divorce mediation

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”

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”

Thinking About a Divorce? Perhaps Divorce Mediation Could be Helpful

Divorce Mediation for Child Custody and Parenting Plans

You and your spouse have unfortunately come to the conclusion that your marriage is no longer working for you, and it is time to end your union. Does this necessarily mean a divorce trial is the only means forward? No. Not at all. Divorce mediation can often be a successful method to assist parties to reach an amicable agreement.

Private or Court Mediation?

Private divorce mediators are available to be hired in Dayton and most areas of the Country. Your divorce lawyer can help you navigate the options. They typically charge $200 to $350 an hour for their services. Checking their background and divorce mediation experience is VERY important! The benefit of a divorce court mediator is that you do not have to pay him/her for their time.

All the divorce courts around Dayton have some form of divorce mediation available. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution and can be very beneficial if both parties are willing to listen to the mediator and act with good faith.… View Full Article → “Thinking About a Divorce? Perhaps Divorce Mediation Could be Helpful”