Do Men or Women Typically Initiate a Divorce First?

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   July 30th, 2022
Do Men or Women Typically Initiate a Divorce First?

Statistics say 70% of marriages in the US that end in termination are initiated by women, but what do the experts really say?

When a couple decides to marry, they usually think their marriage will last until “death do us part”. Sadly though, that is often not the case. In the United States, roughly half of marriages end in divorce. Terminating a marriage is usually not something couples take lightly, and while it may be a mutual decision, the statistics show there is a clear pattern as to who makes the initial call. In the US, it is estimated that 70% of marriages that end in divorce are initiated by women. That figure rises to 90% when the woman is college educated.

So why is it that women are more likely to choose to proceed with a divorce than men? Heidi Kar, who is a licensed clinical psychologist and international mental health expert for the Education Development Center in New York sites that it is not a coincidence that the rise of divorce initiated by women coincides with women’s liberation.… View Full Article → “Do Men or Women Typically Initiate a Divorce First?”

Divorced? Are You Eligible to Collect Social Security Benefits off Your Ex’s Record?

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   July 23rd, 2022
Divorced? Are You Eligible to Collect Social Security Benefits off Your Ex’s Record?

Divorced Spouse Can Collect Social Security Benefits Under Certain Conditions

A Divorced Spouse May Be Eligible For Social Security Benefits Once They Hit Retirement Age

Typically, when a divorce is settled, so are the marital assets. Yet, not a lot of people know that as you reach retirement age, there may be one more benefit you can collect from your divorce.

In a MassMutual poll conducted in 2021, 30% of individuals didn’t know that a divorced person may potentially collect social security benefits on their ex-spouse, once they hit retirement age.

Back in May of 2016, we discussed Social Security benefits  after the divorce is finalized in our post, “Social Security Benefits Can Be Maximized Post Final Divorce Decree“, but with divorce rates highest among those ages 55-64, according to the US Census Bureau, it’s a good topic to revisit and reiterate, especially if you’re nearing retirement age.… View Full Article → “Divorced? Are You Eligible to Collect Social Security Benefits off Your Ex’s Record?”

What To Do If Your Life Is A Mess After Divorce

By Guest Contributor Dr. Karen Finn   |   July 16th, 2022
What To Do If Your Life Is A Mess After Divorce

Mess After Divorce: It’s possible for you to love your life again.

It’s a tricky, devious, exhausting struggle, this whole getting-over-a-relationship thing. And if you have been married, you know there is a lot more at stake than just a romantic hit-and-run. Marriage means you were vested in something bigger than just “two people in love.” So, if your life is a mess after divorce, it’s no wonder.

Think about what it’s like to pack up and move from a house you have lived in for 10, 20, 30 years. Now imagine the task as an effort to downsize.

Everything that was once neatly in its place (on cleaning day, anyway) is now…well…everywhere. Essentials, non-essentials, mementos, family heirlooms, favorites-for-no-good-reason. It’s all unearthed, waiting for a decision to be made on its destiny.

Your home is a mess. Your life is a mess. After divorce, this metaphor comes to life in every area of your existence.… View Full Article → “What To Do If Your Life Is A Mess After Divorce”

Getting to Know the Basics of Medicaid

By Joseph E. Balmer   |   July 9th, 2022
Getting to Know the Basics of Medicaid

65 and Older: Applying For Medicaid In Ohio

Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides long-term health care for those age 65 and older who meet certain income and asset requirements. Medicare is a federal health insurance program available for anyone age 65 or older regardless of income or asset level but does not cover long term care. Thus, if a senior needs long term care, they pay for it from their own resources until they reach a level qualifying them for Medicaid eligibility, at which time Medicaid takes over and pays the long-term health care  facility’s bill going forward. The basic rules are as follows. All numbers are Ohio Medicaid figures for 2022.

An individual applying for Medicaid must satisfy an income eligibility test. The applicant’s eligibility must not exceed $2,523 per month. If the applicant is married, the applicant’s spouse’s income is not counted. Also, the non-applicant spouse may be entitled to a minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance (MMMNA).… View Full Article → “Getting to Know the Basics of Medicaid”

Blast From The Past: The Value and Benefits of Signing a Consent Agreement in an Ohio Domestic Violence Case

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   July 2nd, 2022
Blast From The Past: The Value and Benefits of Signing a Consent Agreement in an Ohio Domestic Violence Case

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This blog about Consent Agreement is as meaningful today as it was when we originally posted it on November 11, 2022! 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!

What is a Consent Agreement in a Civil Protection Order (CPO)?

A Consent agreement in a civil protection order occurs when the parties agree upon the terms of the protection order. If the parties are able to agree upon the terms of the protection order , then there is no need for a finding of domestic violence nor is there a place in the Consent Agreement form to include a finding of facts. In a Consent Agreement , the accused is not admitting or denying that an act of violence ever occurred. The accused is simply agreeing to follow the terms of the civil protection order.… View Full Article → “Blast From The Past: The Value and Benefits of Signing a Consent Agreement in an Ohio Domestic Violence Case”

Ohio’s Funeral Laws to Change in Mid-September: Here’s What You Need to Know

By Joseph E. Balmer   |   June 25th, 2022
Ohio’s Funeral Laws to Change in Mid-September: Here’s What You Need to Know

Preneed Funeral Contract Reforms Come To Ohio

Ohio Funeral Laws Set To Change – How This Impacts The Preneed Funeral Contract

“Not only is S.B. [Senate Bill] 224 a business-friendly proposal, but it is a consumer-friendly proposal,” states State Senator Jerry Cirino, who sponsored the bill.

On March 16, 2022, the 134th General Assembly passed a bill containing several reforms to Ohio’s funeral laws. While S.B. 224 covers several reforms to funeral laws, the three most important are as follows: (1) reforms to preneed funeral contracts, (2) reforms to ID tags for cremated remains, (3) reforms to unclaimed crematory remains when a funeral home permanently closes, and (4) changes to funeral procedures. To discover what other interesting changes S.B. 224 will implement to funeral law, click here to read the full bill.

1. Reforms to Preneed Funeral Contracts

What is a Preneed Funeral Contract?

S.B. 224 mentions preneed funeral contracts, but what is a preneed funeral contract?… View Full Article → “Ohio’s Funeral Laws to Change in Mid-September: Here’s What You Need to Know”

June is Men’s Health Month – Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Health During a Divorce!

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   June 18th, 2022
June is Men’s Health Month – Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Health During a Divorce!

Should You Make Your Health A Priority After A Difficult Divorce?

Did you know that June is Men’s Health Month? During a difficult separation and divorce, men often do not make their health a priority, however they should. Here are some ideas on how to do that.

Be sure to get enough exercise. It doesn’t mean you have to take out an expensive gym membership. If you do have a gym membership and enjoy it, by all means go. If the gym isn’t your thing there are lots of ways to incorporate exercise into you daily routine. Playing with your kids at the park, going for a walk, doing jumping jacks or push ups, taking the stairs instead of the elevator are just some simple ways to incorporate exercise. Any type of movement will help both your body and mind. Just get moving!

Definitely pay attention to what you are eating.… View Full Article → “June is Men’s Health Month – Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Health During a Divorce!”

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