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

high conflict divorce ccpc

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?

high conflict divorce ccpcMs. 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?”

Family Visitation Center In Greene County, Ohio

Attorney Anne Shale Takes A Tour Of The Family Visitation Center In Greene County, Ohio

Family Visitation Center Provides Services For Families Needing Assistance With Visitation Exchanges

Family Visitation CenterOn December 10, 2010, I visited Erma’s House in Dayton, Ohio in order to gain information to write an article about the Visitation Center for Montgomery County, Ohio.  On December 23, 2013, I had the opportunity to visit and tour the Greene County Family Visitation Center located at 143 East Market Street, Xenia, Ohio 45385 to learn about the services provided by the Family Visitation Center.  I had the privilege to meet and spend time with Libby Powers, Program Coordinator and Mediator for the Family Visitation Center.  The Family Visitation Center is located in a former two (2) story residence which provides the facility with a “homey” atmosphere and a warm/friendly environment.

Family Visitation Center Mission Statement:

The Greene County Family Visitation Center’s mission is to provide supportive supervised visitation and exchange services in a neutral, safe, comfortable and structured environment.

Family Visitation Center History:

The plan to create a supervised visitation program was the result of collaborative planning efforts of several Greene County programs and agencies.  Those entities included the Court Appointed … Read More... “Family Visitation Center In Greene County, Ohio”

Children Services In Dayton, Ohio: Haines Children’s Center

Learning More About the Children Services Division
of the Department of Job And Family Services of Montgomery County, Ohio

child servicesOn Thursday, October 18, 2012, I had the opportunity to visit the Haines Children’s Center located at 3304 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio, to meet with Ann Stevens, Public Information Coordinator of the Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services, and Geraldine Pegues, Assistant Director of the Children Services Division. My mission was to learn more about the agency and the services it provides to the community so that I could complete a Family Blog Article for publication on the Ohio Family Law Blog.

The Haines Children’s Center, completed in 2001 and named in honor and memory of now-deceased Sheriff Gary Haines, is located on the grounds of the former Shawen Acres, the site of ten (10) cottages which was one of the first children’s homes in Ohio. The cottages, built in 1926/1927, are now being razed with plans to have some green space and park services available for the North Main Street Community. Ms. Stevens was quick to point out to me that the slate tiles from the cottages are being salvaged and saved to be used for … Read More... “Children Services In Dayton, Ohio: Haines Children’s Center”

The Mediation Process in Montgomery County Domestic Relations Court

mediation_process.jpgAlternative dispute resolution can be a wonderful tool in divorce cases. Montgomery County’s Domestic Relations Court, along with many other divorce Courts, have adopted mediation conferences as a voluntary or, in some cases, mandatory prerequisite to trial. I am focusing this article on how that process works in Montgomery County.

So one might ask, “What is mediation?” In this context it is essentially a way of resolving disputes between the husband and wife and to hopefully eliminate issues in the divorce case.  In Montgomery County there are two neutral mediators (facilitators) involved in the session(s). One is a lawyer who has experience as a divorce court magistrate and the other has a family services social worker background.  They work to assist the parties to negotiate their own settlement. They can let the couple know what the laws are, but not give legal advice, and try to guide them through the complicated process in a way that helps them find solutions.

Lawyers may or may not attend the mediations. The sessions are completely confidential. No notes or writings generated by the parties or their lawyers in the mediation are allowed to leave the room. The mediators will generate a report indicating … Read More... “The Mediation Process in Montgomery County Domestic Relations Court”

Before You Start Swinging…Call the Dayton Mediation Center!

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 mediation is not negotiation (“if you get this, then I want that…”), going … Read More... “Before You Start Swinging…Call the Dayton Mediation Center!”

Erma’s House – Dayton’s Supervised Family Visitation Center

ermahouse.jpgOn December 13, 2010, I had the opportunity to visit and tour Erma’s House, a Family Visitation Center, located at 1046 Brown Street, Dayton, Ohio. I had the privilege to meet with Peggy Seboldt, Director of Erma’s House, and Shannon Wahrhaftig, Co-Program Coordinator.  During the meeting and tour of the facility, it was so very apparent to me that both employees are totally dedicated to the mission of the Visitation Center and that both are committed to their work at the Center.

History:

Erma’s House opened its doors in 1997 and has been providing visitation services to the community for nearly fourteen (14) years.  The Visitation Center’s name is in memory and recognition of Erma Bombeck, a native of Dayton, Ohio, and a well-known, respected, and prolific writer of family-oriented books, magazine articles, and columns. Funding for the Center is dependent upon the Montgomery County Human Services Levy. Additional funds are obtained from the annual Pat Rupp Golf Tournament and various charitable contributions.

Mission Statement of Erma’s House:

To assist and support the children and families of Montgomery County who have been affected by divorce, separation, abuse, or neglect; in maintaining or rebuilding their family relationships through a program of … Read More... “Erma’s House – Dayton’s Supervised Family Visitation Center”