Posted on November 16,2023 in Estate Planning

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.

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 Posted on October 17,2023 in Divorce

Going through a divorce can be challenging, especially when complex financial issues need to be addressed. In some cases, spousal support may be a factor, and one spouse may believe that they should receive ongoing support payments from the other after their marriage is terminated. While it is important for spouses to understand the role that spousal support or alimony will play during the divorce process, it is also important to understand when support payments may be modified or terminated in the years after a divorce. An experienced divorce attorney can make sure these issues will be addressed correctly as a couple works to end their marriage.

The Purpose of Spousal Support

In Ohio, courts may award spousal support based on several factors, such as the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of both spouses, each party’s age and health condition, the couple’s standard of living during their marriage, the decisions made about property division during the divorce, whether a parent will be working or staying at home to care for the couple’s children, contributions each spouse made to the other spouse’s career or education, the time needed for a spouse seeking support to be able to obtain education or job training, and any other relevant circumstances.

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 Posted on September 19,2023 in Criminal Defense

For much of the past several decades, marijuana use has been illegal throughout the United States. However, in recent years, more and more people have come to accept that this drug is not as dangerous as other illegal substances, and they believe that it should be treated similarly to alcohol. As a result, many states have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Ohio may soon join the ranks of these states if voters approve a ballot measure that will allow adults to possess and use marijuana for recreational purposes. However, there are still some situations where people may face criminal charges for possession of marijuana. Those who have been charged with drug crimes can work with an attorney to determine their best options for defense.

Ohio’s Marijuana Ballot Initiative

After the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol collected enough signatures on a petition, Ohio residents will be able to vote on an initiative to determine whether recreational marijuana should be made legal in the state. This vote will be held on November 7, 2023. If this measure is passed, Ohio residents who are over the age of 21 will be allowed to purchase, possess, and use up to 2.5 ounces (around 70 grams) of marijuana or 15 grams of concentrated cannabis. Adults will also be allowed to grow up to six marijuana plants in their homes.

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 Posted on August 21,2023 in Personal Injury

Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be a scary experience. It can often leave victims with serious injuries. In the United States, there are approximately 700,000 hit-and-run incidents each year, leading to devastating consequences. If you find yourself injured in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to know how to handle the situation.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Following a hit-and-run accident, it is important to remain calm. Take a moment to collect yourself and stay focused to help you take appropriate actions. First, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, immediately call 911 for emergency assistance. If you can, try to note down the license plate number of the fleeing vehicle, as it will be vital for the police investigation.

Report the Accident to the Police

After assessing the situation, promptly report the hit-and-run accident to the police. They will investigate to identify the driver responsible for the incident. When filing the report, provide as much information as possible. This information includes:

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 Posted on July 21,2023 in Criminal Defense

If you've lost your driver's license due to a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Ohio, you might be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the steps to regain your driving privileges. The process can seem daunting, but with the right information and guidance, you can successfully navigate through it. 

Understanding Ohio DUI Laws

In Ohio, DUI offenses are often referred to as OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) charges. If you are found guilty of an OVI, your license will be suspended, and you may face additional penalties such as fines, probation, or even jail time depending on the severity of the offense.

The duration of the license suspension varies depending on the number of prior DUI convictions and the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the arrest. It is essential to familiarize yourself with Ohio's DUI laws to understand the specific consequences you may be facing.

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 Posted on June 22,2023 in Divorce

Going through a divorce is a challenging and emotional time. When considering divorce in Ohio, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the process and the necessary steps involved. Initiating the divorce process in Ohio can be overwhelming, but understanding the necessary steps and seeking legal advice can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system.  

Understanding Ohio Divorce Laws

Before embarking on the divorce process, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with Ohio's divorce laws. These laws govern the dissolution of marriages and address various aspects, such as child custody, property division, and spousal support. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney is highly recommended to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities throughout the divorce process.

Ohio’s Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Ohio, you must meet the state's residency requirements. At least one of the spouses must have lived in Ohio for at least six months before filing for divorce. Additionally, the divorce must be filed in the county where either spouse resides. If you and your spouse have recently moved to Ohio or are unsure about meeting the residency criteria, consulting with a divorce attorney can provide clarity.

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 Posted on May 09,2023 in Personal Injury

Tragic accidents involving automobiles can have severe consequences, resulting in devastating injuries and even fatalities. Understanding the legal recourse available to victims and their families after fatal car accidents in Ohio is crucial during these challenging times. 

Historical Statistics of Fatal Car Accidents in Ohio

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there has been a steady decrease in fatal car accidents over the past five years. In 2018, there were 297,822 reported fatalities resulting from such accidents, and in 2022, there were a total of 265,512 fatal car accidents.

What are the Causes of Fatal Car Accidents?

Understanding the elements that contribute to these terrible occurrences requires a thorough investigation of the causes of fatal automobile accidents. Common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving divert a driver's attention, leading to accidents.

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 Posted on April 11,2023 in Estate Planning

Planning for the future can be a daunting task, but estate planning can help give you peace of mind knowing that your assets will be handled according to your wishes. Wills and trusts are two important estate planning tools that can help you ensure that your loved ones are taken care of after you pass away. 

Setup Your Will for Your Estate

A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after you die. Without a will, your assets will be distributed according to state law, which may not align with your wishes. A will allows you to name an executor, the person who will manage your estate and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. You can also name guardians for your minor children, establish trusts for their care, and even leave specific items or amounts of money to certain individuals or charities.

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 Posted on March 14,2023 in Personal Injury

Car accidents can be life-changing events that leave victims with physical, emotional, and financial injuries. However, if the accident was caused by another party's negligence or wrongdoing, injured individuals may be entitled to compensation for their losses.

Establishing Fault and Comparative Negligence

The first step in seeking compensation for car accident injuries is to establish fault. Ohio follows a comparative negligence system, which means that the injured person's recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault in causing the accident. For instance, if the injured person was 20% at fault, their recovery would be reduced by 20%.

Seeking Damages from A Car Accident

Once fault is established, the injured person can seek compensation for their damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. To prove damages in a car accident injury case, it is vital to gather evidence such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements.

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 Posted on February 06,2023 in Criminal Defense

When facing an OVI (operating a vehicle impaired) charge, it is important to know your rights. Individuals with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit are considered intoxicated per se. One of the most common methods for determining intoxication is through a breathalyzer test, but these tests are not foolproof. Consequently, a failed breath test does not automatically mean that the driver will be convicted of drunk driving.

Here are five potential issues with a breathalyzer test that could potentially lead to an acquittal, the OVI case being dismissed, or the charges against you dropped.

Breath Testing Devices Have to be Calibrated to Function Correctly

Breathalyzers have to be serviced and calibrated on a regular basis in order to ensure their accuracy. If it is discovered that the device used during your test was not properly calibrated and maintained, this greatly reduces the reliability of the results. This could potentially be grounds for dismissal of the OVI charge.

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