Author: Robert "Chip" Mues

Taxes and Divorces: Why Divorce Filings Spike in the Spring

Understanding divorce and taxes in Ohio is important during tax season

Red Flags in Tax Documents During Divorce

At the time I am writing this blog post, we are in the thick of tax season. April 15th has just passed, and many people have been scrambling to finish last minute tax filings. Coincidentally, many divorce attorneys often see a spike in divorce rates in the spring.

According to research by the University of Washington that analyzed data in 2016 reported that divorce filings “consistently peaked in March and August.” There are several factors that could explain this spike, but many experts have theorized that tax season is partially to blame: for practical reasons, many couples postpone divorce proceedings until after Christmas and the New Year, so they can keep taxes for the preceding year simple. Additionally, filing taxes gives people a clearer view of their financial picture and how to move forward in the future.… View Full Article → “Taxes and Divorces: Why Divorce Filings Spike in the Spring”

AimeeSays: How AI Could Help Rewrite the Script of High-Conflict Divorce

For survivors, attorneys, and courts alike, the role of AI in high-conflict divorce Ohio cases is becoming an important topic.

Publisher’s Note:

April Erion, a second year law student at the University Of Dayton School Of Law, is clerking with MuesLaw this term. She came to me with a very interesting blog article topic. She asked me if I had heard of AimeeSays and told me about it. I had not heard of it. After checking it out, I decided to get some insight about it from an expert. I asked Jane Keiffer, the Executive Director of the Artemis Center in Dayton about AimeeSays and any impressions.

I believe that information about all resources available to victims of domestic abuse/violence should be disseminated to the public. That is why sharing this blog topic is important in my opinion! AI is intriguing in many ways – but also scary too.

I want to thank April Erion for the idea and helping write this blog.… View Full Article → “AimeeSays: How AI Could Help Rewrite the Script of High-Conflict Divorce”

The Importance of the De Facto End Date of Marriage in an Ohio Divorce

What Is a De Facto End Date of Marriage in Ohio?

In an Ohio divorce, the de facto end date of marriage Ohio courts apply can significantly impact property division, debt allocation, and spousal support. In typical divorce proceedings, the end date of marriage is the date of the final hearing, when the divorce is granted.

However, this isn’t always the case. A court can determine what is called a de facto end date of marriage. This sets the termination date of the marriage prior to the final hearing and decree, despite not having obtained said decree yet. That date frequently may be determined to be the date of separation or perhaps the filing date of the divorce complaint.

In addition, a hotly contested divorce case can take a year or longer to complete, which can add to the importance of filing a motion to determine the De Facto termination date of the marriage, especially if you are representing the spouse earning most of the marital income!… View Full Article → “The Importance of the De Facto End Date of Marriage in an Ohio Divorce”

Why Temporary Orders Are Important in an Ohio Divorce Action

What are temporary orders in divorce Ohio?

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This blog about Ohio Civil Rule 75(N) temporary orders, is as meaningful today as it was when we originally posted it on May 8, 2021! We have a ton of interesting articles in our archives of the Ohio Family Law Blog. Use our Search Tool (with the magnifying glass icon) above and enjoy a few oldie but goodies!

Ohio Temporary Orders Divorce: What You Need to Know

If you are going through a divorce, understanding Ohio temporary orders divorce procedures is essential. These orders, issued under Ohio Civil Rule 75(N), can immediately impact custody, support, and financial stability while your case is pending. Ohio Civil Rule 75 (N) outlines the process. (Click here and here to read about 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.… View Full Article → “Why Temporary Orders Are Important in an Ohio Divorce Action”

Understanding the Differences Between a Dissolution and a Divorce in Ohio

Dissolution vs Divorce in Dayton and Montgomery County Courts

When considering dissolution vs divorce Ohio, it is important to understand that these are two very different legal processes with unique requirements and outcomes. A dissolution and divorces in Ohio is different than most states. In most states, those terms can be used synonymously, but they are alternate proceedings with different statutory regulations in Ohio. Marriages in Ohio can be ended in one of two ways – by divorce or by dissolution. Understanding dissolution vs divorce Ohio can help couples choose the most efficient and appropriate way to end their marriage.

Dissolution

A dissolution proceeding is the quickest and easiest of the two methods to terminate your marriage, but in order to proceed with a dissolution there are certain considerations that must be met. Primarily, there must be a total and full agreement signed by both parties as to ALL terms of the dissolution.… View Full Article → “Understanding the Differences Between a Dissolution and a Divorce in Ohio”

4 Key Tips to Properly Prepare Financially for a Divorce

Gathering Financial Documents for Divorce

Going through a divorce can be an extremely difficult and emotional journey. In addition to the emotional challenges, there are also many financial issues that must be addressed. Proper financial preparation for divorce is essential to help individuals protect their financial stability both during the divorce process and after it is finalized.

There are several important steps individuals can take to begin their financial preparation for divorce and better protect their financial future.

Gathering Financial Documents

One of the first and most important steps in financial preparation for divorce is gathering all financial documents., including tax returns, all accounts including savings, checking and investment accounts, pay stubs, property records (home, land, vehicles) credit card statements, debts, and any retirement account statements such as 401 (K plans), IRAs, or pensions.

This is important for each party to fully understand what they own as individual accounts as well as accounts held together.… View Full Article → “4 Key Tips to Properly Prepare Financially for a Divorce”

Should Couples Getting a Marriage License be Able to Elect to Require a Finding of Fault to Obtain a Divorce?

The debate over fault vs no-fault divorce highlights the tension between marital commitment and individual autonomy.

Understanding Fault vs No-Fault Divorce in Modern Law

A proposal in Iowa has sparked renewed debate over the role of no-fault divorce in modern marriage law. Senate File 2172, introduced by Senator Jesse Green, would allow couples applying for a marriage license in Iowa to voluntarily waive the right to seek a no-fault divorce. While the bill ultimately did not advance this session, the arguments surrounding it reveal deep divisions about marriage, personal autonomy, and the function of family law. This seemed to me to be an interesting topic to discuss.

Under current law, Iowa follows the no-fault divorce model (similar to Ohio’s) adopted by most states in the 1970s. This system allows a marriage to be dissolved based on an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship, without requiring either spouse to prove wrongdoing. The proposed legislation would not eliminate no-fault divorce entirely.… View Full Article → “Should Couples Getting a Marriage License be Able to Elect to Require a Finding of Fault to Obtain a Divorce?”

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