Author: Robert "Chip" Mues

Lethal Domestic Violence Continues to Skyrocket!

Lethal Domestic Violence in Ohio Reaches Record Highs

Lethal domestic violence in Ohio has reached crisis levels in 2025, according to newly released data from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. I have been practicing family law and handling divorce cases in Montgomery County and in the Miami Valley for 40+ years and have represented countless people who have been a victim of domestic violence. I have posted in this blog frequently about the devastating effect it has on people who have experienced this type of crime.

Domestic violence is a crime and illegal, and it includes physical assault, sexual abuse, stalking, economic control, or psychological aggression against a household member or a family member by another family member. Technology may also come into play where people are using social media and digital platforms to control and harass their victims.

In the United States, domestic violence is one of the most serious and concerning health crises in 2025.… View Full Article → “Lethal Domestic Violence Continues to Skyrocket!”

Why January Is Divorce Season: Understanding the Post-Holiday Spike in Divorce Filings

Financial Reasons Behind Why January Is Divorce Season

January has long puzzled family-law attorneys, who often refer to the month as “Divorce Season.” Understanding why January is divorce season can help couples prepare emotionally and financially.

Sociologists at the University of Washington note that “To everything there is a season – even divorce”. The results of a UW study found that Family law attorneys nationwide report a 25% to 30% increase in divorce inquiries every January.

Why January Is Divorce Season for Many Couples 1. Taboos

There are numerous cultural holidays that are celebrated in December: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Yule, Bodhi Day, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Feast of Saint Nicholas, etc. These oftentimes sacred holidays can be a reminder that marriage is frequently thought of as a lifelong sacrament or a commitment to work through problems together, for better or worse. The holidays are also a reminder of the importance of family.… View Full Article → “Why January Is Divorce Season: Understanding the Post-Holiday Spike in Divorce Filings”

Tips for Stress Free Holidays After Divorce

Publisher’s Note – The holidays are upon us! Having focused my practice the last 40 years on family law and divorces, I know how difficult this time of year can be for families trying to create stress free holidays after divorce. Often there are lots of crazy pressures coming from all directions!

That is one reason that every year a write or repost a blog with some tips on dealing with these holiday pressures. (If you are interested in reading more of them, enter “holiday” in the search bar above). This is a repost of one I wrote and posted on December 9, 2023.

I am a HUGE proponent of peaceful divorce uncoupling and helping parties’ work together to solve their differences – especially when there are children involved. The overriding goal should be to try to do everything that you can to focus on the kids and try to block out all concepts of “fairness” or on other adult issues.… View Full Article → “Tips for Stress Free Holidays After Divorce”

How Does Discernment Counseling Differ from Marriage Counseling? On the Fence about Divorcing?

discernment counseling vs marriage counseling

Publisher’s Note I attended an excellent seminar yesterday presented by the International Academy of Collaborative Professions (IACP) of which I am a member. It focused in part on the differences between traditional marriage counseling and discernment counseling. It was very enlightening and prompted me to repost this article of mine from June 15, 2024. This article explains discernment counseling vs marriage counseling and helps couples understand which option fits their situation.

I HAVE AN ASK – IF YOU ARE AWARE OF ANY DAYTON AREA PROFESSIONALS OFFERING DISCERNMENT COUNSELING, PLEASE LET ME KNOW FOR A FOLLOW-UP POST!

What Is Discernment Counseling vs Marriage Counseling?

When a couple is having marital problems, counseling is often one of the first steps they take. However, if you are one of those couples with a “mixed agenda”, meaning one partner is leaning towards wanting a divorce while the other is wishing to stay married, then discernment counseling might be a route to try.… View Full Article → “How Does Discernment Counseling Differ from Marriage Counseling? On the Fence about Divorcing?”

Can A Child in Ohio Pick Which Parent to Live With in a Divorce – Yes or No?

ANSWER: The answer is NO – they cannot choose under current Ohio child custody preference laws.

Publisher’s Note: There is so much misinformation online these days that perhaps that is one of the reasons clients frequently still ask me this question. The Ohio age of election law was changed nearly 30 years ago! Here is the history about this change for those wanting to know the correct posture of that law.

The History of the Ohio Child Election Law

Prior to 1946, Ohio General Code §8033 made it mandatory that a child ten years of age or older “must” be allowed to choose which parent they preferred to live with, and the court would have to follow that choice unless the court deemed that parent “unfit.” Venable v. Venable, 445 N.E.2d 1125, 1130 (Ohio Ct. App. July 9, 1981). Even as recently as 1989, the Ohio Revised Code §3109 stated that children twelve years of age or older could choose which parent to live with.… View Full Article → “Can A Child in Ohio Pick Which Parent to Live With in a Divorce – Yes or No?”

The Importance of a Well Drafted Major Decision Making Clause in Your Shared Parenting Plan

major decision making clause in shared parenting plan

What Is a Major Decision Making Clause in a Shared Parenting Plan?

Shared parenting plans in Ohio, are designed to promote cooperation between divorced parents while ensuring that both remain actively involved in their children’s lives. However, one of the most overlooked yet crucial parts of these plans is the major decision making clause. This provision determines how key choices – like education, healthcare, and religious upbringing – will be made. When not clearly defined, it can lead to confusion, conflict, and future litigation. In my experience, one of the MOST important sections included in a shared parenting plan is the “major decision making clause”.

These clauses show the court that the parties are committed to cooperative problem-solving. In short, decision-making clauses should never be treated as boilerplate. Each family is unique – and the plan’s language should reflect that. A thoughtful, customized clause not only protects your client’s interests but also promotes the child’s well-being and reduces conflict for years to come.… View Full Article → “The Importance of a Well Drafted Major Decision Making Clause in Your Shared Parenting Plan”

Have You Heard About Platonic Parenting Plans?

How to Create Successful Platonic Parenting Plans?

Why Legal Guidance Matters in Platonic Parenting Plans

For those people who want children, the typical path to follow is to find your soulmate, get married, have children and have a family. However as our society has evolved and changed, so has the definition of family. The relationship status including gender and whether or not two people are married is no longer a defining issue in becoming a parent. Many people are more focused on wanting children rather than in finding that special someone to have a romantic relationship with. Platonic parenting is becoming more and more common.

What is a platonic parenting arrangement?

It is when two (or even more than two people) decide to commit to raise a child together, yet have no romantic involvement. There is a trend toward alternative forms of parenting breaking from the traditional concept of nuclear families.… View Full Article → “Have You Heard About Platonic Parenting Plans?”

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