Would You Recognize This as Abusive Behavior?

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When we hear “abusive behavior” we often think of physical violence. Abusive behavior is not always physical. Even though there may be no visible wounds, abusive behavior can be very damaging to the individual, the relationship and the family. Consider if these abusive behaviors are present in your own relationship.

  • Criticizing you, your friends, family, job, or anyone or anything important to you. 
  • Blaming you for everything.
  • Making fun of you in front of other people. This includes remarks about your looks, family, job, or sex.
  • Demanding that you account for all your time.
  • Listening in on your phone conversations.
  • Reading your mail or e-mail.
  • Isolating you from your friends and family.
  • Yelling, throwing things, slamming the counter, slamming doors, punching walls.
  • Using sarcasm.
  • Ordering you about.
  • Controlling or limiting your access to money.
  • Discussing you behind your back.
  • Demanding s/he have everything done her/his way.
  • Controlling what you wear.
  • Forcing you to have sex or to do sexual things you are not comfortable doing.

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Some women have commented, “Well, he does some of those things, but don’t all men?” No, not all men behave this way! … Read More... “Would You Recognize This as Abusive Behavior?”

The UK Mourns the Passing of “Big George” Webley

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bg_pass.jpgI was saddened to learn that George Webley, the host of the weeknight program on BBC London 94.9, died on May 7, 2011, at age 53. BBC London 94.9 Editor David Robey said, “Big George lived up to his name in every sense, a larger than life character with a radio personality to match. He was a truly distinctive broadcaster who will be terribly missed by his many devoted listeners and his colleagues.” He also had a long career as a musician and composed TV theme tunes, including “Have I Got News For You.”

I personally had the pleasure to appear as his guest on his show in July of 2009. As an American divorce lawyer, I was asked to share my perspective about the use of prenuptial agreements in the United States in light of a recent ruling that legalized their use in England. It was truly a fun experience for me to chat with “Big George.” His sense of humor was wickedly funny and his charisma apparent! Here is a link to  the video of a late-night vigil after his death near the BBC studios, … Read More... “The UK Mourns the Passing of “Big George” Webley”

Why Preparing Clients For Deposition Is Like Making Pancakes

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pancake.jpgWhat is the one HUGE secret for making fluffy pancakes that rise like they should, as opposed to those paper thin, dense duds devoid of any texture or sponginess? And, by the way, as a long time weekend pancake slinger, this secret applies to homemade recipes (my usual choice) all the way down to the instant “just add water” mixes.

The secret? Don’t overwork the batter and DO NOT stir the lumps out of the mix. Simply add enough liquid (per whatever directions you’re following) to dissolve the dry batter and gently fold the liquid in. Within a few seconds, you’ll have enough consistency to be able to spoon or ladle a lump-filled blob of batter onto your griddle or into your pan. And then watch them slowly puff up and rise, in airy like, glorious fashion.

Not too long ago, I came to the conclusion that preparing our clients for deposition is a lot like making pancakes. We hit clients with all these pre-deposition rules like “don’t guess,” “don’t ramble,” “answer only the question you’re asked and don’t volunteer anything,” etc. I could go on and … Read More... “Why Preparing Clients For Deposition Is Like Making Pancakes”

My Husband Committed Adultery, Humiliated Me, and Embarrassed Me in Our Community…Why Don’t I Get More Than 50% of the Assets? It’s Not Fair!

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divide_assets.jpgHow many times have we heard those comments and criticisms from our clients and their family members?  In many of my initial interviews with potential clients and their family members, I get the distinct impression that they believe the errant Husbands should be “tarred and feathered,” put in stocks in the village square so that raw eggs and tomatoes could be thrown at them, or sentenced to hard labor in a coal mine in Siberia!  I try to gently break the news that those things are not going to happen in the State of Ohio.

Our state is a “no fault” state …which essentially means that the Court does not care why the marriage is being terminated.  Therefore, the Court does not assign blame to Husband or to Wife.  Neither party is “punished” by the Court for any transgression that might have occurred during the marriage.  “No Fault Divorce” has been defined as follows: “A marriage/dissolution system whereby a divorce or dissolution is granted without the necessity of proving one of the parties is guilty of marital misconduct.”

Essentially, I can assert that Husband has been guilty … Read More... “My Husband Committed Adultery, Humiliated Me, and Embarrassed Me in Our Community…Why Don’t I Get More Than 50% of the Assets? It’s Not Fair!”

Before You Start Swinging…Call the Dayton Mediation Center!

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bad_neighbor.jpgHave you ever had a dispute with that grumpy neighbor next door or across the hall to the point that the two of you were ready to exchange words…or blows?  Ever have a dispute with a shady landlord who was trying to evict you for no good reason? Have you ever had intense disagreements with your family members over when or where to send one of your elderly parents after it became just too hard to provide proper care for that parent at home anymore? If you can answer “yes“ to those or to any other stress inducing interpersonal conflict you may have, resolving that conflict at the Dayton Mediation Center is an option you may not have known was available.

As a divorce attorney who understands that many big problems can be avoided if conflict can be addressed as soon as a small situation arises, I recently visited the Dayton Mediation Center to find out exactly how they help people solve their conflicts.  Michelle Zaremba, the Director of the Center, explained their mission and what mediation is all about.  She was quick to point out that … Read More... “Before You Start Swinging…Call the Dayton Mediation Center!”

Parents Can Experience Disconnect From Children

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child_disconnect.jpgYour decision to create life was born in the unrestrained optimism that having children would help make your existence worthwhile. Perhaps you came from a wonderful family and wanted to give to others the gifts of love, compassion and happiness. Maybe your own childhood was not pleasant, and you wanted children to help make up for an upbringing that was filled more with distress than delight.

You did all the right things. You found a spouse that was not only a great person but also someone you felt would be a superb parent. You waited until you were financially secure, and prepared yourself by reading endless articles and talking with your friends.

However, when you actually did have your first child, you came to an uneasy insight that many parents feel but are reluctant to verbalize — raising children takes more work and you get less satisfaction than you anticipated.

For some parents, there is yet another dilemma. They are not emotionally connected to their child. Perhaps you rarely hear from your son in college. Maybe you feel you have absolutely nothing in common with your 8-year-old … Read More... “Parents Can Experience Disconnect From Children”

The Lawyer You Choose May be More Important Than You Think…

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chooseatt.jpgThis represents the third collaboration between Psychotherapist Donna F. Ferber, LPC, LADC, and myself. We both had remarked to the other about the important role that the therapist and attorney play in a divorce proceeding. Donna suggested that we both write about our perceptions on that subject. Instead of each of us writing about the merits of our own profession, we switched roles. I wrote about the importance of therapy during a divorce and Donna addressed considerations for picking a good divorce attorney. We hope this perspective provides the reader with additional information and insight regarding the need for professional support during this challenging and life-changing experience. Be sure to spend time exploring the excellent articles she has written. Her insights are terrific!  Donna, as in the past, the collaboration was a lot of fun!

Here is her article:

Most women take more time picking out a winter coat than a divorce attorney. You wouldn’t think to buy the first coat you try on and yet many hire the first lawyer they meet with!  Given that divorce costs are more in line with a new car than … Read More... “The Lawyer You Choose May be More Important Than You Think…”

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