearly defines how you will treat high-level earnings, executive bonuses and investment yields. You may specify that individual income remains separate property, ensuring that the marriage does not compromise the wealth you personally accumulated.

Treatment of business

If you own a business or a share of a company, a divorce may force you to give your former spouse a percentage of your company’s value. However, a prenup may isolate your business interests from domestic disputes by declaring the entity as entirely separate property. It should also explicitly address the appreciation of the firm’s value during the marriage. This prevents a former spouse from claiming a share of that growth later.

Spousal support

The agreement should clearly state how you will handle alimony if you get a divorce. Setting these rules yourself prevents a judge from making a decision that could hurt your finances.

Protect your wealth with a comprehensive prenup

Safeguarding your finances before a marriage requires a comprehensive agreement that leaves no room for error or future disputes. By establishing clear boundaries early on, you may be confident that your wealth is safe even if the marriage does not work out.]]> On Behalf of Greco Law <![CDATA[How spousal support is decided in high-asset divorces]]> https://www.thesurianolawfirm.com/?p=48988 2026-05-07T08:39:16Z 2026-05-07T08:39:16Z Important key factors affecting spousal support Ohio courts decide spousal support using a multi-factor analysis rather than a fixed formula. A major factor is each spouse’s income, which may include stock options, bonuses and business profits. Courts also look at the length of the marriage and the marital standard of living, especially when one spouse depended on the other’s higher earnings. In addition, property and debt division matter since the assets or obligations each spouse receives can affect support needs. Tax consequences are another important piece of the analysis, especially for divorces finalizing after 2018. For cases like that, spousal support is no longer deductible to the payer or taxable to the recipient under federal law.

What high-asset support can look like

Spousal support in high-asset cases often aims to maintain the established marital standard of living over covering basic needs. Moreover, the structure of spousal support is just as important as the dollar amount. Some high-net-worth individuals may choose a simple monthly payment. This makes the amount predictable and easier to budget for both sides. Others may prefer tiered or “step-down” support that decreases over time. This may be due to an expected life-changing event in the recipient’s future, such as:
  • An increase in their earning capacity
  • Completion of training or education to seek employment
  • Other planned moves toward financial independence
When support payments are large, an agreement or court order may add protections to lower the risk of missed payments, such as:
  • Requiring life insurance to cover support in the event of death
  • Placing a lien on certain property
  • Using an escrow or reserve account to help ensure payments continue
Negotiating the terms of spousal support can be complex, especially in high-asset divorces. Lawyers often work closely with their clients to help ensure a favorable settlement.

Transitioning to life’s next chapter

When two high-net-worth individuals end their marriage, early planning is crucial in the creation of a strategy for spousal support. A well-structured arrangement is often the difference between a stable financial future for both parties and years of conflict.]]> On Behalf of Greco Law <![CDATA[How do you protect business interests in a high-asset divorce?]]> https://www.thesurianolawfirm.com/?p=48987 2026-05-06T06:27:49Z 2026-05-06T06:27:49Z Your business represents decades of sacrifice, strategic decisions and financial risks. Divorce proceedings in Dublin, Ohio, can expose that business to division as marital property, regardless of whose name appears on the documents. Ohio courts routinely award spouses significant portions of business value, leaving some owners without operational control when negotiations conclude.

How Ohio divides business assets

Ohio follows equitable distribution laws, which means courts divide marital property fairly but not always equally. Ohio courts look at several factors, including how long the marriage lasted, each spouse's earning ability and contributions to the business. Your spouse may claim an ownership interest if you started or grew your business during the marriage. Courts often order business valuations that reveal your company's true worth. Forensic accountants can uncover hidden value in goodwill, intellectual property and future earnings that increase what you owe.

Valuation methods that impact your settlement

Business valuation determines how much your company is worth and what your spouse may claim. The method that professionals use can change the final number by millions of dollars. Three common approaches exist:
  • The income approach looks at future earnings and what they are worth today
  • The market approach compares your business to similar companies that sold recently
  • The asset approach adds up what your company owns and subtracts what it owes
Each method produces different values. Opposing counsel will push for whichever approach gives your spouse the biggest share. Disputes over these methods drag out litigation and drive up legal costs. Expert witnesses often disagree on your company's worth, and a judge makes the final call on your financial future.

Consequences of inadequate protection

Without proper legal strategies, you may face forced buyouts or business liquidation to satisfy divorce settlements. Your spouse could gain partial ownership, creating conflicts that damage client relationships. A skilled attorney experienced in high-asset divorce cases can work with valuation professionals and develop approaches to minimize business risks. The protective measures you implement today will decide whether your decades of hard work remain intact or become vulnerable when your marriage ends.]]> On Behalf of Greco Law <![CDATA[3 ways cohabitation can affect divorce proceedings]]> https://www.thesurianolawfirm.com/?p=48986 2026-04-29T15:19:58Z 2026-04-29T15:19:23Z Spousal support modifications In Ohio, courts consider living arrangements with a new partner when setting or modifying spousal support. If you receive support from a former spouse, cohabitation may affect these payments. The former spouse may ask the court to reduce or end support. However, this may only apply if the cohabitation resembles marriage. In such cases, the court may review your financial arrangements to assess whether support remains necessary. This can include shared expenses, joint bank accounts and combined household responsibilities.

Property division issues

Living with a new partner can also raise questions about asset commingling. Ohio follows an equitable distribution model. This means the court divides marital property fairly rather than a strict fifty-fifty split. Combining finances with a new partner before the divorce is final may blur the line between marital and separate property. As a result, the court may examine financial records more closely. In some cases, this can lead to disputes over ownership and whether certain assets belong in the marital estate. The court may trace funds to determine their source and decide how to divide these in accordance with Ohio law.

Child custody and parenting time decisions

When determining custody and parenting arrangements, Ohio courts prioritize the best interests of the child. If a former spouse raises concerns about your living situation, the court may consider its impact on the child’s well-being. This may include factors such as:
  • The stability of the household
  • The character of the new partner
  • How the arrangement affects the children
  • Whether the partner has a criminal history or substance abuse issues
Cohabitation alone does not determine custody, but it can influence how the court reviews your overall parenting situation.

Handling cohabitation during divorce

Living with a partner during divorce is not prohibited. However, it does require careful planning. While cohabitation can impact various aspects of your case, understanding its potential effects allows you to plan accordingly. Legal counsel may help review your specific situation and help you understand the implications of your decisions.]]> On Behalf of Greco Law <![CDATA[How Ohio courts handle international assets in divorce]]> https://www.thesurianolawfirm.com/?p=48981 2026-04-15T18:34:05Z 2026-04-15T18:34:05Z You own a tech subsidiary in Mumbai and a residence in London, but your life is rooted in Ohio. When divorce proceedings begin, you may wonder: Can a judge in Columbus really reach assets abroad? In high-value cases, the reach of the court depends on the court's jurisdiction over you and your spouse.

Jurisdiction is the first battle

Before an Ohio judge can issue orders regarding your global property, you must satisfy the state’s six-month residency requirement. Once that door is open, the clock starts on a high-speed track. Under the new standard (Sup.R. 39), effective January 1, 2026, the court now aims to resolve childless divorces within just 12 months.  Because you have a limited window to untangle complex international assets, there is no room for delay. This timeline is critical because jurisdiction allows the court to issue binding orders regarding your global property, even if the assets are located outside of Ohio.

How Ohio courts reach assets held abroad

While an Ohio judge cannot directly seize foreign real estate, the court can still fairly divide the marital estate. Specifically, this is often achieved through a distributive award, a cash payment used to offset the value of assets held abroad. Because this award depends on an accurate count of your wealth, Ohio law requires full transparency; courts may classify hiding foreign assets as financial misconduct, which may lead to the court awarding a larger portion of the domestic estate to the other spouse as a penalty.  Beyond transparency, accuracy also depends on timing. Recent 2026 rulings focus on using the actual end date of the marriage to accurately value a business. This ensures the valuation captures the business's worth at the time you and your spouse stopped sharing finances, rather than months later when the case ends. To obtain the hard data required for these valuations, the legal process uses the Hague Evidence Convention to compel the release of foreign bank records that might otherwise be hidden.

Protecting your wealth before it disappears

Legally, simple appraisals are insufficient for complex global portfolios. A successful strategy accounts for foreign tax credits and currency fluctuations to ensure an "equitable" split remains intact.  Given the strict 12-month resolution goals, dealing with Ohio law and international treaties requires early legal help to finish discovery and valuations before hidden transfers reduce marital wealth.]]> On Behalf of Greco Law <![CDATA[How extraordinary expenses can lead to child support issues]]> https://www.thesurianolawfirm.com/?p=48979 2026-03-17T12:02:27Z 2026-03-17T12:02:27Z The conflict of a premium lifestyle Ohio law recognizes that children should enjoy the same lifestyle they would have experienced had their parents remained married. When a family income exceeds the standard guidelines of the state, courts can move past basic formulas to settle disputes over specialized costs such as:
  • Private school and tutoring: Conflict can arise when one parent calls tuition a luxury while the other sees it as a necessity. Courts must decide if a history of enrollment or a learning need requires a parent to pay tuition on top of monthly support.
  • Elite athletics and extracurricular activities: High-level sports or arts programs can cost thousands of dollars each year in travel and training fees. The issue is whether this spending was a family pattern or a new expense.
  • Health care and wellness: Beyond standard insurance, medical expenses can include orthodontics or therapy. Parents can clash over who pays the out-of-pocket balance and whether holistic treatments are reasonable.
  • Travel and summer programs: Trips abroad and elite camps represent huge costs. Without a clear court order, these expenses can lead to bickering over travel schedules and funding.
  • Nannies and domestic support: For high-earning professionals, child care can go beyond standard daycare to include private nannies. One parent may claim the nanny is a personal choice, while the other can view the cost as an essential work expense.
In high-asset divorces, courts can hold broad discretion to deviate from standard support calculations to ensure that a child's life remains stable and enriched. Thus, financial transparency is a critical factor when arguing for or against these upward deviations.

Seeking to secure a fair financial future

The long-term economic health of a family can depend on a precise strategy. With legal advice, high-income parents may better handle complex spending as they seek to secure a fair financial future for their children.]]> On Behalf of Greco Law <![CDATA[What are emergency relief orders and how do they work in Ohio?]]> https://www.thesurianolawfirm.com/?p=48974 2026-03-04T08:51:25Z 2026-03-04T08:51:25Z In a high-conflict divorce, urgent issues can surface before the final hearing. You may face sudden financial changes, locked accounts or disputes over your children’s safety. In these cases, an emergency relief order can provide short-term relief while the larger case moves forward.

When do courts grant emergency relief?

Ohio judges often grant temporary orders when a party shows immediate, irreparable harm. Judges review sworn facts and need clear evidence before acting. But once approved, an emergency relief order can:
  • Give temporary custody or parenting time to protect a child
  • Restrict bank accounts and stop sales or transfers of business assets
  • Award exclusive use of the home to one spouse
  • Issue civil protection orders for domestic violence with stay-away terms
  • Grant ex parte orders so a judge can act even without first notifying or hearing from the other party
Remember that without detailed evidence of the immediate risk, the court may deny the request and set the matter for a later hearing instead. Also note that domestic violence protection orders follow a different procedure in many cases.

How the process works

Getting emergency relief during a high-conflict divorce means you must move quickly and follow this strict process:
  • File a Motion and Affidavit for Temporary Orders with specific dates, times and clear facts showing immediate risk.
  • A judge or magistrate reviews the papers and can issue an ex parte emergency order if the affidavit shows urgent harm.
  • Attend the required hearing, usually within 14 days, where the other side can respond and ask the court to end the order.
  • Arrange formal service by a sheriff or process server so the order takes effect against the other party.
You can streamline the process by working with a family lawyer who can help draft the affidavit, arrange service and represent you at the follow up hearing.

Secure urgent protection for your family and assets

If you want to obtain emergency orders that safeguard custody, assets and business interests, you need to act fast. Legal guidance can make the process smoother for you, so you do not have to wait too long to get relief. Get all the help you need to protect what matters most.]]> On Behalf of Greco Law <![CDATA[Uncovering financial deception in divorce: Finding hidden assets]]> https://www.thesurianolawfirm.com/?p=48972 2026-02-26T06:37:17Z 2026-02-26T06:37:17Z High-asset divorces in Dublin, Ohio, often involve business income, real estate and complex pay packages. If a spouse hides income, delays bonuses or moves money through multiple accounts, it can affect the final division of property and support. If you do not spot the red flags right away, you may end up settling for less than the full marital estate.

How Ohio law handles hidden assets

Ohio is an equitable distribution state, which means the courts divide marital property fairly. However, you need to keep in mind that fair does not necessarily mean equal. If you prove financial misconduct, the court has the authority to rebalance the division. Financial misconduct comes with financial penalties. If a spouse intentionally concealed assets, the court can award the innocent spouse a distributive award or a greater share of the remaining marital property to compensate for the loss. Ohio follows a disclosure mandate where both parties must provide full and complete disclosure of all their assets (marital and separate), debts, income and expenses. But not everyone complies with this duty.

Common signs of financial concealment

Hidden assets are not always obvious. In high-value disputes, these patterns often appear:
  • Reported income drops, but no corresponding lifestyle changes
  • Money moves to businesses controlled by relatives or close partners
  • Cryptocurrency wallets or offshore accounts remain secret
  • Bonuses, stock options or other compensation suddenly get frozen until after filing
These red flags may point to larger problems. In these cases, it may be helpful to work with a forensic accountant who can trace funds and test other evidence.

Discovery tools for hidden assets

Ohio attorneys use several powerful tools and techniques to find hidden assets. These include:
  • Forensic tracing: Professionals compare reported income to actual spending in a lifestyle analysis to spot missing money.
  • Subpoenas to third parties: Lawyers subpoena banks, payroll departments and crypto exchanges to trace hidden accounts and transfers.
  • Digital forensics: Digital professionals recover deleted files and look for software that erases account traces.
  • Audit of closely held businesses: Forensic accountants audit family businesses and track discretionary expenses like vacations, gifts or fake employees.
A trial lawyer who works with forensic professionals can help draw a clear financial picture in front of the court.

Protect your fair share

Asset division is the final step before you start your new life. If you worry about your spouse hiding assets, get a clear financial picture from trusted professionals and speak with a divorce lawyer to uncover these funds and protect your settlement. Secure what is rightfully yours and step into the next chapter with confidence.]]> On Behalf of Greco Law <![CDATA[Does adoption affect custody decisions in Ohio divorce cases?]]> https://www.thesurianolawfirm.com/?p=48968 2026-02-16T16:18:59Z 2026-02-20T06:00:47Z Adopted children hold the same legal standing Under Ohio law, once a court finalizes an adoption, the adopted child holds the same legal status as a child born into the family. The adoption decree establishes a parent-child relationship for all purposes, treating the minor exactly as if they had been born to the adoptive parents. Once the adoption is final, both parents stand on equal legal footing regarding their rights and responsibilities. This standing does not weaken, expire or change simply because the marriage later ends in divorce; judges treat the custody determination exactly as they would for a biological child.

The “best interest of the child” standard applies equally

Similar to biological children, Ohio courts decide custody based on what serves the best interest of the child. This evaluation can include:
  • The wishes of each parent regarding the child's care
  • The child's relationship and interactions with each parent, siblings and other important people in their life
  • The child's adjustment to their home, school and community
  • The mental and physical health of everyone involved in the situation
The judge may also consider each party's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent. A judge can weigh any relevant factor that has a bearing on the minor's well-being.

What this looks like in an Ohio divorce or separation

When parents of an adopted child go through a divorce, the process mirrors what any other family experiences in Ohio. The court considers the same evidence, applies the same legal standards and makes custody decisions using the same framework. Both parents may pursue shared parenting, which is the state's version of joint custody. Under a shared parenting plan, judges designate both parents as the residential parents and legal custodians who share decision-making responsibilities for the child. If shared parenting is not a good fit, the court can designate one parent as the residential parent and legal custodian. The other parent typically receives parenting time, so the child can maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents.]]>