Blast From The Past: What is a Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement and What is Its Purpose?

Blast from the past 13 years Ohio Family Law Blog

PUBLISHER’S UPDATE: Here is one of my favorite posts about the definition of a Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement and it’s purpose, from August 8, 2020! 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!

Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement

Divorce Lawyers Require A Retainer Fee On Start Of Your Legal Representation

retainer fee divorce lawyersSo, unfortunately you find yourself meeting with a divorce lawyer to discuss terminating your marriage. The conference goes well and after careful consideration you decide to hire the lawyer.

HOW DO DIVORCE LAWYERS CHARGE?

When the subject of fees and the attorney’s hourly rate comes up, you will likely hear the request for a “retainer fee“. Most all divorce lawyers  will require a retainer fee  at the inception of accepting your legal representation. Some, on the other hand will instead request a fixed fee amount rather than one based upon the amount of time and services provided. Fixed fee divorce representation is rare these days, in part because it is impossible to really gauge the number of hours which will be required, contested issues, or the level of … Read More... “Blast From The Past: What is a Divorce Retainer Fee Agreement and What is Its Purpose?”

Here are Some of the Worst Things that You Can Do After a Divorce!

post divorce checklist tips

Important “Don’t Dos” Post-Divorce Checklist Could Be Crucial In Healing From Painful Divorce Proceedings

Should you use a Post-Divorce Checklist? How about Tips to Avoid!

post divorce checklistTypically going through a divorce is a “bad” experience. Often times these are very long painful proceedings. A couple of years ago I posted a blog article titled “A Post-Divorce Checklist“. Here is a link to that article. Below is the flip-side to that post!

Here are 8 “Don’t Dos Post-Divorce.”

  1. DON’T EXPECT YOUR EX TO BE REASONABLE

    If your Ex was not reasonable during the divorce, it is likely that his/her “reasonableness” level won’t have changed after the divorce is finalized! So, that means to plan accordingly. Try to plan way ahead so you can get your divorce lawyer involved if necessary. But always do your best to maintain a positive relationship with your Ex after the divorce.

  2. DON’T TRY TO GET EVEN WITH YOUR EX

    No matter how miserably you were treated during your marriage, never try to retaliate after the case is over! It likely will come back to bite you! I can share many many stories of former clients who thought that when the case was over that they

… Read More... “Here are Some of the Worst Things that You Can Do After a Divorce!”

Has Your Ohio Driver’s License Been Suspended in Montgomery County Because Of Missed Child Support Payments? If So, Read this!

Alert Key Legal Update

August is Child Support Awareness Month

child support parents reinstatement programParents in Montgomery County who have had their drivers privileges suspended for not paying child support can take advantage of a special reinstatement program that is being offered during the month of August. August is Child Support Awareness Month, and the Montgomery County Child Support Enforcement Agency is giving parents with suspended licenses an opportunity to have the suspension lifted if the parent pays one month of back support. Usually in order to get the suspension lifted, the parent has to pay 3 months.

During the pandemic, many parents had financial difficulties and fell behind in making payments. Sarah Fields, Montgomery County ‘s Assistant Director for Child Support says, “We know parents want to support their children but may need help figuring out a repayment plan that works for everyone involved. This reinstatement opportunity reopens the lines of communications between CSEA and parents and allow us to work together to find solutions for their children. ” It is not debt forgiveness, but it is an opportunity for parents to get back on track.

The CSEA also offers parents services like co-parenting resources such as mediation, and employment resources. Parents taking advantage of this reinstatement … Read More... “Has Your Ohio Driver’s License Been Suspended in Montgomery County Because Of Missed Child Support Payments? If So, Read this!”

Do Men or Women Typically Initiate a Divorce First?

women initiate divorce

Statistics say 70% of marriages in the US that end in termination are initiated by women, but what do the experts really say?

women initiate divorceWhen a couple decides to marry, they usually think their marriage will last until “death do us part”. Sadly though, that is often not the case. In the United States, roughly half of marriages end in divorce. Terminating a marriage is usually not something couples take lightly, and while it may be a mutual decision, the statistics show there is a clear pattern as to who makes the initial call. In the US, it is estimated that 70% of marriages that end in divorce are initiated by women. That figure rises to 90% when the woman is college educated.

So why is it that women are more likely to choose to proceed with a divorce than men? Heidi Kar, who is a licensed clinical psychologist and international mental health expert for the Education Development Center in New York sites that it is not a coincidence that the rise of divorce initiated by women coincides with women’s liberation. Kar says “Across cultures and geographies, women who are economically able to take care of themselves – which usually … Read More... “Do Men or Women Typically Initiate a Divorce First?”

Divorced? Are You Eligible to Collect Social Security Benefits off Your Ex’s Record?

social security benefits divorce retirement benefits

Divorced Spouse Can Collect Social Security Benefits Under Certain Conditions

A Divorced Spouse May Be Eligible For Social Security Benefits Once They Hit Retirement Age

social security benefits divorce retirement benefitsTypically, when a divorce is settled, so are the marital assets. Yet, not a lot of people know that as you reach retirement age, there may be one more benefit you can collect from your divorce.

In a MassMutual poll conducted in 2021, 30% of individuals didn’t know that a divorced person may potentially collect social security benefits on their ex-spouse, once they hit retirement age.

Back in May of 2016, we discussed Social Security benefits  after the divorce is finalized in our post, “Social Security Benefits Can Be Maximized Post Final Divorce Decree“, but with divorce rates highest among those ages 55-64, according to the US Census Bureau, it’s a good topic to revisit and reiterate, especially if you’re nearing retirement age.

Now in order to qualify for the divorced spouse Social Security Benefits, there are a few conditions that ”must” be met:

  • Your marriage lasted 10 or more years; and
  • You are at least 62 years and not remarried; and
  • Your ex-spouse is eligible for Social
… Read More... “Divorced? Are You Eligible to Collect Social Security Benefits off Your Ex’s Record?”

Blast From The Past: The Value and Benefits of Signing a Consent Agreement in an Ohio Domestic Violence Case

Blast from the past 13 years Ohio Family Law Blog

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This blog about Consent Agreement is as meaningful today as it was when we originally posted it on November 11, 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!

What is a Consent Agreement in a Civil Protection Order (CPO)?

consent agreement domestic violence protection orderA Consent agreement in a civil protection order occurs when the parties agree upon the terms of the protection order. If the parties are able to agree upon the terms of the protection order , then there is no need for a finding of domestic violence nor is there a place in the Consent Agreement form to include a finding of facts. In a Consent Agreement , the accused is not admitting or denying that an act of violence ever occurred. The accused is simply agreeing to follow the terms of the civil protection order. Typically, one of those terms is that the respondent agrees to stay away from the petitioner.

What are the advantages of signing a Consent Agreement?

There are many benefits to signing a Consent Agreement.

For the Respondent, signing a Consent Agreement could be … Read More... “Blast From The Past: The Value and Benefits of Signing a Consent Agreement in an Ohio Domestic Violence Case”

June is Men’s Health Month – Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Health During a Divorce!

men's health month divorce

Should You Make Your Health A Priority After A Difficult Divorce?

Men's Health Month divorceDid you know that June is Men’s Health Month? During a difficult separation and divorce, men often do not make their health a priority, however they should. Here are some ideas on how to do that.

Be sure to get enough exercise. It doesn’t mean you have to take out an expensive gym membership. If you do have a gym membership and enjoy it, by all means go. If the gym isn’t your thing there are lots of ways to incorporate exercise into you daily routine. Playing with your kids at the park, going for a walk, doing jumping jacks or push ups, taking the stairs instead of the elevator are just some simple ways to incorporate exercise. Any type of movement will help both your body and mind. Just get moving!

Definitely pay attention to what you are eating. It is easy to resort to fast food because you are busy and it is quick, but try to limit how often you do this. Be mindful of what you are eating, and try not to eat to attempt to relieve stress or frustration which can be at … Read More... “June is Men’s Health Month – Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Health During a Divorce!”

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