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

Child caught between divorcing parents during custody dispute

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

Child caught between divorcing parents in camera interview child custody casesWhat 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 to discern and feel the climate and chemistry of the relationships between children … Read More... “Blast From The Past: In Camera Interviews of Children in Divorce Court”

Blast From The Past: What Are Co-Parenting and Parallel Parenting Arrangements?

parallel parenting co parenting shared parenting plan

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This blog about Parallel Parenting vs. Co-Parenting is as meaningful today as it was when we originally posted it on September 11, 2021. 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!!

Parenting Methods That May Work For You: Co-Parenting and Parallel Parenting

parallel parenting co parenting shared parenting planOhio Courts may designate 1 parent as the sole custodial parent or both as equal residential parents under a shared parenting plan. In a divorce, the statute that establishes that is R.C. § 3109.04. The best interests of the child always are the paramount consideration.

However, there are two other parenting methods in the non-legal world that are important to be aware of in order to be fully informed.

Co-Parenting:

This approach will work best for those parents who act and problem-solve together despite their differences and are no longer living with one another. Typically, these parents are operating under a shared parenting plan.

This approach involves putting the best interest of your child first often by making going between houses a low-stress situation, attending school functions and extra-curricular events with one another, and frequent, … Read More... “Blast From The Past: What Are Co-Parenting and Parallel Parenting Arrangements?”

Blast From The Past: Should I Stay or Should I Go? To Divorce or Not?

divorce month holidays

PUBLISHER’S UPDATE: Here is one of my favorites posts about when to file for divorce from back on December 10th, 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!

The perfect month For filing for Divorce is…

Divorce for the Holidays! The Perfect Time to File for Divorce?

divorce month holidaysThis is the time of year that many people have this exact question on their mind. If you are old like me, perhaps you remember this song by the British punk rock band The Clash from 1982. Or if not, maybe later from a Levi’s 501 jeans television commercial shot in a pool hall.

Here are some of its memorable lyrics:

“Darling you got to let me know
Should I stay or should I go?
If you say that you are mine
I’ll be here till the end of time
So you got to let me know
Should I stay or should I go?

It’s always tease tease tease
You’re happy when I’m on my knees
One day is fine, and next is black
So if you want me off your back
Well … Read More... “Blast From The Past: Should I Stay or Should I Go? To Divorce or Not?”

Blast From The Past: Dissolution: Out with the Old, in with the New?

Ohio dissolution divorce difference

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Here is one of my favorites posts about Ohio dissolution proceedings from back on October 22nd, 2016! 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!

Marriage Over and Thinking Divorce? Important Information About Ohio Dissolution Proceedings

dissolution divorceDo you and your spouse BOTH recognize that your marriage is emotionally and all but officially over? Have you been procrastinating moving forward with dissolution and terminating your marriage? Not a pleasant decision, but sometimes a necessary one. Well, there is still time to accomplish and complete that objective around the first of the year.

Ohio Law permits the filing of both divorce and dissolution actions. Before filing you really should know the basic differences. The primary distinction between divorce and dissolution is the amicable nature with fully agreed upon terms in a dissolution proceeding. In dissolution, both parties must agree to every aspect and term in the final agreement, down to the last penny. Various pleadings are prepared and signed by both parties and submitted to the Court for approval. To be … Read More... “Blast From The Past: Dissolution: Out with the Old, in with the New?”

Blast From The Past: Legal Separation in Ohio: What Does it Legally Mean?

legal separation divorce court order

PUBLISHER’S UPDATE: Here is one of my favorites posts about legal separation from back on February 8th, 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!

Everything You Need To Know About Legal Separation In Ohio [But Were Afraid To Ask!]

legal separation divorce court orderEnding a relationship can be frustrating. Likewise, understanding the process involved can be confusing. In Ohio, there are only three ways legally to terminate a marriage: divorce, dissolution, and annulment. While those three ways are the only methods to terminate a marriage legally, a couple can also seek what is known as a “legal separation.”

What is a legal separation?

Black’s Law Dictionary defines separation as “an arrangement whereby a husband and wife live apart from each other while remaining married, either by mutual consent (often in a written agreement) or by judicial decree.” A legal separation involves a court order where the spouses remain married but live separately. The court order allows the court to issue orders concerning division of property, spousal support, and visitation and … Read More... “Blast From The Past: Legal Separation in Ohio: What Does it Legally Mean?”

Blast From The Past: If I Make More Money Than My Spouse, Are Things Still Split 50/50 in a Divorce?

divorce spousal support

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This blog is as meaningful today as it was when we originally posted it on March 3, 2023. …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 Likely? The Dangers If You Do Not Have a Prenuptial Agreement or a Postnuptial agreement in Place

divorce spousal supportAs a longtime Ohio divorce lawyer, reading the recent comments made by country music singer Kelsea Ballerini about her divorce from Morgan Evans caught my attention. Kelsea complained on a recent podcast that Morgan “took half the house he didn’t pay for” and other things as well. She was upset that Evans (also a country singer) wrote a song and was profiting about him being “blindsided” by their break-up. Click here to listen to his song about it titled “Over for You”. Kelsea’s comments got me thinking and I thought I would write this blog about property division and spousal support in Ohio.

IF I EARN MORE, I SHOULD GET MORE!

I remember back in the late 70’s and early 80’s, men going through divorces commonly expressing this opinion when we met to discuss a … Read More... “Blast From The Past: If I Make More Money Than My Spouse, Are Things Still Split 50/50 in a Divorce?”

Blast From The Past: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

suicide prevention awareness

Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Resources Are Crucial

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month resourcesSeptember is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month resources — a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. It is hoped that this initiative will help to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. The goal of the various suicide prevention organizations is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

Here are some alarming statistics:

Individual Impact:

  • 79% of all people who die by suicide are male.
  • Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.
  • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 in the U.S.
  • Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
  • 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition – but research shows that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

Community Impact:

  • Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
… Read More... “Blast From The Past: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month”
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