Ohio Family Law Blog

Understanding the Differences Between a Dissolution and a Divorce in Ohio

By Robert "Chip" Mues | March 21st, 2026

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”

4 Key Tips to Properly Prepare Financially for a Divorce

By Robert "Chip" Mues | March 14th, 2026

Gathering Financial Documents for Divorce

Going through a divorce can be an extremely difficult and emotional journey. In addition to the emotional challenges, there are also many financial issues that must be addressed. Proper financial preparation for divorce is essential to help individuals protect their financial stability both during the divorce process and after it is finalized.

There are several important steps individuals can take to begin their financial preparation for divorce and better protect their financial future.

Gathering Financial Documents

One of the first and most important steps in financial preparation for divorce is gathering all financial documents., including tax returns, all accounts including savings, checking and investment accounts, pay stubs, property records (home, land, vehicles) credit card statements, debts, and any retirement account statements such as 401 (K plans), IRAs, or pensions.

This is important for each party to fully understand what they own as individual accounts as well as accounts held together.… View Full Article → “4 Key Tips to Properly Prepare Financially for a Divorce”

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

By Robert "Chip" Mues | March 7th, 2026

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?”

MuesLaw Launches Legal Pulse Newsletter & Relaunches Ohio Family Law Blog

By Robert "Chip" Mues | February 28th, 2026

We’re excited to announce the inaugural edition of the MuesLaw Legal Pulse newsletter! This quarterly newsletter is designed to keep Ohioans informed about important family law updates, practical legal insights, and new resources from our firm.

Inaugural MuesLaw Legal Pulse Newsletter

The first edition of our Legal Pulse highlights the significant law change in March 2023 allowing postnuptial agreements in Ohio. Even if you already have a prenuptial agreement, a postnuptial agreement may be a powerful tool to protect your interests in a divorce or preserve your wishes upon death.

Read our prior blog about how postnuptial agreements may benefit you.

The newsletter also provides a snapshot of other relevant family law updates and tips for Ohio residents.

Understanding Ohio Postnuptial Agreements

Ohio’s 2023 law now makes it possible for spouses to create legally binding postnuptial agreements. These agreements can:

Protect assets and clarify property rights
Preserve your wishes in the event of divorce
Complement an existing prenuptial agreement

For anyone navigating marriage, divorce, or estate planning, understanding postnuptial agreements is increasingly important.… View Full Article → “MuesLaw Launches Legal Pulse Newsletter & Relaunches Ohio Family Law Blog”

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

By Robert "Chip" Mues | February 21st, 2026

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”

Divorced or Suddenly Single? How to Embrace Valentine’s Day!

By Robert "Chip" Mues | February 14th, 2026

How to Make Valentine’s Day After Divorce a Day of Renewal

Valentine’s Day can be complicated after a divorce – or even while you’re quietly considering one.

Valentine’s Day after divorce can feel complicated and emotional. While others celebrate romance, you may be navigating uncertainty, grief, or a brand-new beginning. Family law attorneys consistently report an increase in divorce inquiries after the holidays. The stress of November and December, the pressure to “hold it together” for family gatherings, and the natural reflection that comes with the New Year often lead couples to reassess their relationships. Some spouses also choose to wait until after the first of the year for financial reasons – including the ability to file taxes jointly if they were still legally married on December 31, depending on what makes sense for their specific financial situation.

By the time February arrives, emotions can still be raw. While the world celebrates roses and romance, you may be navigating uncertainty, grief, relief – or a complicated mix of all three.… View Full Article → “Divorced or Suddenly Single? How to Embrace Valentine’s Day!”

A Baby Boomer Phenomenon? Exploring Gray Divorce in Ohio

By Robert "Chip" Mues | February 7th, 2026

Gray Divorce in Ohio Rates Among Baby Boomers

In my practice as an Ohio divorce attorney, I continue to see more and more older couples pursuing what is often called a gray divorce in Ohio.. It seems like this is a good time to post an update on this topic. My last article was on May 4, 2024, which also included links to 5 previous posts of ours on this trend.

A “gray divorce” is a divorce after the age of 50. In Ohio, divorce among those 65 and older has skyrocketed within the past few decades. According to a 2024 report conducted by the National Center for Family & Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), the share of divorce rates among adults age 65 and older has nearly tripled since 1990. Interestingly, the research also demonstrates that divorce rates among those aged 50 to 64 slightly declined in 2022, indicating that gray divorce is more common among the baby boomer generation, or those born between the years 1946 and 1964.… View Full Article → “A Baby Boomer Phenomenon? Exploring Gray Divorce in Ohio”

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