Robert L. Mues, Author at Ohio Family Law Blog

Blast From The Past: HIPAA Authorization Form: How to Ensure You Can Help Your Adult College Kids in the Event of a Medical Emergency

PUBLISHERS UPDATE: Here is one of my favorite posts about the importance of HIPAA forms from back on December 30th, 2017! 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!

Ohio HIPAA Authorization Form

Parents spend their entire lives worrying about, and trying to protect their children. When they are younger, we try to teach them the necessary skills they will need to become a successful adult, and above all, keep them safe.

In Ohio, once a person turns 18 years old, they are no longer considered a “child” in the eyes of the law, though, for a parent, they will always be considered such. Therefore, imagine the potential nightmare that could occur if your young, adult child were to be involved in an accident leaving them incapacitated, and the medical staff informs you that they cannot give you any information due to HIPPA regulations.

Download a sample Medical Information HIPAA Release Form For Your Adult Child To Complete

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, (HIPAA) is a federal law that safeguards who can access an … Read More... “Blast From The Past: HIPAA Authorization Form: How to Ensure You Can Help Your Adult College Kids in the Event of a Medical Emergency”

Learn More About the Confidential “988” Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call Number and Their Services

Understanding the Impact of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Ohio

On July 16, 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Ohio was established. Ohio leads the nation with the number of call centers. Ohio has 19 call centers and in two years, according to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), the call centers in Ohio responded to roughly 14,000 contacts each month, and in the two years since the hotline has been established has received almost 340,000 texts, calls, and chats. Ohio 988 centers responded quickly at a rate of 25 seconds, which is better than the national average which is 36 seconds. Ohio leaders, such as Governor DeWine, wanted to make sure every Ohio resident has access to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Ohio, and they have expanded the capacity of the call centers so that all 88 counties in Ohio have access.

Overview of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Ohio

The 988 website which can be found by visiting 988lifeline.org explains what happens when someone calls the hotline and is connected to the crisis center. “A crisis center is a resource for individuals going through mental health crises. They provide mental health … Read More... “Learn More About the Confidential “988” Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call Number and Their Services”

Blast From The Past: Divorce: The Important Role Schools Can Play for Your Kids

PUBLISHERS UPDATE: Here is one of my favorites Divorce posts from back on March 16th, 2019! 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!

School Can Be Safe Place For Children Going Through Divorce Or Separation

When a couple divorces, the children are obviously affected by the change in living circumstances. All children react differently. Some may experience severe emotional responses. Others may be somewhat relieved as there is not that constant tension between their parents. In all cases however, there will a period of adjustment. Your child’s emotional and social well-being are at stake and how they are able to cope can have an impact on their learning. Parents should not overlook their children’s teachers and how the school can help make the transition and adjustment easier. Often when going through a divorce parents are overwhelmed and stressed and providing the support for their children without any help can be difficult.

During a separation and a divorce it is good to maintain as normal of a routine at home, but … Read More... “Blast From The Past: Divorce: The Important Role Schools Can Play for Your Kids”

Did You Know the Majority of Americans are Now Single? Consider These Statistics…

Recent statistics show that the majority of Americans are now single, which has significant implications for society and the family structure

From ‘I Do’ to ‘I Don’t’: Economic Shifts Behind The Majority of Americans Are Now Single

As many of you who follow my blog know, I am a self-proclaimed statistic geek. Or maybe my wife gets credit for dubbing me with that title. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reviewing the statistics as it relates to my divorce law practice.

For generations, most Americans have believed they will fall in love, get married, and raise children together. However, over the past 50 years, studies and statistics show us that is changing. The days of the nuclear family, a woman, man, and children, are no longer the norm. The most current Census Bureau report on marital status found that 49% of Americans are married, while 51% are single. Being single is defined as being separated, divorced, widowed, or never married. The percentage of single people is never married 67%, separated 3%, divorced 19%, and widowed 11%.

It is interesting to look at the age groups to see whether they have been married or remained single. Back in 1956, the median age for women … Read More... “Did You Know the Majority of Americans are Now Single? Consider These Statistics…”

Blast From The Past: How to Tell Your Children About Your Filing for Divorce

PUBLISHERS UPDATE: Here is one of my favorites posts on how to tell your children about your filing for divorce, from back on October 15th, 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!

Filing For Divorce? Break The News To Your Children With These Recommendations

Having been a divorce lawyer for over 40 years, I am asked this question frequently. I always appreciate the question. It shows appropriate concern and insight about the importance of handling this matter correctly.

My advice is to spend time reading materials from counselors and psychologists on the subject more qualified to address it. There are a ton of resources available online or books on the topic. Planning ahead is important – don’t just drop this “bomb” in an off-hand nonthought-out manner.

Here are some suggestions the professionals often recommend:

Both Parents Tell the Kids Together

While this may not be possible in many situations, it certainly is usually the best approach if you and your spouse can present a civil “united front”. That will hopefully show your children that both parents will continue to

4th Of July Family Memories: The Red Ones Are the Best!!!

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: I first posted a version of this blog way back in July of 2014. I always think about this one I wrote when I am planning a blog post for the Independence Day holiday. I have reposted it several times since, and I am doing so again but with a few new updates. I hope you also have some wonderful 4th of July family memories, or perhaps you will create an incredible one this year for you and your family! Enjoy it and please remember that “The Red Ones are the BEST!”

Family Law Attorney Chip Mues Recalls A Remarkable 4th of July Family Vacation Set In Maine

It seemed appropriate that I should write something for the family law blog geared towards the “Birthday of America “. In the past, I liked to reflect upon the holidays and tried to find some correlation between the specific holiday and my family law practice. Not always an easy task without becoming repetitive in discussing how to celebrate the day in the aftermath of a traumatic divorce. So, as I pondered possible themes, I considered offering a bit of a twist on “Independence Day “. Or, perhaps, writing a patriotic … Read More... “4th Of July Family Memories: The Red Ones Are the Best!!!”

Steps to Take to Financially Prepare for a Divorce

It goes without saying, divorce is an extremely difficult and emotional journey. It can be overwhelming and it will most likely affect and change many aspects of life including finances. Financial preparation for divorce is crucial in order to move forward in your divorce. Separating finances with two spouses can be messy. In order to do so, each partner needs to prepare in order to ensure security and stability both during the divorce proceedings and after the divorce is finalized.

There are certainly things both parties can do to financially prepare for divorce. Here are some tips for those going through this sticky situation.

Gathering Financial Documents

One of the first steps to do is to gather all financial documents, including tax returns, all accounts including savings, checking and investment accounts, pay stubs, property records (home, land, vehicles) credit card statements, debts, and any retirement account statements such as 4014K plans, IRA’s, or pensions.

This is important for each party to fully understand what they own as individual accounts as well as accounts held together. This is most definitely a daunting and time-consuming task; however it is very important in order to entangle financial ties. In addition, all this information … Read More... “Steps to Take to Financially Prepare for a Divorce”

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