Counceling Archives - Ohio Family Law Blog

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: Are Divorce Lawyers Just “Love Undertakers”? [A Rebuttal]

Blast from the past 13 years Ohio Family Law Blog

Should Divorce Lawyers Engage In Mental Health?

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This blog is as meaningful today as it was when we originally posted it on May 11, 2019! 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 Lawyers Should Not Assist Clients With Mental Health Issues Says NYC Attorney

A well respected New York City divorce lawyer by the name of Val Kleyman recently sent out a newswire to divorce lawyers warning them “to be careful not to cross over into the role of personal therapist for clients. This is a common problem that does not get enough attention” Attorney Kleyman said. He added, “helping someone deal with their emotions, feelings and mental health is a very serious undertaking and must only be done by professionals who are trained and experienced doing this.”

While I agree with most of that, here is the point he made that hit me hard. “Divorce lawyers are the love undertakers. Unlike marriage counselors and therapists whose job it is to save relationships and help people heal, our job is to bury dead marriages quickly and efficiently … Read More... “Blast From The Past: Are Divorce Lawyers Just “Love Undertakers”? [A Rebuttal]”

Having Trouble Co-Parenting? Consider Co-Parent Therapy or Counseling?

Consider Co-Parenting Counseling When Sharing Parenting Responsibilies Become Difficult With Your Former Spouse

Recently I posted an article on the blog discussing co-parenting and parallel parenting arrangements. Perhaps you and your ex have decided on a co-parenting arrangement. If you are finding it difficult to do so and the children are suffering from the conflicts between you and your ex, then it might be wise to seek co-parenting counseling.

When parents decide to share parenting time, there are an awful lot of things to consider and coordinate in order to make it a successful arrangement for all. The number one priority is, or should be, the kids. The two parties may find it difficult just being in the same room together, but it is imperative that they put aside the animosity they might feel for one another and focus on the children. When co-parenting there is much to consider. Kids need to do a lot of things such as go to school, attend extra-curricular activities, visit with friends, go on trips, etc. They need a lot of “things” too, such as school supplies, clothes, sports equipment, toys, nutritious food, doctor and dental care, etc., etc.

As a parent, … Read More... “Having Trouble Co-Parenting? Consider Co-Parent Therapy or Counseling?”

How Does a Trial Separation Work?

trial separation legal separations counseling experienced divorce lawyer

Trial Separation In Ohio Explained. Seek Experienced Divorce Lawyer For Input And Counseling Tips

Several weeks ago, I explained the characteristics of what a legal separation is in Ohio. Click here to read that post. Today, I will share some of my thoughts about a “trial separation” – which is an informal agreement for 2 people to live apart. Essentially, it is an experiment in living apart. During this time the parties of course remain married, but live apart. A party may move back home, in with a friend, or rent an apartment.

This arrangement is typically done for one or both parties to have space apart to evaluate their feelings towards each other, their long term goals and overall compatibility. In addition, many parties may choose to separate before filing for a legal separation or a divorce. Some parties agree up front to a time period for the separation, while others don’t. I have seen trial separations that last from hours to ones that last for years.

Can Trial Separations Involve A Court Order?

Trial separations typically do not involve a Court Order. A written separation agreement is not mandated under Ohio law but having one may be smart. … Read More... “How Does a Trial Separation Work?”

Are You and Your Spouse Continually Fighting Over Money?

financial counseling financial therapy money issues

Financial Counseling Could Save Your Marriage

Fighting Over Money Issues Can Lead To Divorce According To Studies. Is Financial Counseling The Answer?

Many couples tend to argue and fight over money and other financial issues. According to many studies, fighting over money issues is one of the top 3 reasons couples end up divorcing. Those arguments can be about a myriad of “money” issues including:

Spending and Savings habits
Whose money is Whose?
Who is in Control?
The Value of Budgeting
Past, Present and Future Debts

Financial Counseling To The Rescue?

As a lawyer primarily focusing on divorce work for over 40 years, I can tell you that I see the “marriage casualties” everyday which excessive debt accumulation and living over one’s means can cause. Research from TD Ameritrade shows that people would rather discuss sex, politics (and about everything else), before money and financial issues. Even when the couples have gone through pre-marriage counseling, money issues can swamp the parties often causing divorce. So, what do you do if you find yourself in this situation?

Recently, I have noticed a fairly new trend to offer folks financial therapy or counseling. Have you heard of the Financial Therapy Association (FTA)? … Read More... “Are You and Your Spouse Continually Fighting Over Money?”

Update Flash: Looking for Therapists in Southwest Ohio Experienced in High Conflict Divorce/Custody Matters?

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Five years ago, we posted an article about the The Counseling and Cooperative Parenting Center of Ohio, LLC, also known as “CCPC – Ohio”. It seemed long overdue that we post an update on this wonderful resource for families with children having been involved in a high conflict divorce case. Click here, to read our initial article about this Center from April 12, 2014. Brenda Patton, the owner and director of the Center, was kind enough to provide me an interview to discuss the evolution of CCPC. Southwest Ohio is certainly fortunate to have this resource!

SO, WHAT IS A HIGH CONFLICT DIVORCE CASE?

Ms. Patton defined it as being cases that have a “revolving door” relationship with the Domestic Relations Courts. They are the cases that are never resolved or settled. Months and/or years after divorce has been finalized, the parties are still returning to Court to resolve unsettled issues relating to support, visitation, selection of schools, selection of treating physicians, payment of medical expenses, payment of extracurricular expenses, etc.

These cases often involve multiple motions to find one party to be in contempt of court for failure to abide by the terms of the original … Read More... “Update Flash: Looking for Therapists in Southwest Ohio Experienced in High Conflict Divorce/Custody Matters?”

Are Divorce Lawyers Just “Love Undertakers”? [A Rebuttal]

Divorce Lawyers Should Not Assist Clients With Mental Health Issues Says NYC Attorney

While I agree with most of that, here is the point he made that hit me hard. “Divorce lawyers are the love undertakers. Unlike marriage counselors and therapists whose job it is to save relationships and help people heal, our job is to bury dead marriages quickly and efficiently before their toxicity spreads any further,” says Kleyman.

WOW, I have to disagree with Attorney Kleyman a bit on this one. This seems far too limited of a view of our role as a divorce lawyer in my opinion. I have been practicing family law and divorce work in Dayton, Ohio for 40 years. … Read More... “Are Divorce Lawyers Just “Love Undertakers”? [A Rebuttal]”

Page 1 of 2

1 2

« Previous