Robert L. Mues, Author at Ohio Family Law Blog

Blast From The Past: The Benefits of Four Way Settlement Conferences

Blast from the past 13 years Ohio Family Law Blog

Is a Settlement Conference Worth it?

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Below is the repost of a blog from February 19, 2011 that has stood the test of time! Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) techniques have flourished over the last 10 years! With escalating litigation costs and Court delays, 4 way settlement conferences are a great tool to move a case towards resolution. Operating in “good faith” and being willing to compromise is a major key in reaching success.

Settlement Conference 101: How to Schedule, what to Expect, and how to Prepare

The topic for this Family Blog Article is one that is I like to use and one that I highly recommend to clients and to other practitioners. A four (4) way settlement conference is a meeting or conference attended by both parties (Husband and Wife) and their respective attorneys.

The meeting generally takes place at one of the attorney’s offices but it could be held at an absolutely neutral location such as the Bar Association, a local library, or a church having meeting rooms available for the public. The meetings can take place during normal business hours but can also be held during evening or weekend hours as no one from the … Read More... “Blast From The Past: The Benefits of Four Way Settlement Conferences”

Are You Curious About the Purpose for the Ohio CSEA?

What you need to know about the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) in Ohio

Clients have many questions about the purpose and role of the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) in Ohio. So, I thought that posting this blog might be helpful! I have pulled and merged useful information from various sites.

HISTORY:

Parents have a duty to support their children. The Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) was established with the Federal Government’s enactment of Child Support Enforcement and Paternity Establishment Program (CSE) in 1975 to reduce welfare expenses by collecting child support from non-custodial parents.

This program works with State and County agencies by helping locate parents, establishing legal fatherhood (paternity), establishing and enforcing fair support orders, increasing health care coverage for children, removing barriers to payment, such as referring parents to employment services, supporting healthy co-parenting relationships, supporting responsible fatherhood, and helping to prevent and reduce family violence. In Ohio, this unit is administered by the local county Department of Job and Family Services. Click here to go to the Ohio CSEA website.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CSEA:

Establishment of a Support Order

If a person does not already receive support, the

What is the Purpose of Temporary Orders in an Ohio Divorce?

Should I Request Temporary Orders In My Divorce Case? What Is Ohio Civil Rule 75 (N)?

It seems there are often questions asked about the issuing of Temporary Orders in Ohio divorces. Ohio Civil Rule 75 (N) outlines the process. (Click here to read Ohio Civil Rule 75 (N)).

Temporary Orders are intended to maintain the status quo regarding finances and the children and their care. Like the name suggests, these are Court Orders intended to remain in effect for a limited amount of time – typically during the pendency of the action or until further Court Order. A Temporary Order may be requested in the Complaint, Answer, Counterclaim, and Financial Affidavit or by separate motion.

Although these orders are “temporary” they are still Orders of the court that can be enforced. A motion for contempt can be filed for willful violations of these Court Orders.

WHAT DO TEMPORARY ORDERS USUALLY COVER?

Temporary Orders typically regulate:

Temporary Custody/Parenting Time (See ORC 3109.43 and Civil Rule 75 (N);
Temporary Spousal Support (ORC 3105.18) and Temporary Child Support (Rule 75 (N));
Payments of debts (ORC 3105.18); and
Attorney Fees.

In addition, they may deal with Guardian Ad Litem fees, expert witness … Read More... “What is the Purpose of Temporary Orders in an Ohio Divorce?”

Blast From The Past: Extracurricular Activities Can Benefit Kids!

Publisher’s Note: With the recent relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions by the CDC, life will hopefully be returning to a more “normal” status. Isn’t it great to be able to once again start thinking about school activities returning? In that vain, this was an excellent post from September 2013 about the benefits of kids participation in extracurricular activities. I found it liberating, in a way, to once again read it! Enjoy it!

Study Reveals Children Who Participate In Extracurricular Activities Are Less Likely To Dropout Than Students Who Did Not Participate

Extracurricular activities can have a significant impact on your child starting at an early age. Not only can these activities increase their capacity to advance academically, but they can create a healthy, confident young individual. Recent studies have looked into how children react when they’re put into extracurricular activities. You may find yourself believing that your child has no interest in extracurricular activities, but there are numerous activities your child could get involved in, including sports, music, book clubs, religious groups, game groups (board games and such), study groups, and countless others.

Study Results On Extracurricular Activities

In 1995, Ralph McNeal conducted a dropout percentage study to attempt to … Read More... “Blast From The Past: Extracurricular Activities Can Benefit Kids!”

Dividing Pets in a Divorce can be “Ruff”!

Pet Owners Face Difficult Decision As To Who Receives The Family Pets During Divorce

What Happens to your Pet During a Breakup or a Divorce? Should Pet Owners Agree to a “Pet-Nup?”

The breaking up of a relationship, or the termination of a marriage is obviously an anxious and difficult time. Even if the ending is mutual, it is still a time fraught with emotion. There are many things to consider depending on each couple’s situation. If the couple cohabitated, either when in a relationship or within a marriage, there may be possessions to divide up. When children are involved it of course can be overwhelming and messy to figure out all the arrangements. We most commonly think about the children being the innocent party caught in the feuding between parents, but what happens to the pet or pets? During a breakup, it can be a difficult decision as to who receives the beloved family pets.

The Use of “Pet-Nup”, Name Registration and Reciept Keeping

In the UK, there was a recent study done by Maguire Family Law. It reports that lawyers are experiencing more and more separation or divorce cases where the couples are bitterly fighting with each other … Read More... “Dividing Pets in a Divorce can be “Ruff”!”

Thinking About a Divorce? Have You Considered a Divorce Coach?

A Divorce Coach Can Help Both Pre-Divorce, During The Divorce, And Afterwards

Divorce Coach Vs. Traditional Therapists, Which One Is Right For You?

I have been a strong supporter my entire career of encouraging clients to obtain counseling as they go through the divorce process. Over the years, I have worked with various psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors and therapists. I like the positives that these professionals bring to the case and it is usually quite beneficial collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team. As their divorce lawyer, I will guide them through the maze of legal issues and “traps” as they journey through the divorce process. Depending upon the case, I will admit that the “emotional side” requires a different type of support. Recently, I have worked with several Client’s who have had “divorce coaches” assist them instead of receiving help from traditional therapists. In light of this available option, I thought I would share more about “divorce coaching”.

WHAT IS A DIVORCE COACH?

According to the American Bar Association, Divorce coaching is a “flexible, goal-oriented process designed to support, motivate, and guide people going through divorce to help them make the best possible decisions for their future, based on … Read More... “Thinking About a Divorce? Have You Considered a Divorce Coach?”

New Ohio Law – Mandatory Reporting of Animal Abuse

New Ohio Law Protects Social Workers And Veterinarians From Criminal Or Civil Liability If They Report Suspected Animal Abuse

Sadly social workers who have seen signs of what they suspect might be animal abuse, are reluctant to report it out of fear of retaliation from their client or perhaps violating their client’s privacy. Fortunately Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine has signed a bill that will attempt to change that. On April 6, 2021, Ohio House Bill 33 will take effect. It is a bill that makes it a requirement that a veterinarian or a social worker who suspects animal abuse must report it to authorities.

This law is also attempting to create a system of cross-reporting. If dog wardens or animal control officers witness animal, child or elder abuse they are mandated to report that to social services professionals. If the people that are reporting these incidents are doing so in a manner of “good faith”, they will be protected by the law making them immune from criminal or civil liability.

New Bill Would Make Animal Abuse A Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor

The bill was introduced in February of 2019 by two Republican representatives, Laura Lanese from Grove City, and Sara … Read More... “New Ohio Law – Mandatory Reporting of Animal Abuse”

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