Virtual Visitation: Part 1 – Utilizing Technology to Supplement Parenting Time

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   January 17th, 2009

In the first of a two part series, Attorney Robert Mues examines Virtual Visitation and the different options a divorced parent can use to communicate with their children. Part 1 – Utilizing Technology to Supplement Parenting Time.

Not too long ago, divorced parents had limited communication options to stay in touch with their children.  The old rushed and often dry “phone call approach” was better than nothing but had drawbacks.  There were long distance phone charges and issues with time zones.  New communication options have improved considerably! It is much easier for you to keep in touch with your children after a divorce.  Most of these approaches require both parents to have a computer with broadband connections.  Here are some options to supplement traditional face to face parenting time:

Cell Phones: Many companies are selling cell phones designed specifically for kids which feature built in parental controls to restrict incoming and outgoing calls or text messages.  … View Full Article → “Virtual Visitation: Part 1 – Utilizing Technology to Supplement Parenting Time”

Feeling Guilty About Your Divorce?

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   January 10th, 2009

No doubt, guilt is a big issue for many people going through a divorce.  I came across an interesting article on the subject at Divorce Transitions.  The author has opined that there are two separate stages:

Shock

We tend to think of “shock” as being sudden.  But the dictionary tells us it can be “a disturbance in the equilibrium or permanence of something” or “a sudden or violent mental or emotional disturbance.”  Therapists confirm that shock need not have the suddenness of a lightning bolt.  You may have known for some time that your marriage was in trouble, but the final realization of the loss may still create a sense of shock.

Among the most common symptoms are extreme disorientation, numbness, difficulty with short-term memory, physical distress, and/or confusion.  As part of denial, the divorce-bound person may seek refuge in fantasy.  “He’s going to come in the front door this evening, and everything will be just like its always been.”  … View Full Article → “Feeling Guilty About Your Divorce?”

The Conciliation Process In Montgomery County, Ohio

By Anne Shale   |   January 3rd, 2009

Ohio Revised Code (“ORC”) Sections 3117.01 through 3117.08 are the specific statutes governing the conciliation process in the State of Ohio. Black’s Law Dictionary reflects that the word “conciliation” is derived from French law wherein it was/is the formality to which intending litigants are subjected in cases brought before a Judge. The Judge convenes the parties and endeavors to reconcile them. Should the Judge not succeed, the case proceeds to trial.

In the Domestic Relations Court of Montgomery County, Galen Curry is the person who is “in charge” of the conciliation process. On Thursday, November 6, 2008, I had the opportunity to meet with Galen Curry to learn about his role in a conciliation proceeding. Ohio Revised Code Section 3117.03 provides for the appointment of one or more conciliation counselors in counties having a population over one hundred thousand according to the latest federal census.

As the conciliation counselor, Galen Curry does the following:

A.… View Full Article → “The Conciliation Process In Montgomery County, Ohio”

Divorce And Insurance Policies: What Divorce Attorneys Need To Know To Protect Their Clients

By Guest Contributor, Attorney Brian R. Wilson, a partner in the Canton, Ohio, law firm of Nicodemo & Wilson, LLC.   |   December 27th, 2008

You may not be aware that, years after you have prepared a separation agreement, it may have a direct bearing on whether your clients are covered under their auto or homeowners’ insurance policies in a variety of accident scenarios.

Here’s a typical scenario. Months or years after Mom and Dad are divorced, one of them hands the car keys to “Junior,” who negligently wrecks the car and injures another motorist. One or both parents, thinking that Junior is covered under their auto policy, turn the claim into their insurer, only to be shocked that the insurance company denies the claim.

There are two principal reasons why the claim might be denied: Junior is not a “named insured” or a “resident relative” under the policy. If the denial holds water, Junior and perhaps his parents may be exposed to personal liability, and the distinct prospect of bankruptcy. The question is: Is there anything the divorce attorney can do to ensure or increase the likelihood that minor children will be covered in a future accident under one or both parents’ insurance policies?… View Full Article → “Divorce And Insurance Policies: What Divorce Attorneys Need To Know To Protect Their Clients”

Ho! Ho! Ho! Holiday Ramblings from the Publisher . . .

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   December 20th, 2008

I want to wish everyone a most joyous holiday season!

This is an appropriate time to reflect upon memories of past Christmas celebrations and traditions. In our family, we were very involved with a Christmas project providing gifts for needy children for many years while our sons were growing up. As a family, we spent countless hours working at the Center. We have tried to instill upon our family the importance of sharing and helping others. It is too easy this time of year to become consumed by all the shopping, decorating, numerous errands and superficial things. Focus can be lost on real matters of consequence, such as the meaning and importance of family. Regardless of one’s religious convictions, this is an excellent time to reflect upon our core values and aspire to do what we each can to make the lives of others around us better, even if it is in some small seemingly insignificant way.… View Full Article → “Ho! Ho! Ho! Holiday Ramblings from the Publisher . . .”

Is Money Really the Root of all Evil?

By Guest Contributor, Aaron Hill   |   December 13th, 2008

Aaron Hill is a third year student at the University of Dayton School of Law, externing at Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues.

Have you discussed with your significant other how the household finances will be managed? This is an often overlooked question that newlyweds fail to discuss. Among other reasons, “money problems” are cited as one of the leading reasons for divorce. It is, therefore, paramount for couples to share a similar outlook on money matters before they get married.

Communication and Compromise are the Key

Communication and compromise are the keys to any successful relationship. Couples who discuss what their financial goals and responsibilities are before they get married are starting their marriage on the right foot. It is crucial for the couples to sit down and communicate both long and short term goals. Short term goals include who is going to be responsible for paying the bills, handling the investments, or whether to establish joint banking accounts.… View Full Article → “Is Money Really the Root of all Evil?”

New Strategies To Protecting Assets From Medicaid Through Long Term Health Care Insurance

By Joseph E. Balmer   |   November 29th, 2008

While not directly on the topic of family law per se, Attorney Joe Balmer, head of the estate planning and probate department at Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues, has written an important article on Medicaid planning that warrants reading.

Thanks to Ohio’s Long-term Care Partnership Program, which became effective in September of 2007, it is now possible to protect more of one’s assets from Medicaid spend down through the use of certain long-term health insurance policies. However, certain criteria must be followed and it is important to purchase any such policy from an experienced long-term health care insurance professional.

Long-term health care services include help with activities of daily living, home health care, respite care, hospice care, adult day care, nursing home care and assisted living facility care. Neither Medicare nor most traditional health care insurance plans cover most costs of long-term care.  Statistics show that the current life expectancy of a 65 year old is 18 additional years and in 2005, 5 percent of all people 65 years or older resided in a nursing home. … View Full Article → “New Strategies To Protecting Assets From Medicaid Through Long Term Health Care Insurance”

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