The Perils of Drafting Your Own Agreement – Why You Need a Post-Nuptial Agreement Lawyer in Ohio

post-nuptial agreement lawyer in Ohio

Why You Need a Post-Nuptial Agreement Lawyer in Ohio

With the rise of Google searches and AI tools, many people try to draft their own legal documents. But attempting a post-nuptial agreement without a lawyer in Ohio can lead to expensive mistakes. “Chat GPT, write me a post-nuptial agreement where my new motorcycle will always be mine and mine alone”. While this may seem like a quick-fix, it may lead to huge issues in the future.

There are many reasons why one should have an experienced lawyer draft their legal documents, including post-nuptial and premarital agreements. Some of the most common reasons are:

  1. A post-nuptial agreement is a contract, and contracts have requirements!

Ohio law requires that prenuptial agreements meet several “special” requirements along with all requirements for general contracts. If using Chat GPT or Google, some important or relevant provisions or sections of the agreement may be excluded. If all requirements are not met, the agreement may be invalid!… View Full Article → “The Perils of Drafting Your Own Agreement – Why You Need a Post-Nuptial Agreement Lawyer in Ohio”

In Divorce Actions of Same-Sex Couples, Do Courts Typically View the Length of the Marriage to Have Started at the Date of Cohabitation or the Later Date of Their Marriage?

chart showing how courts decide same-sex divorce marriage start date

Why the Marriage Start Date Matters in Same-Sex Divorce Cases

In divorce actions involving same-sex couples, one key issue is how courts determine the same-sex divorce marriage start date – whether it begins at cohabitation or the official legal marriage. In 2015, the Supreme Court decided in Obergefell v. Hodges all same-sex couples in the United States have the constitutional right to marry. The case arose from challenges to Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee laws that banned same-sex marriages and the recognition of legal same-sex marriages that were performed in other states. Click here to read more from our previous blog article.

The Court focused on whether the Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment requires states to give marriage licenses between same-sex couples and if the Constitution requires states to recognize legally obtained marriage licenses from other states.

The Court held that the right to marry is a “fundamental right” that is “inherent in the liberty” of a person under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, making it unconstitutional for courts to deny same-sex couples the right to marry or recognize marriages performed in other states.… View Full Article → “In Divorce Actions of Same-Sex Couples, Do Courts Typically View the Length of the Marriage to Have Started at the Date of Cohabitation or the Later Date of Their Marriage?”

Are You Divorced? Halloween Tips for Divorced Parents to Keep It Fun for Kids

Halloween tips for divorced parents

PUBLISHERS NOTE: “Halloween can be very tricky for families, which is why these Halloween tips for divorced parents are so valuable. Psychotherapist Donna Ferber shares timeless advice from way back in 2010 and 2018. If you enjoy this article, you would love her book, “From Ex-Wife to Exceptional Life: A Woman’s Journey Through Divorce” available on Amazon and Kindle. Donna has retired from her professional practice and is enjoying retirement.

Halloween Tips for Divorced Parents: Making It a Positive Experience

For many kids, Halloween is one of the most important holidays of the year. The child of divorce is faced with choices and concerns. Who will take me treat-or-treating? Who will get my costume and dress me? Where will I trick-or-treat?

Then, of course, there are logistical problems for the divorced parents. By addressing these issues in advance, parents can reduce stress and not distract from the child’s positive experience. By planning ahead, you can reduce stress and keep the focus on your child’s happiness.… View Full Article → “Are You Divorced? Halloween Tips for Divorced Parents to Keep It Fun for Kids”

Do You Know the Average Cost of a Contested Divorce in 2025?

average cost of contested divorce

According to Divorce.com, the average cost of a contested divorce ranges between $11,000 and $25,000.

What Is the Average Cost of a Contested Divorce in 2025?

Attorney fees for a contested divorce case can be staggering! The average cost of a contested divorce in 2025 continues to rise, with many lawyers charging between $250–$400 per hour. Most lawyers will only accept representation on a divorce matter based on an hourly rate subject to the number of hours involved. According to an article by Wyzer Staffing, the 2025 hourly rate range for family lawyers is between $250 to $400 per hour.

A recent Clio Legal Trend Report states that the average attorney hourly rate is $313 per hour. In a Martindale-Nolo survey, 20% of divorce clients report paying their divorce lawyer over $400 per hour. I can tell you that I see divorce lawyers charging over $400 per hour in Dayton, Ohio, which is not an expensive part of the Country to live in.… View Full Article → “Do You Know the Average Cost of a Contested Divorce in 2025?”

The Summer is Over – School Year Preparations for Child and Parent

Back-to-School Tips for Divorced Parents

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This blog is as meaningful today as it was when we originally posted it on August 9, 2014! These back-to-school tips for divorced parents remain relevant and helpful. We have updated it a bit as well! 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!

How To Prepare for A Successful School Experience – 11 Practical Back-to-School Tips for Divorced Parents.

School has started or is right around the corner for many children and their parents. This time of the year, while always somewhat stressful for children, can bring even more anxious unknowns for a child when their parents are separated. Regardless of your relationship with your former spouse, there are some essential back-to-school tips for divorced parents to ensure your children, and their teachers, are prepared for the coming year.… View Full Article → “The Summer is Over – School Year Preparations for Child and Parent”

Tips For Financially Preparing for a Divorce

financial preparation for divorce

Why Financial Preparation for Divorce Matters

It goes without saying, divorce is an extremely difficult and emotional journey. It can be overwhelming, and it will most likely affect and change many aspects of life including finances. Financial preparation for divorce is crucial in order to move forward in your divorce. Separating finances with two spouses can be messy. Preparing to do so in advance is smart! Each partner should do this to ensure security and stability both during the divorce proceedings and after the divorce is finalized.

There are certainly things both parties can do to financially prepare for divorce. Here are some tips for those going through this sticky situation.

Gathering Financial Documents for Financial Preparation for Divorce

One of the first steps to do is to gather 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 401K plans, IRAs, or pensions.… View Full Article → “Tips For Financially Preparing for a Divorce”

A Young Lawyer Reflects About Having Grown Up in the Midst of a Contentious Divorce – Constant Arguing is Damaging!

A child sitting between arguing parents, showing the emotional effects of divorce on children

Reducing the Long-Term Effects of Divorce on Children Through Cooperative Co-Parenting

PUBLISHER’S NOTE:
I frequently receive comments about this blog post. It was written in the spring of 2023 by Shane McDonough, who was at that time a third year law student at the University of Dayton School of Law. Shane did a great job externing for our firm, and is now enjoying a fine legal career in Chicago. Well done Shane, and it was great chatting with you this week!

Understanding the Emotional Effects of Divorce on Children

If there is one positive aspect of my parents’ divorce, it is that I was too young to understand the effects of divorce on children. I was around two and a half years old when my parents were divorced.

Although I have no recollection of the divorce proceedings or the ensuing months following the proceedings, one of my first memories is a supervised visitation meeting with my dad.… View Full Article → “A Young Lawyer Reflects About Having Grown Up in the Midst of a Contentious Divorce – Constant Arguing is Damaging!”

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