Collaborative Divorce

Hot Divorcee Summer: The Rebranding of Divorce in 2026

Ohio Collaborative Dissolution Can Help You Move Forward

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: I want to thank Lydia Wagenbach for writing another interesting blog post! Lydia is gaining additional legal experience elsewhere this Summer but has agreed to share a few of her blog posts for our readers. Lydia will be starting her third and final year of law school this Fall at the University of Dayton School of Law. Besides law, Lydia, you have the talent to add a side gig working as a reality television show critic!

If you liked this post, click here to read the one she wrote on January 17, 2026, titled “Ohio Prenuptial Agreements: What Love is Blind Teaches Couples”. Or click here to read “The Secret Lives of Morman Wives. And Domestic Violence: The Devastating Impact on Child Custody Arrangements. Lydia! You are a GREAT writer!

The Predecessor of “Hot Divorcee Summer”: “Hot Girl Summer”

In 2019, American rapper and songwriter Megan Thee Stallion released a song called “Hot Girl Summer.”… View Full Article → “Hot Divorcee Summer: The Rebranding of Divorce in 2026”

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”

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”

New Years: Resolutions and Goals During and After Divorce

New Year’s Resolutions During Divorce, Setting Healthy Goals After Separation

PUBLISHER’S NOTE – This blog was written by Attorney Rachel Recker who has clerked with MuesLaw for the last seven months while attending the law school at the University of Dayton. She did a great job! I appreciate these observations from working in a law firm focusing on collaborative divorce. Rachel has “flown the coop” from MuesLaw and will soon be starting her career as an attorney with the Law Office of Emily Feliz Garcia in Springdale! We will all miss you, Rachel. Please stay in touch!

Why New Year’s Resolutions During Divorce Can Be Especially Challenging

With January being the start of divorce season, New Year’s resolutions during divorce can feel especially challenging as personal goals and legal decisions begin to overlap. One may think “After this divorce, I am going to get my finances back together!” or “Once the separation is finalized, I am going to finally take time for myself!”… View Full Article → “New Years: Resolutions and Goals During and After Divorce”

Ending Your Marriage? How Alternative Dispute Resolution in Divorce Might Help

Paper torn between “Court” and “Mediation” File Name: divorce-court-vs-mediation.jpg Alt Tag: Visual comparison between traditional divorce court and mediation as alternative dispute resolution options

Divorcing couples are increasingly turning to Alternative Dispute Resolution in divorce to avoid the stress and cost of litigation.

Three Proven Ways to End a Marriage Without Going to Court

Most people expect a divorce to be like a courtroom drama movie with intense arguments and conflict in front of a judge. Many people are opting to remove this drama and amicably settle divorces outside of the courtroom.

There are three main types of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods to resolve disputes without the traditional litigation battles. They are mediation, collaborative divorce and the hybrid approach (a combination of both). Each ADR method has its own strengths. The right one for you depends on your situation, your goals, and your relationship with your spouse. Each method of Alternative Dispute Resolution in divorce offers unique benefits depending on your needs.

MEDIATION: What is Mediation in Alternative Dispute Resolution?

Mediation is utilizing a neutral third party (a Mediator) to help communicate, identify issues, and reach agreements.… View Full Article → “Ending Your Marriage? How Alternative Dispute Resolution in Divorce Might Help”

If You are Ending Your Marriage and have Children, why a Collaborative Divorce Might Be the Best Route to Go!

Parents discussing a collaborative divorce with children in mind

If you are ending your marriage and have children, a collaborative divorce with children may be the best way to minimize stress and conflict

Terminating a marriage is always difficult from many perspectives. The typical notion of “winning” the battle deserves reflection. What is the real end goal? Is it to end up with more of the assets? Is it, paying less spousal support or child support? Or is it to arrive at a “fair” result while trying your best to maintain healthy relationships on your family members while reducing emotional stress all around? “Uncoupling” is never easy. Research shows that it can be especially difficult for children. This is why many parents are turning to a collaborative divorce with children, as it prioritizes their well-being while minimizing conflict.

As a result of my 40+ years of practicing divorce litigation, I would submit that utilizing a more collaborative approach to unwinding a marriage can greatly improve the emotional health of the parties, especially when kids are involved.… View Full Article → “If You are Ending Your Marriage and have Children, why a Collaborative Divorce Might Be the Best Route to Go!”

Better Understanding Collaborative Divorce and the Role Certified Divorce Financial Analysts® Can Play

collaborative divorce certified divorce financial analyst

How Collaborative Divorce and Certified Divorce Financial Analysts Can Simplify Your Divorce Process

Ending a marriage is never easy. The emotional weight, the shared history, and the life that was once built together can make the process seem like an insurmountable challenge. While divorce is commonly associated with conflict and court battles, many couples are turning to collaborative divorce and Certified Divorce Financial Analysts to navigate the process more amicably. In fact, there are more amicable ways to end a marriage – ways that can protect both parties, especially when children are involved. One such approach is called “collaborative divorce”. This is a process where both spouses work together, along with their respective attorneys and other professionals, to resolve divorce-related issues outside of court.

The goal is to reach a mutually agreeable settlement through open communication, cooperation, and negotiation, rather than through litigation. In collaborative divorce, each party agrees to act in good faith and share information transparently, with a focus on finding solutions that meet everyone’s needs, finances, and future planning.… View Full Article → “Better Understanding Collaborative Divorce and the Role Certified Divorce Financial Analysts® Can Play”