From Separation to Settlement
”From Separation to Settlement” is a family law podcast designed to help listeners navigate the legal and emotional aspects of divorce, custody, and other family law matters. The show provides practical advice, answers common questions, and offers insights from experienced family law professionals.
Episodes

Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Episode Summary:In this episode of From Separation to Settlement, Jeff Hale explains how Ohio courts handle grandparents’ rights — now called companionship rights. He discusses when these rights apply, what the courts look at when deciding these cases, and how they differ from custody. Jeff also highlights the importance of maintaining healthy relationships for children and walks through the legal process for companionship petitions.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
What companionship rights are and how they replaced grandparents’ rights
When Ohio courts will recognize and grant companionship rights
The factors judges consider when deciding visitation requests
How companionship rights differ from custody petitions
The role of evidence in proving a strong relationship with the child
Why mediation is often encouraged before going to court
What happens if a parent refuses to follow a court order
Key Timestamps:
01:10 – Understanding companionship rights vs. grandparents’ rights03:15 – When courts recognize companionship rights05:00 – Evidence that helps prove a strong relationship07:20 – Can grandparents seek full custody?09:40 – The difference between companionship time and parenting time12:30 – Step-grandparents and blended family situations15:00 – Mediation and court process for companionship petitions17:10 – What happens if a parent violates a court order
About the Show
From Separation to Settlement is a podcast dedicated to helping individuals navigate the legal and emotional complexities of family law. Featuring attorney Jeffrey Hale, the show provides expert insights into divorce, custody, support, and post-decree modifications. Through clear advice and real-world examples, the podcast empowers listeners to make informed decisions and achieve equitable resolutions in their family law matters.

Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Episode Summary: In this episode of From Separation to Settlement, Jeff Hale explains the ins and outs of emergency custody in Ohio. He breaks down when emergency custody applies, how quickly courts act, and what parents need to prove if their child is in danger. Jeff also clears up common misconceptions, shares examples of true emergencies, and explains how emergency custody fits into long-term custody disputes.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
What qualifies as an emergency custody situation in Ohio
How emergency custody differs from standard custody
The role of police and Child Protective Services in urgent cases
The type of evidence that strengthens an emergency custody petition
Why many custody issues don’t rise to the level of an emergency
How emergency custody can impact future custody outcomes
Key Timestamps:
00:55 – What emergency custody means under Ohio law02:15 – Examples of situations that qualify as emergencies04:10 – How quickly courts respond to emergency filings06:20 – Common reasons courts deny emergency custody requests08:45 – What happens after emergency custody is granted10:30 – When to involve police or Child Protective Services13:15 – Why true emergency custody cases are rare15:20 – Jeff’s advice for parents unsure if they have a case
About the Show
From Separation to Settlement is a podcast dedicated to helping individuals navigate the legal and emotional complexities of family law. Featuring attorney Jeffrey Hale, the show provides expert insights into divorce, custody, support, and post-decree modifications. Through clear advice and real-world examples, the podcast empowers listeners to make informed decisions and achieve equitable resolutions in their family law matters.

Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Jeff Hale discusses the sensitive and critical issue of domestic violence and protective orders in Ohio family law. He explains what qualifies as domestic violence, the protections available to victims, how protection orders impact custody and property issues, and what both petitioners and respondents should know when facing these situations.
Key Timestamps:
01:00 – What qualifies as domestic violence under Ohio law 02:40 – Immediate steps to take if you feel unsafe 04:10 – Different types of protective orders in Ohio 05:00 – How quickly protection can be granted 06:30 – Effects of protection orders on custody and property issues 08:15 – Advice for those falsely accused of domestic violence 09:20 – Long-term consequences of civil protection orders 10:10 – How Jeff helps both petitioners and respondents 11:00 – First step if you feel unsafe or accused
About the Show
From Separation to Settlement is a podcast dedicated to helping individuals navigate the legal and emotional complexities of family law. Featuring attorney Jeffrey Hale, the show provides expert insights into divorce, custody, support, and post-decree modifications. Through clear advice and real-world examples, the podcast empowers listeners to make informed decisions and achieve equitable resolutions in their family law matters.

Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Episode Summary
Attorney Jeffrey Hale examines the process of post-decree modifications in Ohio family law, focusing on adjusting custody, parenting time, and support orders. The episode explains the need for substantial changes in circumstances, such as relocation or financial hardship, to trigger modifications. It also discusses the legal process for filing motions, the consequences of violating court orders, and strategies for effective co-parenting by treating it as a business transaction. The discussion provides practical guidance for parents navigating post-divorce changes.
Key Timestamps
00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome
01:30 - Overview of Post-Decree Modifications
05:00 - Common Types of Modifications
09:00 - Substantial Changes in Circumstances
13:00 - Modifications Due to Children’s Activities
17:00 - Process for Filing Modifications
21:00 - Modifying Spousal Support
25:00 - Rules for Parental Relocation
29:00 - Consequences of Violating Court Orders
33:00 - Challenges in Shared Parenting
37:00 - Co-Parenting as a Business Transaction
41:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
About the Show
From Separation to Settlement is a podcast dedicated to helping individuals navigate the legal and emotional complexities of family law. Featuring attorney Jeffrey Hale, the show provides expert insights into divorce, custody, support, and post-decree modifications. Through clear advice and real-world examples, the podcast empowers listeners to make informed decisions and achieve equitable resolutions in their family law matters.

Friday Sep 12, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Episode Summary
Attorney Jeffrey Hale provides a comprehensive overview of child support in Ohio, explaining the state’s formula for calculating payments based on income, childcare, and healthcare expenses. The episode explores factors influencing deviations, such as parenting time, and addresses challenges like underreported income and the exclusion of personal debts. It also discusses legal ramifications for non-payment and options for modifying support orders, emphasizing the need for professional legal guidance to navigate these complexities.
Key Timestamps
00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome
01:30 - Overview of Child Support Calculation in Ohio
05:00 - Types of Income Included in Calculations
09:00 - Agreements and Deviations in Child Support
13:00 - Parenting Time and Its Impact
17:00 - Additional Factors Considered by Courts
21:00 - Challenges with Income Disparities and Debt
25:00 - Underreporting Income and Mandatory Disclosures
29:00 - Modifying Child Support Orders
33:00 - Legal Ramifications for Non-Payment
37:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
About the Show
From Separation to Settlement is a podcast dedicated to guiding individuals through the complexities of family law with clarity and compassion. Featuring attorney Jeffrey Hale, the show offers practical insights into divorce, child support, custody, and other legal challenges. Through expert advice and real-world examples, the podcast empowers listeners to make informed decisions and achieve fair resolutions in their family law matters.

Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Episode Summary:
Jeffrey Hale from Kroener Law Firm breaks down the complex world of asset division in Ohio divorce cases. Learn the crucial differences between marital and separate property, how homes and retirement accounts are divided, and the truth about prenuptial agreements. This episode provides essential insights for anyone navigating property division during divorce.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:57 - Defining marital vs. separate property in Ohio
02:47 - How pre-marital homes are handled in divorce
04:24 - Impact of home improvements on property division
06:31 - Complexities of dividing retirement assets
09:02 - Common misconceptions about marital assets
11:16 - Prenuptial agreements and enforceability
16:21 - Inheritance and gifts in property division
About the Show:
“From Separation to Settlement” is a family law podcast delivering clear, honest advice about navigating divorce, custody, and other complex legal challenges. Each episode features practical insights from experienced family law professionals.

Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Episode Summary:
Jeffrey Hale from Kroener Law Firm discusses why having a local attorney matters in family law cases. He shares insights on local court rules, judge preferences, and building client trust through community connections. Through real examples and practical advice, Jeff explains how local knowledge can significantly impact case outcomes.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:50 - Different local court rules in Ohio
02:23 - Real case example of missed deadlines
05:04 - Understanding judges' preferences and courtroom culture
08:46 - Building trust between attorney and client
11:08 - Community connection and accessibility
14:19 - Red flags when choosing an attorney
16:13 - Working relationships with other attorneys
About the Show:
“From Separation to Settlement” is a podcast dedicated to helping people navigate the complex journey of family law. Each episode features practical insights and expert guidance for those facing divorce, custody disputes, and other family law challenges.

Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this episode of "From Separation to Settlement," host Kevin Rosenquist and family law expert Jeffrey Hale break down the fundamentals of family law, covering everything from different types of divorces to custody considerations and spousal support. Jeff provides valuable insights into the legal processes involved in family law matters and offers guidance for those facing separation or custody issues.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:41 - Defining the scope of family law
01:38 - First legal steps in divorce proceedings
05:40 - Difference between contested and uncontested divorces
07:06 - Custody decisions and court factors
09:05 - Children's preferences in custody cases
11:00 - Property and asset division in Ohio
12:47 - Understanding spousal support
16:28 - First steps for those feeling overwhelmed
About the Show:
"From Separation to Settlement" is a family law podcast featuring experienced attorneys who provide clear, honest advice about divorce, custody, and other family law matters. The show aims to help listeners understand their rights and navigate complex legal challenges with confidence.
Featured Guest:
Jeffrey Hale - Litigation Partner at Kroener Hale Law Firm

Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this debut episode, host Kevin Rosenquist introduces Jeff Hale, litigation partner at Kroener Hale Law Firm. Jeff shares his journey from Navy veteran to family law attorney and discusses his approach to helping clients navigate divorce and custody matters. He explains the importance of listening to clients, creating roadmaps for their cases, and maintaining strong communication throughout the legal process.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Show Introduction
00:06 - Host introduces Jeff Hale and the podcast's purpose
00:58 - Jeff's background and path to family law
02:08 - Discussion of Jeff's client-focused approach
03:14 - Motivation behind creating the podcast
04:44 - How to guide clients through overwhelming divorce process
06:58 - Importance of working with local attorneys
08:32 - Personal attention and communication strategy
11:23 - Handling emotionally charged situations
13:13 - Future podcast topics preview
15:03 - First steps advice for those considering separation
About the Show:
"From Separation to Settlement" is a family law podcast designed to help listeners navigate the legal and emotional aspects of divorce, custody, and other family law matters. The show provides practical advice, answers common questions, and offers insights from experienced family law professionals.








