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”

Divorce Without a Lawyer: What Can Go Wrong?

Divorce without a lawyer couple not a good idea.

What Can Go Wrong in a Divorce Without a Lawyer?

Like most veteran divorce lawyers, I’ve seen many people try to handle a divorce without a lawyer – often to their own detriment. The excuses I frequently hear are:

  1. I’m too busy;
  2. We have only been married for just a short time;
  3. My spouse will treat me fairly;
  4. I don’t need to spend money for a lawyer
  5. I am too depressed to deal with it, and if I ignore it, I can fight it later if necessary; or
  6. My spouse will get everything anyway since I have been a lousy spouse.

Truthfully, all of these “excuses” are poor ones. Scheduling an appointment with an experienced divorce lawyer is not an expensive pro-active investment. Some lawyers even offer a free initial conference.

What will happen if you simply ignore the divorce filing?
  1. The case will be set for a non-contested default hearing;
  2. Your spouse (and his/her divorce lawyer) will submit a Final Decree of Divorce for the Court’s approval;
  3. There will be little or no inquiry by the Judge if the facts are correct or the orders are fair or equitable;
  4. No one will protect or even really consider or care about your rights or interests.
… View Full Article → “Divorce Without a Lawyer: What Can Go Wrong?”

10 Fun Summertime Activities for Kids with Divorced Parents

summer activities for kids with divorced parents

How to Plan Summer Activities for Kids with Divorced Parents Without Conflict

Summer, and those carefree days that kids dream about all school year long, has finally arrived. However, planning summer activities for kids with divorced parents can be difficult, especially when juggling work, vacation, camps and childcare.

This is especially true for parents who are separated or divorced. Trying to coordinate summer schedules can cause tension and conflict. Although there is no easy way to resolve all the issues that may arise when raising children in two separate homes, there are some tips to follow to help make things easier for both the parents and the kids.

The first thing to do is to read over your divorce or custody decree if you have one, and/or review your parenting agreement. Make sure you have a clear understanding about what your agreement says about co-parenting during the summer months. Also, be sure to review the attached Court’s Standard Order which often adds more detail about Summer parenting terms.… View Full Article → “10 Fun Summertime Activities for Kids with Divorced Parents”

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!”

New Year Resolutions for Those Going Through a Divorce…

New Year resolutions for divorce recovery

New Year Resolutions for Divorce Recovery: Making a Resolution can help you focus after Divorce!

PUBLISHER’S UPDATE: Here is one of my favorites posts from back on January 15th, 2022! The advice rings as true now as it did then! Wishing you a stress free and wonderful 2025. 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!

Resolve to Thrive: New Year Resolutions for Divorce Recovery

As we embrace the new year, changes are inevitable. Especially if you are going through a separation or divorce. For you this might be a time of loss and sadness. Also think of it as a time of the hope for a brighter, happier future. The key is in the mindset about how to act and think differently in the new year.

Typically, people make promises to exercise more, or eat a healthier way, or perhaps lose weight.… View Full Article → “New Year Resolutions for Those Going Through a Divorce…”

Learn From Her Mistakes: It’s Too Late for J Lo to Create a Prenuptial Agreement, But it May Not be Too Late for You!

importance of prenuptial agreements

Understanding the Importance of Prenuptial Agreements for Financial Security

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck (more affectionately known as “Bennifer”) have made headlines again, this time for filing for divorce after just two years of marriage. Despite their high-profile lives and busy careers, this was a couple that the world wanted to succeed since the early 2000s. However, this split should serve as a reminder of the importance of prenuptial agreements – especially when it comes to marriage and our finances.

The pair reportedly did not have a prenuptial agreement in place, which means that under California law, any assets that they have acquired during their marriage will be split between them, including their $68,000,000 mansion, and any income earned during the past two years. As of this year, Lopez’s net worth was estimated to be $400 million, substantial compared to Affleck’s $150 million. Although J Lo’s divorce petition listed the couple’s assets as “unknown,” it is clear that this will be a huge amount to be addressed by the courts.… View Full Article → “Learn From Her Mistakes: It’s Too Late for J Lo to Create a Prenuptial Agreement, But it May Not be Too Late for You!”

Did You Know the Majority of Americans are Now Single? Consider These Statistics…

majority americans now single

Recent statistics show that the majority of Americans are now single, which has significant implications for society and the family structure

From ‘I Do’ to ‘I Don’t’: Economic Shifts Behind The Majority of Americans Are Now Single

As many of you who follow my blog know, I am a self-proclaimed statistic geek. Or maybe my wife gets credit for dubbing me with that title. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reviewing the statistics as it relates to my divorce law practice.

For generations, most Americans have believed they will fall in love, get married, and raise children together. However, over the past 50 years, studies and statistics show us that is changing. The days of the nuclear family, a woman, man, and children, are no longer the norm. The most current Census Bureau report on marital status found that 49% of Americans are married, while 51% are single. Being single is defined as being separated, divorced, widowed, or never married.… View Full Article → “Did You Know the Majority of Americans are Now Single? Consider These Statistics…”

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