Author: Robert "Chip" Mues

Dissolution vs. Divorce in Ohio: Why More Couples Are Choosing Dissolution

Why Dissolution vs Divorce in Ohio Matters for Your Family

Considering divorce in Ohio? Learn why dissolution is often faster, more affordable, and more private than divorce litigation – and when it may be the right option for your family. Understanding dissolution vs divorce in Ohio is essential for couples deciding how to legally end their marriage. While both options terminate a marriage, they differ significantly in cost, process, and level of court involvement.

When a marriage ends, many people assume divorce is the only option. But in Ohio, there is another path that is often faster, less expensive, and far less stressful: dissolution of marriage.

At MuesLaw, we regularly meet with people who are overwhelmed by the idea of going to court, spending thousands of dollars on litigation, and putting their private family issues on display. The good news is that for many couples, there is a better solution.

If you and your spouse can reach agreement on the major issues, dissolution may be the most efficient and controlled way to end your marriage – without the drawn-out process of a contested divorce.… View Full Article → “Dissolution vs. Divorce in Ohio: Why More Couples Are Choosing Dissolution”

Navigating the Unique Challenges of LGBTQ Divorce in Ohio

Why Collaborative Divorce Can Benefit LGBTQ Couples

In recognition of June being Gay Pride month, I believe it is worthwhile to share this blog about some of the unique issues that LGBTQ individuals face when ending a marriage, and also to express why taking a collaborative approach is recommended.

Ending a marriage is never easy, but LGBTQ divorce in Ohio can involve additional legal and emotional complexities that many opposite-sex couples do not face. Although same-sex marriage has been recognized nationwide since Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), many LGBTQ spouses built long-term relationships before they were legally permitted to marry. The gap between lived reality and legal recognition has lasting impacts on how Ohio courts handle property division, spousal support, and parental rights in LGBTQ divorces.

1. Legal Recognition and the Length of Marriage in LGBTQ Divorce in Ohio

One of the most important issues in LGBTQ divorce in Ohio is determining how courts evaluate the length of a marriage when a couple shared a life together before same-sex marriage became legally recognized.… View Full Article → “Navigating the Unique Challenges of LGBTQ Divorce in Ohio”

Extracurricular Activities After Divorce-When Schedules Become a Battlefield

Extracurricular Activities After Divorce: Ohio Parents Need to Know

Extracurricular activities after divorce can be a source of stability and personal growth for children, but they can also become a major source of conflict between parents. I have previously posted a blog discussing the many benefits extracurricular activities can provide children, including improved academic performance, stronger self-esteem, and reduced risk of behavioral issues. However, even in intact households, managing practices, games, and lessons can be exhausting. In a divorced family, the logistical and emotional strain is often amplified—and what was once a positive outlet for a child can quickly become a major source of conflict.

Divorce does not eliminate a child’s interests, talents, or need for healthy structure. If anything, extracurricular activities can provide a sense of stability during a time when many other parts of a child’s life feel uncertain. But divorced parents must recognize that extracurricular activities also create unique scheduling and financial pressures that can become flashpoints in custody and parenting time disputes.… View Full Article → “Extracurricular Activities After Divorce-When Schedules Become a Battlefield”

The Summer Surge: Why Dating Peaks in the Heat of Post-Divorce Life

Why Dating After Divorce in Ohio Peaks During Summer

As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, many people begin exploring dating after divorce in Ohio as part of rebuilding their personal lives and moving forward emotionally. For many, summer is the season of vacations, barbecues, and relaxation. But for the divorced community, summer represents something else entirely: getting back into the dating game. A recent survey of 1000 divorced individuals showed that most began dating in the summer months following their divorce.

While data from apps like “Tinder” and “Bumble” show that dating spikes in January and February, studies show that divorced individuals have a unique trend of starting to date again in May, June, July and August.

The “Summer Break” Effect

For many newly single adults, dating after divorce in Ohio feels less intimidating during the summer months because social activities and outdoor gatherings naturally create opportunities to meet new people.… View Full Article → “The Summer Surge: Why Dating Peaks in the Heat of Post-Divorce Life”

Advocating for Your Mental Health as You go Through a Divorce is Really Important!

Publisher’s Note: May is Mental Health Awareness month. It has been observed in the United States in May since 1949. With all that is going on in the world we live in today, there are significant challenges to everyone’s mental health. Those include, dealing with increased anxiety leading to depression and burnout, often fueled by factors like economic instability and social isolation. For those of you going through a divorce this period in your life can be overwhelming and stressful, and it is so important that you take steps to prioritize yourself and your mental health wellbeing. I posted this article back in July of 2023, but I have updated it a bit and believe it is worth resharing especially during Mental Health Awareness Month.

May is Mental Health Awareness month. It is Important to Safeguard Your Mental Health during Your Divorce Process!

… View Full Article → “Advocating for Your Mental Health as You go Through a Divorce is Really Important!”

Why Marriage Matters for Same-Sex Parental Protections in Ohio. Analysis of Ohio Supreme Court Decision in In Re: L.E.S.

Ohio Same-Sex Parental Rights Artificial Insemination Under Ohio Law

The Ohio Supreme Court issued a significant ruling on April 28, 2026, clarifying how parental rights are established for same-sex couples using artificial insemination. The Ohio Supreme Court recently clarified issues surrounding Ohio same-sex parental rights artificial insemination in a significant decision involving unmarried same-sex parents and the application of Ohio’s parentage statutes. Click here to read the full decision, which highlights a critical takeaway for LGBTQ+ families in the state: legal marriage remains the primary gateway to securing automatic parental protections under Ohio’s artificial insemination statutes.

The Case: C.E. v. P.S.

The ruling stems from a custody dispute between two women, identified as C.E. and P.S., who were in a long-term relationship before the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. During their relationship, P.S. (the biological mother) gave birth to children conceived through artificial insemination.… View Full Article → “Why Marriage Matters for Same-Sex Parental Protections in Ohio. Analysis of Ohio Supreme Court Decision in In Re: L.E.S.”

Moms, Stepmothers and Grandmothers, Please Take a Bow!

Publisher’s Note:
As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s important to reflect on the vital role women play in children’s lives, including how Ohio family law stepmother and grandparent rights continue to evolve in today’s families. As I reflect on my childhood. I was blessed to have been raised in a nuclear family with both a loving mother and father, but when it comes to mothers, mine was just the best! I was also supported by two wonderful grandmothers, an aunt, and later after my mother passed away, a strong and caring stepmother. I was scrolling through past blogs which I have posted for Mother’s Day, and this blog article from 2008, still rings so true.

Ohio Family Law Stepmother and Grandparent Rights in Blended Families

I hope that this Mother’s Day all of you recognize and honor the women in your life and those in your children’s lives. Raising children in these difficult times is no easy task.… View Full Article → “Moms, Stepmothers and Grandmothers, Please Take a Bow!”

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