How Does Discernment Counseling Differ from Marriage Counseling? On the Fence about Divorcing?

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   November 22nd, 2025
How Does Discernment Counseling Differ from Marriage Counseling? On the Fence about Divorcing?

Publisher’s Note I attended an excellent seminar yesterday presented by the International Academy of Collaborative Professions (IACP) of which I am a member. It focused in part on the differences between traditional marriage counseling and discernment counseling. It was very enlightening and prompted me to repost this article of mine from June 15, 2024. This article explains discernment counseling vs marriage counseling and helps couples understand which option fits their situation.

I HAVE AN ASK – IF YOU ARE AWARE OF ANY DAYTON AREA PROFESSIONALS OFFERING DISCERNMENT COUNSELING, PLEASE LET ME KNOW FOR A FOLLOW-UP POST!

What Is Discernment Counseling vs Marriage Counseling?

When a couple is having marital problems, counseling is often one of the first steps they take. However, if you are one of those couples with a “mixed agenda”, meaning one partner is leaning towards wanting a divorce while the other is wishing to stay married, then discernment counseling might be a route to try.… View Full Article → “How Does Discernment Counseling Differ from Marriage Counseling? On the Fence about Divorcing?”

Can A Child in Ohio Pick Which Parent to Live With in a Divorce – Yes or No?

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   November 15th, 2025
Can A Child in Ohio Pick Which Parent to Live With in a Divorce – Yes or No?

ANSWER: The answer is NO – they cannot choose under current Ohio child custody preference laws.

Publisher’s Note: There is so much misinformation online these days that perhaps that is one of the reasons clients frequently still ask me this question. The Ohio age of election law was changed nearly 30 years ago! Here is the history about this change for those wanting to know the correct posture of that law.

The 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.… View Full Article → “Can A Child in Ohio Pick Which Parent to Live With in a Divorce – Yes or No?”

The Importance of a Well Drafted Major Decision Making Clause in Your Shared Parenting Plan

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   November 8th, 2025
The Importance of a Well Drafted Major Decision Making Clause in Your Shared Parenting Plan

What Is a Major Decision Making Clause in a Shared Parenting Plan?

Shared parenting plans in Ohio, are designed to promote cooperation between divorced parents while ensuring that both remain actively involved in their children’s lives. However, one of the most overlooked yet crucial parts of these plans is the major decision making clause. This provision determines how key choices – like education, healthcare, and religious upbringing – will be made. When not clearly defined, it can lead to confusion, conflict, and future litigation. In my experience, one of the MOST important sections included in a shared parenting plan is the “major decision making clause”.

These clauses show the court that the parties are committed to cooperative problem-solving. In short, decision-making clauses should never be treated as boilerplate. Each family is unique – and the plan’s language should reflect that. A thoughtful, customized clause not only protects your client’s interests but also promotes the child’s well-being and reduces conflict for years to come.… View Full Article → “The Importance of a Well Drafted Major Decision Making Clause in Your Shared Parenting Plan”

Have You Heard About Platonic Parenting Plans?

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   November 1st, 2025
Have You Heard About Platonic Parenting Plans?

How to Create Successful Platonic Parenting Plans?

Why Legal Guidance Matters in Platonic Parenting Plans

For those people who want children, the typical path to follow is to find your soulmate, get married, have children and have a family. However as our society has evolved and changed, so has the definition of family. The relationship status including gender and whether or not two people are married is no longer a defining issue in becoming a parent. Many people are more focused on wanting children rather than in finding that special someone to have a romantic relationship with. Platonic parenting is becoming more and more common.

What is a platonic parenting arrangement?

It is when two (or even more than two people) decide to commit to raise a child together, yet have no romantic involvement. There is a trend toward alternative forms of parenting breaking from the traditional concept of nuclear families.… View Full Article → “Have You Heard About Platonic Parenting Plans?”

How the CARES Act May Impact Your Divorce

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   October 25th, 2025
How the CARES Act May Impact Your Divorce

What is the CARES Act? How the CARES Act and Divorce Intersect Financially

The CARES Act and divorce may not seem directly connected, but the law’s financial relief provisions can significantly affect how couples divide assets and plan post-divorce finances. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is an economic stimulus bill. Its purpose was to provide financial assistance to individuals and families, healthcare systems, and small businesses and industries. On March 20, 2020, the President signed this bill into law which provided up to 2 trillion dollars in much needed relief and financial assistance to individuals and businesses suffering the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tax Implications of the CARES Act During Divorce
  1. Early withdrawal from your retirement account.

Usually, people under the age of 59 ½ are subject to a 10% withdrawal penalty on any distribution from their retirement account. Now, the CARES Act may permit you and your spouse to withdraw up to $200,000 ($100,000 per individual) from your 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b).… View Full Article → “How the CARES Act May Impact Your Divorce”

Ohio Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025: Updates, Statistics, and the Artemis Center’s 40th Year!

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   October 18th, 2025
Ohio Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025: Updates, Statistics, and the Artemis Center’s 40th Year!

Ohio Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025: Recognizing a Continuing Crisis

October is Ohio Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025. In October of 1981, it was first observed as a national “Day of Unity”. In 1987 Domestic Violence Awareness Month was established and in 1989 Congress officially designated the month of October to recognize Domestic Violence (DVAM). DVAM provides the opportunity to learn about how prevalent a problem this is in our society, and to learn about the impact domestic violence has on individuals and families. It also was established to show victims as well as survivors of domestic violence that they are not alone in their journey.

The Domestic Relations Court in Montgomery County is just one court in Montgomery County that is tasked with hearing cases where an individual has reached out requesting a protection order from either Domestic or Dating Violence. As of the beginning of October, they have already had 1,675 Petions filed for protection orders in 2025.… View Full Article → “Ohio Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025: Updates, Statistics, and the Artemis Center’s 40th Year!”

What is a Trial Separation in Ohio? Is it the Same Thing as a Legal Separation?

By Robert "Chip" Mues   |   October 11th, 2025
What is a Trial Separation in Ohio? Is it the Same Thing as a Legal Separation?

Understanding How a Trial Separation in Ohio Works

A trial separation in Ohio is not the same as a legal separation. They are not at all the same thing! I previously explained the characteristics of what a legal separation is in Ohio. Click here to read that post from 5 years ago. The basics in it are still applicable today.

Today, I will share some of my thoughts about a “trial separation” – which is an informal agreement for 2 people to live apart. Essentially, it is an experiment in living apart. During this time the parties of course remain married, but live apart. A party may move back home, in with a friend, or rent an apartment.

This arrangement is typically done for one or both parties to have space apart to evaluate their feelings towards each other, their long term goals, and overall compatibility. In addition, Many couples choose a trial separation in Ohio before filing for divorce.… View Full Article → “What is a Trial Separation in Ohio? Is it the Same Thing as a Legal Separation?”

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