parenting plans

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”

Summer Parenting Time in Ohio: Vacation, Travel & Custody Issues

Your Parenting Plan: The Roadmap for Ohio Summer Parenting Time

Summer is supposed to be a season for making memories, relaxing, and stepping away from the rigid routine of the school year. But for co-parents navigating an Ohio custody agreement, Ohio summer parenting time can quickly become one of the most stressful parts of the year.

Between planning out-of-state vacations, coordinating sports camps, and handling passport logistics, summer can turn your normal parenting schedule completely on its head. If you are starting to notice friction over summer travel plans, you aren’t alone.

Navigating summer parenting time can be difficult, but maintaining the peace with your co-parent is the best way to keep your child’s well-being at the center of every decision.

1. Your Parenting Plan Is the Roadmap for Ohio Summer Parenting Time

Before booking flights or telling the kids about a trip, your very first step should be reviewing your custody agreement or shared parenting Before booking flights or telling the kids about a trip, your very first step should be reviewing your custody agreement or shared parenting plan.… View Full Article → “Summer Parenting Time in Ohio: Vacation, Travel & Custody Issues”

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”