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Recommended Steps in Defending Against Bad Faith Claims

The standard for establishing bad faith by insurers was set nearly three decades ago when the Ohio Supreme Court ruled in Zoppo v. Homestead Insurance Co. The high court set the “reasonable justification” standard in that 1994 ruling, which declared …

Revocable Trusts

Revocable Trusts a Safer Planning Option in Volatile Markets

In January, one of our clients passed away with an estate worth about $2 million and substantial funds invested in the stock market. Based upon his revocable trust, those monies were to be divided between relatives. When we met with …

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Medicaid News: New Protections for IRAs

For the past eight years, the Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services (ODJFS) has adhered to a U.S. Sixth Circuit Court order that provided limited protections for private sector retirees. This court ruling was the leading precedent for protecting …

Construction Site / Rebar

Extensions Worth Adding to Your General Commercial Liability Coverage

One of the necessary tools for today’s general contractors and other key players in the construction industry is a commercial general liability policy. It covers your business from financial loss should you be held liable for property damage or personal …

Wills Versus Trusts

The Differences Between Wills and Trusts

Most people are familiar with wills and trusts, but often do not understand the difference between the two. This lack of understanding could lead an individual to choose the option that is not optimal for them. As you consider whether …

Circular Saw cutting Lumber

Tips to Lessen the Pain – and Liability – from Construction Claims

As a veteran litigator, Sam Pipino has witnessed several construction claims due to building envelope issues over the years. Here, he’s compiled a few tips for builders of commercial and residential properties to mitigate their risk of liability. Check it …

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Changes in Organ Donation as Part of Ohio Estate Planning Law

Ohio has historically supported and encouraged “anatomical gifts,” or donation of a person’s whole body or useable organs and tissues upon that person’s passing.  It may therefore be surprising to learn that Ohio House Bill 7, also known as the …

QDRO in Divorce or Dissolution

What is a QDRO in the Divorce or Dissolution Process?

Let’s talk retirement accounts. Even if your spouse never set foot in your workplace, or you never set foot in your spouse’s workplace, in the Court’s view, any retirement account that was created or grew during the marriage is marital property built by …

sidewalk

If It’s Part of the Sidewalk, You Are Immune

Kyriakos Georgantonis was painting the side of a building on West Benson Street in Reading, Ohio.  He was working from the platform of a scissor lift which he moved into place on the sidewalk in front of the building. Unbeknownst …

Preparing for Adoption during the pandemic

Preparing for Adoption During the Pandemic

For prospective adopting parents who need to complete a home study by an assessor through the Franklin County Probate Court in order to finalize an adoption, there is work that you can do to help expedite what is currently a …