Tips to Help Avoid the Summer Parenting Blues…

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   May 28th, 2011

Summers can be a difficult time for parents separated from their children for extended periods of time.  Ann Dunnewold, Ph.D., author of Even June Cleaver Would Forget the Juice Box, gave the following tips to Parenting magazine about ways to keep in contact with children away from home during the summer:

  1. Use your cell phone. Although the idea of entrusting a cellular device to your 6-year old (never mind kids younger than that) is appalling to many parents, allowing a child to have access to his or her mother or father’s voice is a simple and effective way to stay connected.  If the babysitter or another parent is with the child while you are not, simply ask them to cooperate and lend the child their phone.  A study conducted at University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that girls who talked to their mothers via phone felt calmer and happier as those whose mothers were physically available for hugs.  
… View Full Article → “Tips to Help Avoid the Summer Parenting Blues…”

Would You Recognize This as Abusive Behavior?

By Guest Contributor Donna F. Ferber, LPC, LADC   |   May 21st, 2011

When we hear “abusive behavior” we often think of physical violence. Abusive behavior is not always physical. Even though there may be no visible wounds, abusive behavior can be very damaging to the individual, the relationship and the family. Consider if these abusive behaviors are present in your own relationship.

  • Criticizing you, your friends, family, job, or anyone or anything important to you. 
  • Blaming you for everything.
  • Making fun of you in front of other people. This includes remarks about your looks, family, job, or sex.
  • Demanding that you account for all your time.
  • Listening in on your phone conversations.
  • Reading your mail or e-mail.
  • Isolating you from your friends and family.
  • Yelling, throwing things, slamming the counter, slamming doors, punching walls.
  • Using sarcasm.
  • Ordering you about.
  • Controlling or limiting your access to money.
  • Discussing you behind your back.
  • Demanding s/he have everything done her/his way.
  • Controlling what you wear.
  • Forcing you to have sex or to do sexual things you are not comfortable doing.
… View Full Article → “Would You Recognize This as Abusive Behavior?”

The UK Mourns the Passing of “Big George” Webley

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   May 17th, 2011

I was saddened to learn that George Webley, the host of the weeknight program on BBC London 94.9, died on May 7, 2011, at age 53. BBC London 94.9 Editor David Robey said, “Big George lived up to his name in every sense, a larger than life character with a radio personality to match. He was a truly distinctive broadcaster who will be terribly missed by his many devoted listeners and his colleagues.” He also had a long career as a musician and composed TV theme tunes, including “Have I Got News For You.”

I personally had the pleasure to appear as his guest on his show in July of 2009. As an American divorce lawyer, I was asked to share my perspective about the use of prenuptial agreements in the United States in light of a recent ruling that legalized their use in England. It was truly a fun experience for me to chat with “Big George.”… View Full Article → “The UK Mourns the Passing of “Big George” Webley”

Why Preparing Clients For Deposition Is Like Making Pancakes

By Guest Contributor, Attorney Brian R. Wilson, a partner in the Canton, Ohio, law firm of Nicodemo & Wilson, LLC.   |   May 14th, 2011

What is the one HUGE secret for making fluffy pancakes that rise like they should, as opposed to those paper thin, dense duds devoid of any texture or sponginess? And, by the way, as a long time weekend pancake slinger, this secret applies to homemade recipes (my usual choice) all the way down to the instant “just add water” mixes.

The secret? Don’t overwork the batter and DO NOT stir the lumps out of the mix. Simply add enough liquid (per whatever directions you’re following) to dissolve the dry batter and gently fold the liquid in. Within a few seconds, you’ll have enough consistency to be able to spoon or ladle a lump-filled blob of batter onto your griddle or into your pan. And then watch them slowly puff up and rise, in airy like, glorious fashion.

Not too long ago, I came to the conclusion that preparing our clients for deposition is a lot like making pancakes.… View Full Article → “Why Preparing Clients For Deposition Is Like Making Pancakes”

My Husband Committed Adultery, Humiliated Me, and Embarrassed Me in Our Community…Why Don’t I Get More Than 50% of the Assets? It’s Not Fair!

By Anne Shale   |   May 7th, 2011

How many times have we heard those comments and criticisms from our clients and their family members?  In many of my initial interviews with potential clients and their family members, I get the distinct impression that they believe the errant Husbands should be “tarred and feathered,” put in stocks in the village square so that raw eggs and tomatoes could be thrown at them, or sentenced to hard labor in a coal mine in Siberia!  I try to gently break the news that those things are not going to happen in the State of Ohio.

Our state is a “no fault” state …which essentially means that the Court does not care why the marriage is being terminated.  Therefore, the Court does not assign blame to Husband or to Wife.  Neither party is “punished” by the Court for any transgression that might have occurred during the marriage.  “No Fault Divorce” has been defined as follows: “A marriage/dissolution system whereby a divorce or dissolution is granted without the necessity of proving one of the parties is guilty of marital misconduct.”… View Full Article → “My Husband Committed Adultery, Humiliated Me, and Embarrassed Me in Our Community…Why Don’t I Get More Than 50% of the Assets? It’s Not Fair!”

Before You Start Swinging…Call the Dayton Mediation Center!

By John C. Meehling   |   April 30th, 2011

Have you ever had a dispute with that grumpy neighbor next door or across the hall to the point that the two of you were ready to exchange words…or blows?  Ever have a dispute with a shady landlord who was trying to evict you for no good reason? Have you ever had intense disagreements with your family members over when or where to send one of your elderly parents after it became just too hard to provide proper care for that parent at home anymore? If you can answer “yes“ to those or to any other stress inducing interpersonal conflict you may have, resolving that conflict at the Dayton Mediation Center is an option you may not have known was available.

As a divorce attorney who understands that many big problems can be avoided if conflict can be addressed as soon as a small situation arises, I recently visited the Dayton Mediation Center to find out exactly how they help people solve their conflicts.  … View Full Article → “Before You Start Swinging…Call the Dayton Mediation Center!”

The Lawyer You Choose May be More Important Than You Think…

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   April 16th, 2011

This represents the third collaboration between Psychotherapist Donna F. Ferber, LPC, LADC, and myself. We both had remarked to the other about the important role that the therapist and attorney play in a divorce proceeding. Donna suggested that we both write about our perceptions on that subject. Instead of each of us writing about the merits of our own profession, we switched roles. I wrote about the importance of therapy during a divorce and Donna addressed considerations for picking a good divorce attorney. We hope this perspective provides the reader with additional information and insight regarding the need for professional support during this challenging and life-changing experience. Be sure to spend time exploring the excellent articles she has written. Her insights are terrific!  Donna, as in the past, the collaboration was a lot of fun!

Here is her article:

Most women take more time picking out a winter coat than a divorce attorney.… View Full Article → “The Lawyer You Choose May be More Important Than You Think…”

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