Ohio family law

AimeeSays: How AI Could Help Rewrite the Script of High-Conflict Divorce

For survivors, attorneys, and courts alike, the role of AI in high-conflict divorce Ohio cases is becoming an important topic.

Publisher’s Note:

April Erion, a second year law student at the University Of Dayton School Of Law, is clerking with MuesLaw this term. She came to me with a very interesting blog article topic. She asked me if I had heard of AimeeSays and told me about it. I had not heard of it. After checking it out, I decided to get some insight about it from an expert. I asked Jane Keiffer, the Executive Director of the Artemis Center in Dayton about AimeeSays and any impressions.

I believe that information about all resources available to victims of domestic abuse/violence should be disseminated to the public. That is why sharing this blog topic is important in my opinion! AI is intriguing in many ways – but also scary too.

I want to thank April Erion for the idea and helping write this blog.… View Full Article → “AimeeSays: How AI Could Help Rewrite the Script of High-Conflict Divorce”

The Importance of the De Facto End Date of Marriage in an Ohio Divorce

What Is a De Facto End Date of Marriage in Ohio?

In an Ohio divorce, the de facto end date of marriage Ohio courts apply can significantly impact property division, debt allocation, and spousal support. In typical divorce proceedings, the end date of marriage is the date of the final hearing, when the divorce is granted.

However, this isn’t always the case. A court can determine what is called a de facto end date of marriage. This sets the termination date of the marriage prior to the final hearing and decree, despite not having obtained said decree yet. That date frequently may be determined to be the date of separation or perhaps the filing date of the divorce complaint.

In addition, a hotly contested divorce case can take a year or longer to complete, which can add to the importance of filing a motion to determine the De Facto termination date of the marriage, especially if you are representing the spouse earning most of the marital income!… View Full Article → “The Importance of the De Facto End Date of Marriage in an Ohio Divorce”

Understanding the Differences Between a Dissolution and a Divorce in Ohio

Dissolution vs Divorce in Dayton and Montgomery County Courts

When considering dissolution vs divorce Ohio, it is important to understand that these are two very different legal processes with unique requirements and outcomes. A dissolution and divorces in Ohio is different than most states. In most states, those terms can be used synonymously, but they are alternate proceedings with different statutory regulations in Ohio. Marriages in Ohio can be ended in one of two ways – by divorce or by dissolution. Understanding dissolution vs divorce Ohio can help couples choose the most efficient and appropriate way to end their marriage.

Dissolution

A dissolution proceeding is the quickest and easiest of the two methods to terminate your marriage, but in order to proceed with a dissolution there are certain considerations that must be met. Primarily, there must be a total and full agreement signed by both parties as to ALL terms of the dissolution.… View Full Article → “Understanding the Differences Between a Dissolution and a Divorce in Ohio”

Should Couples Getting a Marriage License be Able to Elect to Require a Finding of Fault to Obtain a Divorce?

The debate over fault vs no-fault divorce highlights the tension between marital commitment and individual autonomy.

Understanding Fault vs No-Fault Divorce in Modern Law

A proposal in Iowa has sparked renewed debate over the role of no-fault divorce in modern marriage law. Senate File 2172, introduced by Senator Jesse Green, would allow couples applying for a marriage license in Iowa to voluntarily waive the right to seek a no-fault divorce. While the bill ultimately did not advance this session, the arguments surrounding it reveal deep divisions about marriage, personal autonomy, and the function of family law. This seemed to me to be an interesting topic to discuss.

Under current law, Iowa follows the no-fault divorce model (similar to Ohio’s) adopted by most states in the 1970s. This system allows a marriage to be dissolved based on an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship, without requiring either spouse to prove wrongdoing. The proposed legislation would not eliminate no-fault divorce entirely.… View Full Article → “Should Couples Getting a Marriage License be Able to Elect to Require a Finding of Fault to Obtain a Divorce?”

Why an Ohio Separation Agreement for Dissolution is Crucial in Ending a Marriage

What Is an Ohio Separation Agreement for Dissolution?

For many, ending a marriage is a time filled with uncertainty. Nearly all aspects of a family’s life will change, including their finances, child care and custody, and living situations. In Ohio, other than by annulment, there are two ways to terminate marriages: divorce and dissolution. A properly drafted Ohio separation agreement for dissolution is required before a court will grant a dissolution. Divorces frequently require a significant amount of judicial intervention, which may not be preferable for spouses who are able to agree to terms of their separation without the need for a third party to make decisions for them. Dissolution is a more amicable alternative to divorce in which spouses both agree to ALL of the terms of their Ohio separation agreement for dissolution, terminating the marriage.

Dissolution is a process which allows the spouses to maintain a substantial amount of control over the outcome of their “uncoupling”.… View Full Article → “Why an Ohio Separation Agreement for Dissolution is Crucial in Ending a Marriage”

Lethal Domestic Violence Continues to Skyrocket!

Lethal Domestic Violence in Ohio Reaches Record Highs

Lethal domestic violence in Ohio has reached crisis levels in 2025, according to newly released data from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. I have been practicing family law and handling divorce cases in Montgomery County and in the Miami Valley for 40+ years and have represented countless people who have been a victim of domestic violence. I have posted in this blog frequently about the devastating effect it has on people who have experienced this type of crime.

Domestic violence is a crime and illegal, and it includes physical assault, sexual abuse, stalking, economic control, or psychological aggression against a household member or a family member by another family member. Technology may also come into play where people are using social media and digital platforms to control and harass their victims.

In the United States, domestic violence is one of the most serious and concerning health crises in 2025.… View Full Article → “Lethal Domestic Violence Continues to Skyrocket!”

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

major decision making clause in 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”

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