Collaborative Divorce

The Greatest Gift for Your Kids: Why ‘Winning’ a Divorce is the Wrong Goal

A Better Path: Collaborative Divorce in Ohio

In my 40+ years of practicing divorce litigation, I’ve seen a common thread: parents walk into court wanting to “win,” only to realize later that the “battle” cost them far more than they gained. For many families considering collaborative divorce in Ohio, the goal isn’t to win a battle—it’s to reach a fair resolution while protecting the children involved.

When children are involved, the traditional notion of winning-getting more assets, paying less support, or “proving” the other spouse was wrong-often backfires. The real end goal should be arriving at a fair result while protecting the emotional health of your family. It’s important to note that Ohio’s legal landscape is catching up to this philosophy.

These changes are also relevant to parents considering collaborative divorce in Ohio. Recent changes, including Senate Bill 174, are moving our courts away from high-conflict terms like “custody” and “visitation.”… View Full Article → “The Greatest Gift for Your Kids: Why ‘Winning’ a Divorce is the Wrong Goal”

What ‘Over Your Dead Body’ Teaches About Divorce, Resentment, and Moving On

Why Ohio Divorce Advice Focuses on Solutions Instead of Revenge

The dark comedy Over Your Dead Body offers an exaggerated look at what can happen when resentment takes over a marriage. For anyone seeking Ohio divorce advice, the movie offers an important lesson: focus on solutions instead of revenge.

The dark comedy Over Your Dead Body follows a married couple who retreat to a secluded cabin in an attempt to repair their struggling marriage. Unfortunately, both spouses arrive with a secret plan to kill the other. While the movie’s premise is intentionally outrageous, it highlights a problem that family law attorneys see every day: what happens when resentment replaces communication.
Most divorcing spouses are not plotting murder, of course. However, many enter the divorce process carrying years of frustration, anger, and unresolved conflict. By the time the marriage ends, they may view their spouse as an enemy rather than someone with whom they once shared a life.… View Full Article → “What ‘Over Your Dead Body’ Teaches About Divorce, Resentment, and Moving On”

Hot Divorcee Summer: The Rebranding of Divorce in 2026

Ohio Collaborative Dissolution Can Help You Move Forward

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: I want to thank Lydia Wagenbach for writing another interesting blog post! Lydia is gaining additional legal experience elsewhere this Summer but has agreed to share a few of her blog posts for our readers. Lydia will be starting her third and final year of law school this Fall at the University of Dayton School of Law. Besides law, Lydia, you have the talent to add a side gig working as a reality television show critic!

If you liked this post, click here to read the one she wrote on January 17, 2026, titled “Ohio Prenuptial Agreements: What Love is Blind Teaches Couples”. Or click here to read “The Secret Lives of Morman Wives. And Domestic Violence: The Devastating Impact on Child Custody Arrangements. Lydia! You are a GREAT writer!

The Predecessor of “Hot Divorcee Summer”: “Hot Girl Summer”

In 2019, American rapper and songwriter Megan Thee Stallion released a song called “Hot Girl Summer.”… View Full Article → “Hot Divorcee Summer: The Rebranding of Divorce in 2026”

Navigating the Unique Challenges of LGBTQ Divorce in Ohio

Why Collaborative Divorce Can Benefit LGBTQ Couples

In recognition of June being Gay Pride month, I believe it is worthwhile to share this blog about some of the unique issues that LGBTQ individuals face when ending a marriage, and also to express why taking a collaborative approach is recommended.

Ending a marriage is never easy, but LGBTQ divorce in Ohio can involve additional legal and emotional complexities that many opposite-sex couples do not face. Although same-sex marriage has been recognized nationwide since Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), many LGBTQ spouses built long-term relationships before they were legally permitted to marry. The gap between lived reality and legal recognition has lasting impacts on how Ohio courts handle property division, spousal support, and parental rights in LGBTQ divorces.

1. Legal Recognition and the Length of Marriage in LGBTQ Divorce in Ohio

One of the most important issues in LGBTQ divorce in Ohio is determining how courts evaluate the length of a marriage when a couple shared a life together before same-sex marriage became legally recognized.… View Full Article → “Navigating the Unique Challenges of LGBTQ Divorce in Ohio”

The Summer Surge: Why Dating Peaks in the Heat of Post-Divorce Life

Why Dating After Divorce in Ohio Peaks During Summer

As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, many people begin exploring dating after divorce in Ohio as part of rebuilding their personal lives and moving forward emotionally. For many, summer is the season of vacations, barbecues, and relaxation. But for the divorced community, summer represents something else entirely: getting back into the dating game. A recent survey of 1000 divorced individuals showed that most began dating in the summer months following their divorce.

While data from apps like “Tinder” and “Bumble” show that dating spikes in January and February, studies show that divorced individuals have a unique trend of starting to date again in May, June, July and August.

The “Summer Break” Effect

For many newly single adults, dating after divorce in Ohio feels less intimidating during the summer months because social activities and outdoor gatherings naturally create opportunities to meet new people.… View Full Article → “The Summer Surge: Why Dating Peaks in the Heat of Post-Divorce Life”

The 3 C’s of Divorce: What They Are and How They Can Help You Uncouple Peacefully!

How the 3 C’s of Divorce Can Help You Uncouple Peacefully

It is no secret that divorce tends to be a highly stressful process. Following the 3 C’s of Divorce can make the process less stressful, less costly, and may even speed up the process.

1. Communication: A Core Principle of the 3 C’s of Divorce

Communication skills often impact one’s ability to negotiate. In her article, Rebecca Todd shares that “understanding how we communicate and what impact that can have on how we negotiate can help us to be better negotiators with better outcomes”. Negotiation is a critical skill in any collaborative divorce settlement, since an agreement will need to be filed with the court when the divorce is finalized.

Poor communication also tends to lead to conflict and confusion. When parties are straightforward it is easier to understand each other’s goals and priorities. It is important to note that a divorce with more conflict tends to be more expensive and lengthy than a divorce where parties communicate well with one another and their attorney.… View Full Article → “The 3 C’s of Divorce: What They Are and How They Can Help You Uncouple Peacefully!”

New Years: Resolutions and Goals During and After Divorce

New Year’s Resolutions During Divorce, Setting Healthy Goals After Separation

PUBLISHER’S NOTE – This blog was written by Attorney Rachel Recker who has clerked with MuesLaw for the last seven months while attending the law school at the University of Dayton. She did a great job! I appreciate these observations from working in a law firm focusing on collaborative divorce. Rachel has “flown the coop” from MuesLaw and will soon be starting her career as an attorney with the Law Office of Emily Feliz Garcia in Springdale! We will all miss you, Rachel. Please stay in touch!

Why New Year’s Resolutions During Divorce Can Be Especially Challenging

With January being the start of divorce season, New Year’s resolutions during divorce can feel especially challenging as personal goals and legal decisions begin to overlap. One may think “After this divorce, I am going to get my finances back together!” or “Once the separation is finalized, I am going to finally take time for myself!”… View Full Article → “New Years: Resolutions and Goals During and After Divorce”

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