Robert L. Mues, Author at Ohio Family Law Blog

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”

On the Fence About Divorcing or Staying Married? Discernment Counseling Might be Your Answer

Discernment counseling for couples considering divorce provides clarity and guidance on whether to end the marriage or work on reconciliation.

Understanding Discernment Counseling for Couples Considering Divorce

When a couple is having marital problems, counseling is often one of the first steps they take. However, if you are one of those couples with a “mixed agenda”, meaning one partner is leaning towards wanting a divorce while the other is wishing to stay married, then discernment counseling might be a route to try. For those not familiar with it, discernment counseling is a type of couples therapy for those who need guidance to see whether or not to terminate the marriage.

It is designed to help a couple examine their options and help them to figure out the best path to continue, whether it be it separation, reconciliation, or a divorce. It helps a couple to develop both clarity and perspective about whether divorce is right before actually going down that road.

Dr. William Doherty, a professor of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota, pioneered the discernment counseling model in 2008. He worked closely with a group of divorce lawyers and a family court judge to better understand the … Read More... “On the Fence About Divorcing or Staying Married? Discernment Counseling Might be Your Answer”

Blast From The Past: Child Visitation Exchanges – Tips to Avoid Problems!

PUBLISHERS UPDATE: Here is one of my favorites posts about child visitation exchanges, from back on June 13th, 2020! 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!

Visitation Exchanges. Do this to Avoid Friction with your Ex!

Visitation exchanges and custody exchanges can be uncomfortable and sometimes downright combative depending upon the relationship between the parents. They can also be stressful to your child as well. The overall objective needs to be to keep things civil and reduce friction all the way around.

Here are some common-sense tips of what to do, or not do in visitation exchanges:

Coordinate Drop Off/Pick Up Location: In high conflict cases, the less you have to interact with your Ex the better. One common approach is agreeing upon making the switch at school, a daycare center, babysitters or friend’s house. Other options are at a public place such as a park or restaurant. In extreme situations, some folks will make the exchange outside the local police department. You need to figure a spot that is

LEGAL ALERT: New Proposed Ohio Law Would Allow Military Families to Choose Schools for Their Children

What does the new Ohio Senate Bill 208 military school choice mean for Military families?

Impact of Ohio Senate Bill 208 Military School Choice on Military Families

Reflecting on the recent Memorial Day holiday and thinking about how much our military families have sacrificed and continue to do so, I wanted to draw attention to Senate Bill 208 which was passed by the Ohio Senate on May 22, 2024. State Sen. Kristina Roegner, R-Hudson is credited with being the primary sponsor of the bill and says that it was brought to her attention as an issue of great importance by the Department of Defense.

“Military families are at a disadvantage when it comes to enrollment options available to their children, due to the timing of military directed moves,” said Shane Preston, Great Lakes Region Liaison for the U.S. Department of Defense, in written testimony. “Military families move frequently and change school systems upwards of 10 times prior to graduation.”

Key Provisions of the new proposed Ohio Senate Bill

Ohio Senate Bill 208 military school choice allows military personnel the opportunity to enroll their children in almost any Ohio public school regardless of the district they live in. Ohio law … Read More... “LEGAL ALERT: New Proposed Ohio Law Would Allow Military Families to Choose Schools for Their Children”

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