Robert L. Mues, Author at Ohio Family Law Blog

Learn From Her Mistakes: It’s Too Late for J Lo to Create a Prenuptial Agreement, But it May Not be Too Late for You!

Understanding the Importance of Prenuptial Agreements for Financial Security

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck (more affectionately known as “Bennifer”) have made headlines again, this time for filing for divorce after just two years of marriage. Despite their high-profile lives and busy careers, this was a couple that the world wanted to succeed since the early 2000s. However, this split should serve as a reminder of the importance of prenuptial agreements – especially when it comes to marriage and our finances.

The pair reportedly did not have a prenuptial agreement in place, which means that under California law, any assets that they have acquired during their marriage will be split between them, including their $68,000,000 mansion, and any income earned during the past two years. As of this year, Lopez’s net worth was estimated to be $400 million, substantial compared to Affleck’s $150 million. Although J Lo’s divorce petition listed the couple’s assets as “unknown,” it is clear that this will be a huge amount to be addressed by the courts.

However, this uncertainty could have been avoided if the pair had recognized the importance of prenuptial agreements and utilized proactive estate planning, such as executing a prenuptial agreement. A prenup … Read More... “Learn From Her Mistakes: It’s Too Late for J Lo to Create a Prenuptial Agreement, But it May Not be Too Late for You!”

Blast From The Past: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Resources Are Crucial

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month resources — a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. It is hoped that this initiative will help to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. The goal of the various suicide prevention organizations is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

Here are some alarming statistics:

Individual Impact:

79% of all people who die by suicide are male.
Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 in the U.S.
Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition – but research shows that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

Community Impact:

Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
- 4.9% of all adults
- 11.3% of young

What is a Separation Agreement? Why is it Important in an Ohio Dissolution?

Why an Ohio Separation Agreement for Dissolution is Crucial in Ending a Marriage

For many, ending a marriage is a time filled with uncertainty. Nearly all aspects of a family’s life will change, including their finances, child care and custody, and living situations. In Ohio, other than by an annulment, there are two ways to terminate marriages: by dissolution and by divorce. Divorces frequently require a significant amount of judicial intervention, which may not be preferable for spouses who are able to agree to terms of their separation without the need for a third party to make decisions for them. Dissolution is a more amicable alternative to divorce in which spouses both agree to ALL of the terms of their Ohio separation agreement for dissolution, terminating the marriage.

Dissolution is a process which allows the spouses to maintain a substantial amount of control over their situation. However, prior to obtaining a dissolution in Ohio, spouses must prepare and execute an Ohio separation agreement for dissolution, in which they set forth mutually agreed-upon terms regarding the ending of their marriage. This is essentially a legally binding agreement, in which they allocate all liabilities and assets. There are several key components that … Read More... “What is a Separation Agreement? Why is it Important in an Ohio Dissolution?”

Dayton’s Mediation Response Unit Continues to Expand its Services to Assist in Reducing Conflicts. Might They be of Help in a Situation You are Experiencing?

The Impact and Expansion of the Dayton Mediation Response Unit

I want to share an update about a unique City of Dayton program Launched in May 2022. The Dayton Mediation Response Unit (MRU) is a first-of-its-kind program in the United States that sends two-person teams of mediation specialists instead of police officers to certain kinds of calls for service.

The Dayton Mediation Response Unit helps people who are struggling to communicate in productive ways and who need help figuring out potential ways to address their concerns. These unarmed mediation specialists, well trained in addressing conflict, make up the service teams. When they arrive on scene, they separate the parties and listen to understand the situation. The mediation program uses a “transformative” approach meant to help people in conflict address conflict together and on their own.

Dayton Mediation Response Unit Supervision of Parent Visitation Exchanges

Click here to a link to the article I posted here on May 5, 2023. The focus of that blog dealt with Dayton Mediation Response Unit members supervising parent visitation exchanges.

Parents can call the MRU directly at 937-333-2333 and request child exchanges during the hours of 9:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday or callers can … Read More... “Dayton’s Mediation Response Unit Continues to Expand its Services to Assist in Reducing Conflicts. Might They be of Help in a Situation You are Experiencing?”

Are There Advantages in Ohio to Filing First for a Divorce?

filing of the divorce complaint retraining orders

Why should I file first in a Divorce Complaint? Here are the key advantages of filing first for divorce in Ohio.

PUBLISHERS UPDATE: Here is one of my favorites posts from back on December 16th, 2019! The advice rings as true now as it did then. 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!

Several Strategic Reasons Why Filing of the Divorce Complaint First in Ohio Makes Prudent Sense

Unfortunately, you have concluded that your marriage needs to come to an end. Now it is time to put on your “business hat” and plan how to accomplish that result. When feasible, a dissolution proceeding is the best vehicle to accomplish the termination of an Ohio marriage. However that approach takes a full agreement in advance of filing by both parties on ALL issues and obviously cooperation. Let’s discuss how to proceed if that isn’t in the cards.

Advantages of Filing First for Divorce in Ohio: Divorce Complaint Filings:

There are some reasons to consider being the first to file the complaint for divorce in Ohio.

To file for divorce in … Read More... “Are There Advantages in Ohio to Filing First for a Divorce?”

Blast From The Past: School Year Preparations For Child And Parent

Parents discussing back to school tips for divorced parents to help their child have a successful school year.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This blog is as meaningful today as it was when we originally posted it on August 9, 2014! These back to school tips for divorced parents remain relevant and helpful. 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!

How To Prepare For A Successful School Experience – 10 Practical Back to School Tips for Divorced Parents

School is right around the corner for many children and their parents. This time of the year, while always somewhat stressful for children, can bring even more anxious unknowns for a child when their parents are separated. Regardless of your relationship with your former spouse, there are some essential back to school tips for divorced parents to ensure your children, and their teachers, are prepared for the coming year.

The first thing to remember is even if you’re not on good terms with your spouse, you must respect them as a mother and a father. Being able to set aside marital differences to ensure your child has a smooth and educational start to the school year is essential as a parent. Below are … Read More... “Blast From The Past: School Year Preparations For Child And Parent”

Understanding Jurisdiction for a Divorce in Ohio

Understanding Ohio Divorce Jurisdiction Requirements and Divorce Basics

Understanding the legal context in which a divorce takes place is crucial for people going through this process. An important piece of this context is jurisdiction – the authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Each state has specific rules that govern which courts have the authority to hear cases involving divorce, dissolution, spousal support, child support, and child custody. In Ohio, residency is a key factor in determining Ohio divorce jurisdiction requirements.

Ohio Divorce Jurisdiction Requirements and Residency Rules in Ohio

To file for divorce in Ohio, at least one spouse must meet the Ohio divorce jurisdiction requirements. One or both of the spouses must have lived in Ohio for at least six months prior to filing for divorce. Additionally, one or both of the spouses must have lived in the county where they file for divorce for at least 90 days prior to filing. Click here to read Ohio Rule of Civil Procedure 3(C)(9). Filing in the right county ensures that the legal proceedings are conducted properly and efficiently under Ohio divorce jurisdiction requirements.

What If I Haven’t Lived in Ohio for Six Months?

As indicated above, … Read More... “Understanding Jurisdiction for a Divorce in Ohio”

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