Robert L. Mues, Author at Ohio Family Law Blog

Blast From The Past: Should I Stay or Should I Go? To Divorce or Not?

PUBLISHERS UPDATE: Here is one of my favorites posts about when to file for divorce from back on December 10th, 2022! We have a ton of interesting articles in our archives of the Ohio Family Law Blog. Use our Search tool and enjoy a few oldie but goodies!

The perfect month For filing for Divorce is…

Divorce for the Holidays! The Perfect Time to File for Divorce?

This is the time of year that many people have this exact question on their mind. If you are old like me, perhaps you remember this song by the British punk rock band The Clash from 1982. Or if not, maybe later from a Levi’s 501 jeans television commercial shot in a pool hall.

Here are some of its memorable lyrics:

“Darling you got to let me know
Should I stay or should I go?
If you say that you are mine
I’ll be here till the end of time
So you got to let me know
Should I stay or should I go?

It’s always tease tease tease
You’re happy when I’m on my knees
One day is fine, and next is black
So if you want me off your back
Well … Read More... “Blast From The Past: Should I Stay or Should I Go? To Divorce or Not?”

Do You Have a Post-Divorce Plan? Here’s Why You Need One.

Why a Post-Divorce Plan is Essential for a Smooth Transition

Life during and after divorce can be a difficult period for many to navigate. Having a post-divorce plan can make a huge difference by helping you understand what to expect and how to confront certain challenges with greater confidence and clarity during this complicated time.

Organization and Confronting the Complexities

You might not know where to turn or what to do following your divorce. There are certain actions that you can take moving forward to help create a smoother transition into the post-divorce phase. First, you should keep and review all of the pertinent divorce records and documents. Make sure that all items in the Divorce Decree are dealt with…do not simply infer that your attorney will handle the matter without your contribution. REVIEW THOSE FINAL DECREE DOCUMENTS VERY CAREFULLY AFTER YOUR DIVORCE!

Having a thorough post-divorce plan includes reviewing these documents and taking proactive steps. Further, it is important to consider your estate planning documents, as they will likely need to be updated with information pertaining to your estate beneficiaries, executors and/or agents, and healthcare decisions. Be sure to seek out an estate planning attorney to help you through … Read More... “Do You Have a Post-Divorce Plan? Here’s Why You Need One.”

Christmas Parenting Time Tips

Tips for Managing Holiday Parenting Schedules

Since we are now into the month of November, it is not too early for divorced and divorcing parents to look ahead to the upcoming Christmas Holiday. Here are some “tips” regarding the “nuts and bolts” of handling the holiday parenting schedules effectively.

Read and examine the Parenting Time Schedule for your particular County which should be attached as part of your Final Decree or Court Judgment. The Domestic Relations Court and Juvenile Court of each County have differing schedules. If your parenting time schedule has been lost or misplaced, you can obtain a replacement from your attorney’s office or the clerk where your order was filed. Remember, the one attached to your Final Court Order controls, not a more recent one which may have been subsequently adopted by the Court.

For example, Montgomery County, Ohio, currently has the following provision as to the Christmas Break:

CHRISTMAS BREAK: In all even-numbered years, the residential parent shall have the children from 9:00 a.m. the day after school recesses (or 9:00 a.m. on December 20 if the children are not in school), until 9:00 p.m. December 24 and the non-residential parent shall have the children from … Read More... “Christmas Parenting Time Tips”

Vacationing Without the Kids? Don’t Leave Until You Have Prepared an Emergency Medical Authorization Form

Why Every Parent Needs an Emergency Medical Authorization Form for Kids Before Traveling

I typically receive several phone calls this time of year asking me if I have a generic emergency medical authorization form that parents can complete since they are headed out of town without the kids. This panicked call usually comes less than 24 hours before the departure time! It is very important to leave the caregiver this type of emergency authorization to be sure any necessary medical treatment will be provided to your child timely and without lots of “red tape” in your absence.

So, to avoid those calls, I have attached my emergency medical authorization form to this article.

Download: .pdf version | HTML version

Try to relax and enjoy the time away from the kids. Happy travels!

Need Assistance? We are here to help.

Robert L. Mues

Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he is the managing partner of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues. To learn more about him or

Blast From The Past: Dissolution: Out with the Old, in with the New?

PUBLISHERS NOTE: Here is one of my favorites posts about Ohio dissolution proceedings from back on October 22nd, 2016! The advice rings as true now as it did thenWe have a ton of interesting articles in our archives of the Ohio Family Law Blog. Use our Search tool and enjoy a few oldie but goodies!

Marriage Over and Thinking Divorce? Important Information About Ohio Dissolution Proceedings

Do you and your spouse BOTH recognize that your marriage is emotionally and all but officially over? Have you been procrastinating moving forward with dissolution and terminating your marriage? Not a pleasant decision, but sometimes a necessary one. Well, there is still time to accomplish and complete that objective around the first of the year.

Ohio Law permits the filing of both divorce and dissolution actions. Before filing you really should know the basic differences. The primary distinction between divorce and dissolution is the amicable nature with fully agreed upon terms in a dissolution proceeding. In dissolution, both parties must agree to every aspect and term in the final agreement, down to the last penny. Various pleadings are prepared and signed by both parties and submitted to the Court for approval. To be … Read More... “Blast From The Past: Dissolution: Out with the Old, in with the New?”

Navigating Health Insurance During a Divorce in Ohio

What Ohio divorce health insurance options are available?

Securing Your Future: Ohio Divorce Health Insurance Options to Consider

Going through a divorce comes with many challenges, and it’s easy to overlook some important details amidst the emotional and legal complexities. One critical factor that often gets sidelined is health insurance. Understanding how your health insurance will be affected by the divorce is important, as it plays a significant role in your financial stability and well-being during and after the process.

Coverage During Divorce

Pursuant to Section 3105.71 of the Ohio Revised Code, during divorce proceedings, if you are covered by your spouse’s health insurance plan, then your coverage typically remains in effect until the end of the month in which the divorce is finalized. This provision is one of the Ohio divorce health insurance options that can offer peace of mind during a tumultuous time. Confirm the details of your policy, and any relevant court orders, as this will impact your coverage.

COBRA Coverage for Non-Insured Spouses

If you are a non-insured spouse relying on your partner’s employer-provided coverage, COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) may offer a temporary solution. COBRA allows certain employees, retirees, and family … Read More... “Navigating Health Insurance During a Divorce in Ohio”

Updates on “Castle Child” Legislation in Ohio

Ohio Castle Child Legislation Updates for disabled adult child support rights

Defining “Castle Child” Status in Ohio Castle Child Legislation Updates

Key Changes in Ohio Castle Child Legislation Updates for Families with Disabled Adult Children

Brief Background:

40+ years ago I had the pleasure to become acquainted with Julie Castle, her Mother Carla and Uncle Charlie. Julie was was nearly 14 years old when her parents Carla and Don were divorced in 1977. Mom received custody and Father, a tool maker, chose to have little contact with Julie, in part because she was mentally and physically disabled and could be difficult to control. Julie received Supplemental Social Security income benefits and very minimal child support from her Father.

I got to know Julie and started representing her Mother when Father sought to terminate his support obligation as Julie approached 18, even though cognitively Julie was similar to a 5 or 6 year old and totally unable to ever take care of herself. That arduous litigation took us through the Montgomery County Domestic Relations Court several times, the Court of Appeals and finally the Ohio Supreme Court in the summer of 1984. In Ohio at that time, there was a common law duty for parents to support a disabled child.

Most Courts … Read More... “Updates on “Castle Child” Legislation in Ohio”

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