Author: Robert "Chip" Mues

Ho! Ho! Ho! Holiday Ramblings from the Publisher. . .

Spreading Cheer and Embracing Change: Reflections and Resolutions for 2025

I hope each of you have had a most joyous holiday season!

This is an appropriate time to reflect upon memories of past Christmas celebrations and traditions. In our family, we were very involved with a Christmas project providing gifts for needy children for many years while our sons were growing up. As a family, we spent countless hours working at the Center. We have tried to instill upon our family the importance of sharing and helping others.

The Spirit of Giving: Lessons from Holiday Traditions and Collaborative Family Law in 2025

It is too easy this time of year to become consumed by all the shopping, decorating, numerous errands and superficial things. Focus can be lost on real matters of consequence, such as the meaning and importance of family. Regardless of one’s religious convictions, this is an excellent time to reflect upon our core values and aspire to do what we each can to make the lives of others around us better, even if it is in some small seemingly insignificant way.… View Full Article → “Ho! Ho! Ho! Holiday Ramblings from the Publisher. . .”

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

Ohio 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.… View Full Article → “Blast From The Past: What Are Co-Parenting and Parallel Parenting Arrangements?”

LEGAL ALERT: Expanding the Ohio ‘Castle Doctrine’ – Ohio HB338 Signed into Law!

Championing Change: How HB338 Expands the Ohio Castle Doctrine to Protect Disabled Children

On October 26, 2024, I posted a legal alert blog here, regarding pending Ohio Senate legislation focused on the Ohio Castle Doctrine expansion. Click here to read it. On Thursday December 19, 2024, Governor Mike DeWine signed HB338 into law. I wanted to share this excellent news on this important family law development!

The new law allows a court to issue or modify a child support order for the care of a child who is a person with a disability as part of a divorce/dissolution, regardless of whether the child is over the age of 18 when the parents” divorced. It clarifies a split amongst the Ohio appellate districts about whether a court can order child support if the child is over 18 but has had a disability since they were a minor (and are not self-supporting). It’s an extension of the current Castle doctrine.… View Full Article → “LEGAL ALERT: Expanding the Ohio ‘Castle Doctrine’ – Ohio HB338 Signed into Law!”

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

PUBLISHERS 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?

This 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?… View Full Article → “Blast From The Past: Should I Stay or Should I Go? To Divorce or Not?”

Do You Have a Post-Divorce Plan? Here’s Why You Need One.

Why a Post-Divorce Plan is Essential for a Smooth Transition

Life during and after divorce can be a difficult period for many to navigate. Having a post-divorce plan can make a huge difference by helping you understand what to expect and how to confront certain challenges with greater confidence and clarity during this complicated time.

Organization and Confronting the Complexities

You might not know where to turn or what to do following your divorce. There are certain actions that you can take moving forward to help create a smoother transition into the post-divorce phase. First, you should keep and review all of the pertinent divorce records and documents. Make sure that all items in the Divorce Decree are dealt with…do not simply infer that your attorney will handle the matter without your contribution. REVIEW THOSE FINAL DECREE DOCUMENTS VERY CAREFULLY AFTER YOUR DIVORCE!

Having a thorough post-divorce plan includes reviewing these documents and taking proactive steps.… View Full Article → “Do You Have a Post-Divorce Plan? Here’s Why You Need One.”

Christmas Parenting Time Tips

Tips for Managing Holiday Parenting Schedules

Since we are now into the month of November, it is not too early for divorced and divorcing parents to look ahead to the upcoming Christmas Holiday. Here are some “tips” regarding the “nuts and bolts” of handling the holiday parenting schedules effectively.

Read and examine the Parenting Time Schedule for your particular County which should be attached as part of your Final Decree or Court Judgment. The Domestic Relations Court and Juvenile Court of each County have differing schedules. If your parenting time schedule has been lost or misplaced, you can obtain a replacement from your attorney’s office or the clerk where your order was filed. Remember, the one attached to your Final Court Order controls, not a more recent one which may have been subsequently adopted by the Court.

For example, Montgomery County, Ohio, currently has the following provision as to the Christmas Break:

CHRISTMAS BREAK: In all even-numbered years, the residential parent shall have the children from 9:00 a.m.… View Full Article → “Christmas Parenting Time Tips”

Vacationing Without the Kids? Don’t Leave Until You Have Prepared an Emergency Medical Authorization Form

Why Every Parent Needs an Emergency Medical Authorization Form for Kids Before Traveling

I typically receive several phone calls this time of year asking me if I have a generic emergency medical authorization form that parents can complete since they are headed out of town without the kids. This panicked call usually comes less than 24 hours before the departure time! It is very important to leave the caregiver this type of emergency authorization to be sure any necessary medical treatment will be provided to your child timely and without lots of “red tape” in your absence.

So, to avoid those calls, I have attached my emergency medical authorization form to this article.

Download: .pdf version | HTML version

Try to relax and enjoy the time away from the kids. Happy travels!

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Robert "Chip" Mues

Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978.… View Full Article → “Vacationing Without the Kids? Don’t Leave Until You Have Prepared an Emergency Medical Authorization Form”

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