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

A trial separation in Ohio.

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?”

Domestic Violence – Let’s Look at the Local Statistics!

domestic violence,no more silence,we will help you

Domestic Violence – No More Silence

The number of reported domestic violence cases has dramatically increased over the years since the domestic violence statute went into effect in Ohio in 1978. These numbers shocked me, even as a Dayton divorce lawyer who entered the practice back in 1978.

Chief Montgomery County Magistrate Keith Hall recently reported the following:

  • In 1978 there were 35 Civil Domestic Violence Filings
  • In 1979 there were 50 Civil Domestic Violence Filings
  • In 2016 there were 1,400 Civil Domestic Violence Filings
  • In 2017 there were 1,710 Civil Domestic Violence Filings

Believe it or not, this number of Civil Domestic Violence Filings in 2017 EXCEEDED the total number of divorces and dissolutions combined that year!

To try to help put this in context, I interviewed Jane Keiffer, MSW, LISW, the Executive Director of the Artemis Center in Dayton.  Ms. Keiffer explained that she did not interpret these numbers to mean necessarily that MORE domestic violence was occurring, but that there was much more awareness in our society.… View Full Article → “Domestic Violence – Let’s Look at the Local Statistics!”

The Name Game: Shirley, Shirley bo Birley . . .

Don’t forget to discuss with your Dayton divorce lawyer before the final hearing if you want to be reinstated to a former name. This is the time to accomplish the name change with ease, and typically, without any additional costs! Procedures vary from court to court whether the name change can be submitted as part of the Final Decree or by way of a separate Court Order. Either way, it is easy, and the wife has the right to decide whether she wants to keep her married surname. No, husbands, you cannot require your ex to relinquish your surname. And wives cannot pick a new surname; they can only be reinstated to a maiden or former name.

If you decide months after the divorce that you want to go back to a former name, it may be too late to have the Domestic Relations Court enter the name change for you.… View Full Article → “The Name Game: Shirley, Shirley bo Birley . . .”