Author: Robert "Chip" Mues

How the CARES Act May Impact Your Divorce

What is the CARES Act? How the CARES Act and Divorce Intersect Financially

The CARES Act and divorce may not seem directly connected, but the law’s financial relief provisions can significantly affect how couples divide assets and plan post-divorce finances. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is an economic stimulus bill. Its purpose was to provide financial assistance to individuals and families, healthcare systems, and small businesses and industries. On March 20, 2020, the President signed this bill into law which provided up to 2 trillion dollars in much needed relief and financial assistance to individuals and businesses suffering the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tax Implications of the CARES Act During Divorce

Early withdrawal from your retirement account.

Usually, people under the age of 59 ½ are subject to a 10% withdrawal penalty on any distribution from their retirement account. Now, the CARES Act may permit you and your spouse to withdraw up to $200,000 ($100,000 per individual) from your 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b).… View Full Article → “How the CARES Act May Impact Your Divorce”

Ohio Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025: Updates, Statistics, and the Artemis Center’s 40th Year!

Ohio Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025: Recognizing a Continuing Crisis

October is Ohio Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025. In October of 1981, it was first observed as a national “Day of Unity”. In 1987 Domestic Violence Awareness Month was established and in 1989 Congress officially designated the month of October to recognize Domestic Violence (DVAM). DVAM provides the opportunity to learn about how prevalent a problem this is in our society, and to learn about the impact domestic violence has on individuals and families. It also was established to show victims as well as survivors of domestic violence that they are not alone in their journey.

The Domestic Relations Court in Montgomery County is just one court in Montgomery County that is tasked with hearing cases where an individual has reached out requesting a protection order from either Domestic or Dating Violence. As of the beginning of October, they have already had 1,675 Petions filed for protection orders in 2025.… View Full Article → “Ohio Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025: Updates, Statistics, and the Artemis Center’s 40th Year!”

What is a Trial Separation in Ohio? Is it the Same Thing as a Legal Separation?

Understanding How a Trial Separation in Ohio Works

A trial separation in Ohio is not the same as a legal separation. They are not at all the same thing! I previously explained the characteristics of what a legal separation is in Ohio. Click here to read that post from 5 years ago. The basics in it are still applicable today.

Today, I will share some of my thoughts about a “trial separation” – which is an informal agreement for 2 people to live apart. Essentially, it is an experiment in living apart. During this time the parties of course remain married, but live apart. A party may move back home, in with a friend, or rent an apartment.

This arrangement is typically done for one or both parties to have space apart to evaluate their feelings towards each other, their long term goals, and overall compatibility. In addition, Many couples choose a trial separation in Ohio before filing for divorce.… View Full Article → “What is a Trial Separation in Ohio? Is it the Same Thing as a Legal Separation?”

A Wedding Planner Share’s the Signs of a Likely Divorce Based on Her Observations of the Couple’s Behavior!

Wedding Money Problems and Signs of Divorce Before Marriage

Robin “Birdie” Yarusso, from Minneapolis, has been a wedding planner for 25 years. Recently she posted a viral TikTok sharing the signs of divorce before marriage that she has observed after planning hundreds of weddings.” The video has received over 3.1 million views! Birdie as she likes to be called says, “I can tell a bride and groom that’s going to get divorced before they even get married. So I’ve planned like 100 weddings and probably like 25 – 30 proposals, and there are certain things that happen that I’ve seen time and time again with my brides and grooms that have divorced later on.”

One of the red flags she sees is the cake smash. If it is discussed beforehand and both parties want to do it, then that is fine, however when it is a surprise then that is when it becomes a problem.… View Full Article → “A Wedding Planner Share’s the Signs of a Likely Divorce Based on Her Observations of the Couple’s Behavior!”

Debunking the Frequency of Divorce Myth

The Truth aout the Divorce rate myth.

Why the Divorce Rate Myth Persists

The idea that half of all marriages fail is part of the long-standing divorce rate myth that continues to mislead couples and policymakers. Fifty percent of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. A statistic that we have heard time and time again, but is that really true or is it a myth? As it turns out, this is not a true statement, and in face it is all part of the great divorce myth.

In many states lawmakers are seeking changes in the law that would make a no-fault divorce difficult to get. A no-fault divorce is what it sounds like. Either spouse can file for a divorce without having to provide proof that their spouse did anything wrong. Those lawmakers who are pushing for laws to make it more difficult to obtain a divorce feel that making it a no-fault proceeding contributes to a rising divorce rate.… View Full Article → “Debunking the Frequency of Divorce Myth”

The Perils of Drafting Your Own Agreement – Why You Need a 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:

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?”

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