Recent Blog Posts
How Can a Prenuptial Agreement Protect My Business Assets?
There are many important things to consider when entering into a marriage. One of those considerations, while uncomfortable for some couples to think about, is that the marriage may end. If the marriage dissolves, the divorce process can significantly impact the life of each spouse. There may be child custody to divide, spousal support to pay, and marital property to distribute.
Ohio law defines marital property as assets that belong to both parties. These may include real estate, cash, jewelry, cars, and other possessions. They can also include business assets, which are divided in a divorce if they are considered marital property.
Some couples hire an Ohio family law attorney to draft a prenuptial agreement before the marriage to protect assets like businesses from being divided in a divorce. This article will further explore marital property, prenuptial agreements, and how a prenuptial agreement can protect your business assets.
Is Alimony Mandatory for an Ohio Disabled Spouse?
Divorce is an emotionally difficult process under the best of circumstances. When the divorce and request for alimony involve a disabled spouse, the process becomes much more complex. People are living longer today than in the past, making disabilities and cognitive decline issues much more common during a divorce. The husband or wife seeking a divorce may face a significant level of judgment for divorcing a disabled spouse, yet there may be many more issues than meets the eye.
The disabled spouse may wonder how they will physically and financially get by on their own. A court will strive to reach an agreement that allows the non-disabled spouse to divorce while ensuring the disabled spouse is not left to struggle financially.
When the divorce is amicable, it is not unusual for the ex-spouse to continue to offer emotional and financial support for the disabled spouse. Even if this is true, the disabled spouse may require additional services and assistance.
3 Tips to Follow When You Get Arrested
Getting arrested can be a scary, stressful situation to find yourself in. It can be especially difficult to control your reactions. Depending on the situation, the arresting officers might be on their guard and feeling edgy. With so much tension around, one wrong move has the potential to turn everything from a routine arrest into something much more distressing.
This article will offer five tips to follow if you get arrested. Knowing in advance what to expect can go a long way toward helping you remain in control of yourself and in turn, you can demonstrate to the arresting officers with your calm behavior that you should not be considered a threat and there is no need for extra force. When you are arrested for the first time, you have no idea what to expect, and there is no guide to follow. You also might not be aware of your rights. While all arrests are different, there are things you can do that are always a good idea. Of course, if this happens to you, a dedicated Brunswick, OH criminal defense lawyer can offer you valuable guidance on how to proceed.
What Is Power of Attorney in Ohio?
Assigning power of attorney to a trusted person gives family members or another designated individual the power to make important decisions on your behalf. A power of attorney is typically used in cases where you are unable to make medical or end-of-life decisions for yourself.
Many people may be somewhat familiar with the concept of power of attorney. However, it is important to understand the specifics of how incorporating it into your estate planning might be helpful. An Ohio estate planning lawyer can answer your questions about assigning power of attorney in your estate.
Ohio Power of Attorney: The Basics
In Ohio, the Uniform Power of Attorney Act details the specifics of power of attorney and when it might be used. Under this act, there are two main types of power of attorney that you may be able to incorporate into your estate plan or will:
Is an Ohio Hotel Responsible if I Sustain an Injury?
When visiting a hotel around Ohio, tourists and Ohio natives alike expect the property to be safe and well-maintained. However, in cases where hotel owners neglect this duty or act recklessly, they may be liable for any injuries that occur. An experienced Ohio personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights after being injured on a hotel property.
Common Types of Hotel Accidents and Injuries
Hotels are generally safe to visit and stay in, though a lack of care and maintenance or poor design of the hotel can lead to injuries in some situations. Common types of accidents sustained in hotels include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Pool accidents and drownings
- Elevator and escalator accidents
- Faulty or damaged locks on room doors leading to crime, injury, or accidents
- Improper food handling or cooking
- Defective furniture or appliance accidents
Can I Sue After an Ohio Car Accident?
Experiencing a car accident in Ohio can be devastating, and even seemingly minor car accidents can result in injuries that severely affect a person’s life. Recovering from any kind of car accident typically results in medical bills, emotional trauma, and other expenses that can be very difficult to manage.
In some cases, you can sue the party at fault for an Ohio car accident and receive compensation for your accident-related losses, including pain and suffering. An experienced Ohio car accident attorney can help you navigate this process.
How Do I Pursue an Ohio Car Accident Claim?
Pursuing an Ohio car accident claim can seem overwhelming at first, but there are a few steps you should initially follow that can make the process easier. Make sure that you receive adequate medical treatment for any injuries before you begin pursuing your claim.
To seek compensation after an Ohio car accident, you will need to:
How Are Child Custody Decisions Made in Ohio Family Law Cases?
Child custody disputes can be some of the most emotional and challenging aspects of a divorce or separation. In Ohio family law cases, the court's primary concern is always the best interests of the child. When making decisions regarding child custody, Ohio courts consider various factors to determine what arrangement will be most beneficial for the child's overall well-being. A skilled and experienced family law attorney can help you understand these factors and provide you with insight into how child custody decisions are made in Ohio.
Types of Child Custody
In Ohio, there are two general categories of child custody, which are usually referred to as legal custody and physical custody. Parents will usually be able to share both types of custody, although the arrangements put in place will depend on the specific issues involved in an individual case. Legal custody is known as the allocation of parental responsibilities under Ohio law, and it involves the parents' rights to make important decisions regarding their children's upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religious practices. Physical custody is known as parenting time, visitation, or companionship, and it addresses where a child will primarily reside and when they will spend time in the care of each parent.
Potential Penalties for a Domestic Violence Arrest in Ohio
Domestic violence is a serious offense that can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and legal consequences. In the state of Ohio, domestic violence laws aim to protect people from abusive acts committed by family members or people who live in their households. However, there are some situations where people may be falsely accused of domestic violence, and they may face criminal charges based on a misunderstanding or claims made against them following a family dispute. If you are arrested and charged with domestic violence in Ohio, it is crucial to understand the potential penalties you may face. By working with an experienced attorney, you can determine your best options for defending against a conviction and minimizing the penalties to your life, your family, your reputation, and your career.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Domestic Violence Charges
In Ohio, domestic violence charges can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies depending on various factors such as the severity of the offense and a person’s prior criminal history. In general, a person may be charged with domestic violence if they purposely or recklessly cause a family member to suffer physical harm or if they threaten to harm a family member. A person may also face criminal charges if they are accused of using threats or force to cause a member of their family or household to believe that they will suffer physical harm.
What Should I Do if I Am Injured at a Store During the Holidays?
The holiday season is a time when people flock to stores to shop for gifts for their loved ones. With crowded aisles, hectic activity, and merchandise stacked high, it is no surprise that accidents can happen. Injuries can occur in a variety of situations, including slip and fall accidents on wet floors, trip and fall injuries due to damaged sidewalks or parking lots, people being struck by falling merchandise, or injuries in attacks or altercations that occurred because a store failed to provide the proper security.
People who are injured while shopping at stores may be able to take legal action against an establishment or property owner. A store that was negligent and failed to take the proper steps to protect people from harm may be held liable for the injuries and damages that occurred in accidents or other situations. An attorney who has experience in premises liability cases can provide representation for injury victims. Following an injury at a store, there are a few important steps to take, including:
Should Advance Medical Directives Be Included in My Estate Plan?
When it comes to estate planning, many people focus on making decisions about how their assets should be distributed after passing away, and they may create wills or trusts to ensure that their wishes will be carried out correctly. While this is an important aspect of estate planning, it is also important to consider how a person’s needs will be met during the rest of their lifetime. These can be especially crucial issues to address as a person ages, since they may not be able to fully care for themselves when they reach an advanced age, but they will still want to make sure the decisions they have made about their healthcare will be followed correctly. Advanced medical directives that address these issues can play an important role in your estate plan.
Understanding the Options for Advance Medical Directives
An advance medical directive is a legal document that allows you to make decisions about your healthcare in the event that you become unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself. These directives ensure that your wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care are known and that your desires will be respected, regardless of what may happen to you in the future.