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?”

High Conflict Divorce Litigation Can Turn in to a Very Long and Expensive Legal Proceeding. Here are Some Facts to Consider.

Divorce court documents used in high conflict litigation

II have been handling high conflict divorce litigation cases for over 40 years. As part of my practice, I have encouraged collaborative settlement efforts in divorce cases for decades. This is due in large part because of the emotional and financial costs and damage attendant to high conflict divorce Court litigation.

I have found that there is little information online about how grueling and expensive this high conflict divorce litigation battle can become. So, I thought it might be worthwhile to lay out what could be involved in the Court process for folks thinking about ending their marriage to consider before jumping into filing a divorce Complaint. I am not trying to scare anyone. This blog is intended to shed light on what can happen to those embarking upon the battleship “Divorce”. It hopefully can also serve as an “eye opener”and justification why it makes sense to avoid escalating to high conflict divorce litigation as one starts to consider how to dissolve their marriage.… View Full Article → “High Conflict Divorce Litigation Can Turn in to a Very Long and Expensive Legal Proceeding. Here are Some Facts to Consider.”

Gambling: The Consequences Of Financial Misconduct In A Divorce

Overview on Ohio Divorce Law: Gambling as the Basis for Financial Misconduct and Unequal Division of Marital Assets Upon Divorce

Gambling exists in every state (even in Utah and Hawaii where it is illegal), but not everyone gambles the same.  If gambling gets out of control, it becomes a real medical condition. A “Gambling Disorder”, as the affliction is known, affects slightly more than 2 percent  of all U.S. adults. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Gambling can stimulate the brain’s reward system much like drugs such as alcohol can, leading to addiction”. Individually, male gambling addicts typically accumulate an average debt between $55,000 and $90,000.  Female gambling addicts average a $15,000 debt, by one estimate. But as one might expect, most gamblers do not have sufficient resources to pay back what they owe. As a result, gambling addicts develop a high tendency to, suffer from other health issues, lose their jobs, commit crimes, and strain their relationships and marriages.… View Full Article → “Gambling: The Consequences Of Financial Misconduct In A Divorce”