Ohio Family Law Blog

Ending Your Marriage? How Alternative Dispute Resolution in Divorce Might Help

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Divorcing couples are increasingly turning to Alternative Dispute Resolution in divorce to avoid the stress and cost of litigation.

Three Proven Ways to End a Marriage Without Going to Court

Most people expect a divorce to be like a courtroom drama movie with intense arguments and conflict in front of a judge. Many people are opting to remove this drama and amicably settle divorces outside of the courtroom.

There are three main types of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods to resolve disputes without the traditional litigation battles. They are mediation, collaborative divorce and the hybrid approach (a combination of both). Each ADR method has its own strengths. The right one for you depends on your situation, your goals, and your relationship with your spouse. Each method of Alternative Dispute Resolution in divorce offers unique benefits depending on your needs.

MEDIATION:

What is Mediation in Alternative Dispute Resolution?

Mediation is utilizing a neutral third party (a Mediator) to help communicate, identify issues, and reach agreements. The Mediator will not make any decisions or take sides but facilitates and fosters productive conversations. Private mediations will be less formal and … Read More... “Ending Your Marriage? How Alternative Dispute Resolution in Divorce Might Help”

Did Your Ex-Spouse Take the Easter baskets? resurrection after the crucifixion of divorce…

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10 Steps Toward Emotional Healing After Divorce

PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

If you’re struggling with emotional healing after divorce, you are not alone. Often that paralysis is largely due to the trauma resulting from a high conflict and expensive legal brawl in divorce Court. I have seen the harm that the “win at all cost” attitude causes.

The first of this year, I formed MuesLaw to try to assist folks wanting to end their marriage to first consider the use of a more holistic collaborative divorce process before jumping into divorce litigation. I have learned that using this approach can be incredibly beneficial to help individuals transition to the next chapter in their lives in a much more healthy manner.

My philosophy about utilizing a more peaceful and mindful marriage dissolution process is not a new one. Below is a blog article that I first wrote 16 years ago!

Emotional Healing After Divorce? Let Easter be your Resurrection of Life

Holidays for those that have become divorced can be very difficult times. Easter is no exception. Have old memories of good times and happiness morphed into feelings of anger, … Read More... “Did Your Ex-Spouse Take the Easter baskets? resurrection after the crucifixion of divorce…”

Blast From The Past: In Camera Interviews of Children in Divorce Court

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An in camera interview in child custody cases allows a judge to privately speak with a child to better understand their needs without parental pressure.

In Camera Interview during Child Custody Cases: What Judges Are Really Listening for in These Private Talks

What is an in camera interview? The phrase “in camera” is a Latin term defined in Black’s Law Dictionary as: “In chambers; in private.” The interview does not involve a camera or a videotape at all! If a party is asking for the Court to have an in camera interview of a minor child, the request is for the Judge or Magistrate to interview the minor child privately with neither parent or his/her attorney being present. An Appellate Court in Michigan said it very well years ago . . .

“A child custody determination is much more difficult and subtle than an arithmetical computation of factors. It is one of the most demanding undertakings of a trial judge, one in which he must not only listen to what is said to him and observe all that happens before him, but a task requiring him … Read More... “Blast From The Past: In Camera Interviews of Children in Divorce Court”

Did You Know That April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month?

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What Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month?

TThe month of April is recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Every child has the right to grow up in a nurturing, safe environment where they feel safe, protected and valued. Sadly, this is not the reality for many children. In fact, the Children’s Bureau Maltreatment Report in 2023, reports that millions of estimated referrals of child abuse and or neglect were made nationally.

Child Abuse Prevention Month was established by President Ronald Reagan and his administration in 1983 in an effort to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect. Since 1983, the Children’s Bureau as well as other child welfare organizations have continued to spearhead this initiative to promote April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Their mission being to advocate for stronger child protection policies and to educate communities about what child abuse is and what they can do to prevent abuse and neglect.

Abuse Comes in Many Forms, Including:

Physical abuse: kicking, hitting, shaking, slapping, burning a child, or not allowing a child to use the bathroom, eat or drink.
Sexual Abuse: Inappropriate touching, incest, rape,

The Importance of Establishing a Budget When Your Marriage Ends!

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💰 Take Control: Master Post-Divorce Budgeting for a Stress-Free Future

The end of marriage is extremely difficult and for most people it creates anxiety about their financial future. Post-divorce budgeting is essential to ensure stability and reduce stress. It is important to plan for your future and have realistic financial expectations. Creating a budget is one of the most important things to do post-separation. The word budget can be a daunting word but there are so many resources that are available to you.

How to Create Your Post-Divorce Budget

Creating a budget can seem like an impossible task but it can be easier than you think. The best way to start creating your budget is to use this formula:

Monthly Income – Monthly Expenses = Monthly Surplus

Your monthly income includes things like salary, tips, and any other earned income. It also includes alimony and child support, along with any unearned income like interest from dividends and stocks or any other unearned income like social security payments. This should be the easiest thing to place on the budget. You should readily be able to see past paychecks … Read More... “The Importance of Establishing a Budget When Your Marriage Ends!”

If You are Ending Your Marriage and have Children, why a Collaborative Divorce Might Be the Best Route to Go!

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If you are ending your marriage and have children, a collaborative divorce with children may be the best way to minimize stress and conflict

Terminating a marriage is always difficult from many perspectives. The typical notion of “winning” the battle deserves reflection. What is the real end goal? Is it to end up with more of the assets? Is it, paying less spousal support or child support? Or is it to arrive at a “fair” result while trying your best to maintain healthy relationships on your family members while reducing emotional stress all around? “Uncoupling” is never easy. Research shows that it can be especially difficult for children. This is why many parents are turning to a collaborative divorce with children, as it prioritizes their well-being while minimizing conflict.

As a result of my 40+ years of practicing divorce litigation, I would submit that utilizing a more collaborative approach to unwinding a marriage can greatly improve the emotional health of the parties, especially when kids are involved.

Strips Away Control

A more traditional divorce proceeding, involving litigation and the ensuing battles inherent in that process, strips control … Read More... “If You are Ending Your Marriage and have Children, why a Collaborative Divorce Might Be the Best Route to Go!”

Name Change Restoration Process after a Divorce in Ohio

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Reclaim Your Identity: The Ultimate Guide to Name Change After Divorce in Ohio!

If you are a woman going through a name change after divorce in Ohio,, you may be thinking about reverting to your birth name, also referred to as your maiden name. Or perhaps you want to assume another former name such as from a previous marriage. Once you are divorced, it is not an automatic change. Also for men going through a divorce, even if you would like your ex-spouse or soon to be ex, to forgo your surname, this is not a change you can request the Court to do. It is the wife’s decision.

If a woman wishes to revert to a different surname, then it should ideally be done at the time of the final hearing. Under the Ohio Revised Code, Section 3105.16 the Court has the authority to restore a former name if that is your request. It is simple to complete by filing a Restoration of Former Name Entry then (or some Court’s allow a 30 day window to file this entry).

Once the divorce is final, and if … Read More... “Name Change Restoration Process after a Divorce in Ohio”

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