Ohio Family Law Blog

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Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

By Joseph E. Balmer | November 25th, 2023

Why a reverse mortgage should be considered only as a last resort.

You may have read articles or seen television commercials touting the advantages of reverse mortgages. You may have even seen Tom Selleck, for those who watch Blue Bloods or remember Magnum PI, on your television asking whether a reverse a reverse mortgage is right for you. Although a reverse mortgage may be appropriate in certain situations, unless you are in dire need of cash or a monthly cash stream, I am generally not a proponent of a reverse mortgage. The reasons why will follow.

With a reverse mortgage, if you are at least 62 years old, you can borrow against the equity in your home to receive a lump sum of cash or a monthly amount. You don’t have to pay it back until you die or move out of your house. You still must stay current on you property taxes, insurance and any HOA fees.… View Full Article → “Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?”

Blast From The Past: Thanksgiving: What Happens When College Students Return Home For The Holidays?

By Guest Contributor Scott Hall | November 18th, 2023

PUBLISHERS UPDATE: Here is one of my favorites posts about college students returning home for the holidays from back on November 21st, 2015! The advice rings as true now as it did then! 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!

Parents and College Students Can Find Ways to Peacefully Coexist During Thanksgiving and the Holidays!

Call it a clash of cultures. Thousands of college students will soon travel home for Thanksgiving, in their minds, returning as independent adults, but still children in the eyes of their parents, says Scott Hall, a family studies professor at Ball State.

“When college students return home for their first Thanksgiving after having been away at school, they might feel like they are caught between two worlds: echoes of childhood dependency, and nearby adult-like independence,” Hall says.… View Full Article → “Blast From The Past: Thanksgiving: What Happens When College Students Return Home For The Holidays?”

In Ohio, A Child Can Pick Which Parent to Live With in a Divorce – True or False?

By Robert "Chip" Mues | November 11th, 2023

ANSWER: The answer is FALSE.

History of the Ohio Child Election Law

Prior to 1946, Ohio General Code §8033 made it mandatory that a child ten years of age or older “must” be allowed to choose which parent they preferred to live with, and the court would have to follow that choice unless the court deemed that parent “unfit.” Venable v. Venable, 445 N.E.2d 1125, 1130 (Ohio Ct. App. July 9, 1981). Even as recently as 1989, the Ohio Revised Code §3109 stated that children twelve years of age or older could choose which parent to live with. Bawidamann v. Bawdiamann, 580 N.E.2d 15, 17 (Ohio Ct. App. Aug. 4, 1989).

However, in 1996 the Ohio legislature amended §3109.04 and eliminated the ability for a child to choose the parent to live with. Butland v. Butland, No. 95APF09-1151, 1996 WL 362038, at *3 (Ohio Ct. App. June 27, 1996).… View Full Article → “In Ohio, A Child Can Pick Which Parent to Live With in a Divorce – True or False?”

Ever Wonder the Leading Causes for Divorce?

By Robert "Chip" Mues | November 4th, 2023

The Main Reason For Marrying Says Divorce Study? It’s Not Love!

According to a study by McKinley Irvin, approximately 42-45% of marriages in the United States end in divorce. The same study also found that 60% of second marriages and 73% of third marriages end in divorce. In 2021, there were 689,308 divorces across the 45 U.S. states that report this statistic. During that same year, 1,985,072 marriages occurred, making the U.S. marriage rate 6 per 1,000 people.

It can be beneficial for a couple to understand the causes for failed marriages. If you are already married it can help you to make your own marriage stronger. If you are about to walk down the aisle it can guide you in making choices about your intended wedding. It can even help you to support other couples in your life that you care about.

I recently read an article published in Forbes Magazine where they reported on their findings of a survey they had conducted.… View Full Article → “Ever Wonder the Leading Causes for Divorce?”

Blast From The Past: Non-Payment of Child Support May Result in Denial of a Passport

By Robert "Chip" Mues | October 28th, 2023

Child Support Arrearage Can Impact Travel Outside The Country

PUBLISHERS UPDATE: Here is one of my favorites posts about the U.S. Passport Denial Program from back on January 15, 2011! This U.S. government program is still going strong. Here is a link to their website to learn more. 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!

Renewal Or Issuance Of A U.S. Passport May Be Denied If More Than $2,500 Is Owed In Child Support

Most people don’t realize that if you have a child support arrearage of more than $2,500 that you are NOT eligible for either a renewal or the issuance of a U.S. passport. Also, be aware that there is no guarantee that even if your arrearage balance is below $2,500 that you will be allowed to obtain a passport because you are still in arrears.… View Full Article → “Blast From The Past: Non-Payment of Child Support May Result in Denial of a Passport”

A New Study Emphasizes the Important Role Fathers have on the Educational Outcomes of Their Children

By Robert "Chip" Mues | October 21st, 2023

Fathers Involvement With Their Children Has A Positive Effect on Educational Outcomes Says Recent UK Study

It goes without saying that parental involvement is crucial for a child’s development as well as their educational growth. A recent study conducted by the University of Leeds in the UK, finds that fathers have “a unique and important effect” on their children’s educational outcomes. The study collected data in a survey of about 5,000 families in the United Kingdom that included both a mother and father. The study was linked to the participants in the study from their early year profile at age 5 and then to the national pupil database at age 7. Click here to read the study.

The study found that when fathers engage in structured interactions such as singing, reading, playing, and drawing with their children before they attend school, it gives an educational advantage to them in their first year of elementary school.… View Full Article → “A New Study Emphasizes the Important Role Fathers have on the Educational Outcomes of Their Children”

Blast From The Past: An Overview of Adoptions, Guardianship and Custody Actions in Ohio

By Robert "Chip" Mues | October 14th, 2023

PUBLISHERS UPDATE: Here is one of my favorites posts about Adoptions, Guardianship and Custody Actions from back on June 5th, 2021! 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!

Legal Advice is Essential, if contemplating Adoption, Custody or Guardianship Action

The Legal Caregiver Roles in Ohio: Adoption, Custody and Guardianship. Which Role is Right For Me?

It is fundamental to those contemplating a new role of a caregiver of a child to know the rights and restrictions of each of these proceedings in order to best be informed about the legal possibilities and implications.

It is critical to have a committed person/family step in and assume the role of care in the precarious situations children or others needing care are often left in. Being informed is priceless, but obtaining legal advice is essential.… View Full Article → “Blast From The Past: An Overview of Adoptions, Guardianship and Custody Actions in Ohio”

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