Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio

Exemption for children on tax return

I can't answer your first question; I don't know about OH. But, as to your second question, I wonder why you CARE what he's doing on his tax return. Do what you're supposed to do on yours and forget about his; you won't go to jail for his problems!

Custody--Age of election in Ohio

I am glad Mr. Friend picked up the second issue in your question. When I took Tax in law school, the prof spent a lot of time discussing football because of the pro football player in the class.

As for question Number one. You are right, the age of election did change. Actually, it was essentially eliminated. Now, the wishes of the child(ren) are figured in with other factors the court uses to decide the "best interest". Prior to the law change, the stated preference of the child(ren) at the age of election would be dispositive unless the court determined that it was not in the best interest of the child. It may seem like a subtle point but I think now makes the whole issue hazier. But then, what would you expect? Everytime our citizen legislators get together to improve things, they always get more complicated. Bet you're sorry you asked the question?