Kaylee R. Price, Esq., Author at Pickrel Schaeffer & Ebeling

Social Media Evidence in the Workplace: What Employers Can and Cannot Use

Kaylee R. Price, Esq. — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 18:00:01 +0000

Social media has become one of the most misunderstood sources of evidence in workplace disputes. Employers often assume that publicly available posts can be used freely in investigations or disciplinary decisions. That assumption is only partly correct. Public posts may be considered, but context matters. Employers must ensure that social media evidence is authentic, accurately attributed, and relevant to a legitimate business concern. Screenshots taken out of context or shared informally among managers can quickly create retaliation or privacy claims. Private messages present even greater risk. Accessing private accounts, requesting passwords, or using deceptive tactics to obtain information can violate state and federal laws. Even when information is voluntarily shared by another employee, employers must carefully evaluate how it is used. Social media evidence is most dangerous when it appears selective. If employers review online activity only after protected complaints or leave requests, employees may argue retaliation. Timing is often more damaging than the content itself. Another common mistake is using social media evidence without clear policies. Employers should define expectations around online conduct, confidentiality, and use of company resources. Without policy support, discipline decisions appear arbitrary. In litigation, social media evidence cuts both ways. Plaintiffs frequently use employers’ internal messages, posts, or communications to challenge credibility. Employers should assume their own digital footprint will be subject to equal scrutiny. Handled correctly, social media evidence can support investigations and defenses. Handled poorly, it can create entirely new legal exposure. Legal guidance before acting is far less expensive than defending a misstep after the fact.

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Partition Actions Among Co-Owners: Forcing the Sale of Property

Kaylee R. Price, Esq. — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:53:59 +0000

Co-owning real estate can be beneficial in many circumstances, but disputes often arise when co-owners cannot agree on how the property should be used, maintained, or sold. In Ohio, a partition action offers a legal remedy for resolving these disputes.

A partition action is a lawsuit brought by one or more co-owners of real property asking the court to divide the property or its value amongst the titled owners. Notably, Ohio law generally recognizes a partition as a matter of right, meaning a co-owner may seek a partition even if the other owner(s) object. Partition actions commonly arise when:

Non-married couples co-own property
Family members inherit property
Business partners or investors jointly own property
One co-owner wants to sell the property, but the others refuse

Ohio courts recognize two forms of partition: partition in kind and partition by sale. Partition in kind involves physically dividing the property so that each owner receives a separate portion. However, many properties cannot be divided without diminishing their value, making physical division impractical. In those instances, Ohio courts may order a partition by sale, with the proceeds being distributed among the owners according to their respective interests. Partition by sale is the most common outcome for single-family homes, small commercial properties, and income-producing real estate.

Although a partition itself is generally available as a matter of right, co-owners may raise objections or defenses. These can include disputes over ownership percentages, contractual restrictions on sale, or arguments that partition in kind is feasible.

Partition actions are a powerful tool when co-owners are at an impasse, but they carry significant legal and financial consequences. Consulting with an experienced attorney early in the process can help assess risks, explore settlement options, and determine whether litigation is necessary.

The litigation team at Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling is here to help. For more information, please get in touch with the author at kprice@pselaw.com or 937-223-1130.

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‘Tis the Season… for Scams? Ways to Avoid Holiday Fraud

Kaylee R. Price, Esq. — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 22:38:16 +0000

The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and celebration. Unfortunately, for the Scrooges and Grinches of the world, it is also the time for an increase in scams and fraudulent schemes. According to the Ohio Consumer Protection Agency, reports of online shopping fraud, holiday gift card scams, and identity theft consistently rise in November and December. Whether you are a consumer or a business owner, understanding how scams operate is the first step toward preventing them.

Below are just a few major types of holiday scams, practical steps to avoid them, and legal remedies.

1. Online Shopping Scams

Pay Attention To:

Websites offering “too good to be true” deals.
Sellers are insisting on payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
Social media ads with no verifiable company information.

How to Protect Yourself:

Buy only from established retailers or sellers with verified reviews.
Use credit cards instead of debit cards (credit cards typically offer stronger dispute rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act).

2. Gift Card Scams

Pay Attention To:

The sender’s email address (fraudsters will pretend to be someone you know, such as a co-worker).
Pressure to purchase specific gift cards.
Demands to share card numbers or PINS.

How to Protect Yourself:

Treat anyone requesting gift card payments as suspicious.
Keep receipts in case gift card activity needs to be traced.
Be aware that no legitimate business or governmental agency will request payment via gift card.

3. Pack Delivery and “Missed Delivery” Scams

Pay Attention To:

Text messages and emails asking you to click a link to “reschedule delivery.”
Requests for personal information.
Requests for small “redelivery” or “shipping” fees.

How to Protect Yourself:

Track packages directly through the carrier’s official website.
Never click links in unsolicited messages.

4. Charity Scams

Pay Attention To:

High-pressure donation requests.
Charities with names similar to well-known organizations.
Lack of transparency as to how funds will be used.

How to Protect Yourself:

Verify charities through their official website or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
Ask for written information before donating.
Avoid donating to any organization that demands payment in gift cards.

5. Travel Scams

Pay Attention To:

Deeply discounted airfare.
Hotel prices offered only for “today.”
Hosts demanding payment outside of secure booking platforms

How to Protect Yourself:

Use reputable booking websites.
Read cancellation and refund policies carefully.
Avoid wiring money for rentals.

Staying vigilant is the best defense against holiday scams. As the Season gets busier, be sure to take extra care. If you do fall victim to a scam, it is important to act quickly by contacting your bank or financial institution and reporting to the proper authorities. In some cases, such as against identifiable fraudsters, for breached contracts, or for negligent data handling, you may be able to pursue a civil claim.

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam or fraud this holiday season, Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling is here to help. For more information, please get in touch with the author at kprice@pselaw.com or 937-223-1130.

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Ohio Commercial Evictions: What Landlords Need to Know

Kaylee R. Price, Esq. — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:17:56 +0000

If you lease or rent commercial space in Ohio, your focus likely is on providing a safe, functional, and clean space for your tenants. In return, you expect that your tenants will abide by the terms of their lease and pay their rent on time. Generally, people don’t enter into agreements thinking that someone isn’t going to uphold their end of the bargain. Unfortunately, not all tenants are “good” ones. At some point, you may ask yourself, “Do I need to proceed with an eviction?”

Unlike residential evictions, which are covered by Ohio landlord-tenant law, commercial evictions rely heavily on the provisions and terms of the written commercial lease agreement. Therefore, it is extremely important to understand the grounds for eviction and the methods by which it can be pursued.

Common grounds for an eviction may include:

Non-payment of rent.
Holdover tenancy – a tenant who continues to occupy the premises after expiration of a written lease agreement without renewing their contract.
Breach of written lease terms.
Subletting without permission.
Substantial damage to the property.
Engaging in criminal activity.

In Ohio, landlords must provide written notice to the tenant stating the grounds for termination of the lease agreement and stating a deadline for the end of the tenancy. The length of notice required may depend on the reason for termination and the terms of the written lease agreement. For example, if a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord typically must provide a 3-day notice to vacate the premises.

Suppose the tenant fails to vacate the premises upon expiration of the notice deadline. In that case, you will likely need to file a court action to regain possession of the premises unless the written lease agreement contains a “self-help” clause.

While no landlord wants to go through an eviction process, it is critical to understand the terms of your written lease agreements and to have a protocol in place if a violation occurs.

At Pickrel, Schaffer & Ebeling, we have an experienced team of attorneys who handle commercial landlord/tenant matters. If you have questions concerning these matters, we are here to help. If you are a landlord who needs assistance with a commercial eviction, please contact Kaylee Price at kprice@pselaw.com or 937-223-1130.

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Spooky, Scary, Hal-LAW-ween Lawsuits

Kaylee R. Price, Esq. — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:14:05 +0000

Did you know that Ohio has the highest number of haunted attractions in the United States? With over 140 attractions reported by The Scare Factor for the 2025 season, there are plenty of haunted houses, corn mazes, trails, and hayrides to enjoy. However, as with any thrill-based experience, accidents can occur. While a haunted house generally cannot be sued for being too scary, you may have grounds to seek compensation if you are injured on the premises due to a hazardous condition or unknown risk, whether it’s the result of an actor’s negligence, a faulty prop, or a slip and fall. It’s essential to know your rights.

In many cases, you may be required to sign a waiver before participating in the haunted attraction. If so, it may include specific language stating that in the event you are injured, you cannot hold the attraction liable. However, a waiver generally will not be effective in the event of serious injury or harm.

If you are injured at a haunted attraction, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. As with most personal injury cases in Ohio, you will likely have two years from the date of the accident to file suit. While this may seem like a long time, it is important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to assist with documenting the scene, gathering evidence, and locating any witnesses. This timing is especially critical given that most haunted attractions are only open for a limited time.

If you are injured at a haunted attraction, the Personal Injury team at Pickrel, Schaeffer, and Ebeling are here to help. For questions or assistance, please contact Kaylee R. Price at kprice@pselaw.com or 937-271-3675

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Ohio Drivers Can No Longer Receive License Suspensions for Unpaid Court Fines and Fees

Kaylee R. Price, Esq. — Fri, 09 May 2025 18:10:42 +0000

On April 9, 2025, a new law took effect in Ohio, which states that Ohio drivers can no longer receive license suspensions based on outstanding court fines or fees in minor misdemeanor and traffic cases. Ohio is now the 30^th state to eliminate or significantly reduce debt-based license suspensions.

Proponents of the new law successfully argued that the prior law allowing license suspensions based on outstanding debt disproportionately impacted low-income drivers. As a result of the suspension, drivers were less likely to earn the money necessary to pay off the debt and have their licenses reinstated. According to a 2022 report from The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, approximately 600,000 of the 1,000,000 driver’s licenses suspended from 2016 to 2020 were a direct result of debts owed to the courts.

While it is unclear how many Ohio drivers currently have suspensions related to outstanding fees and court costs, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has confirmed that they will work with local courts to identify those impacted and lift the suspensions. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles is required to lift all qualifying suspensions on or before May 9, 2025.

If you believe you qualify for removing a debt-based license suspension or have questions about eligibility, please get in touch with L. Michael Bly or Kaylee Price at 937.223.1130.

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“Parents’ Bill of Rights” to Take Effect on April 9, 2025

Kaylee R. Price, Esq. — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:06:47 +0000

On January 8, 2025, Governor Mike DeWine signed Ohio House Bill 8 into law, which requires public schools to establish policies on parental notification on student health and well-being, instructional materials with sexuality content, and policies for released time courses in religious instruction. Coined the “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” the law will go into effect on April 9, 2025, and school districts will have until July 1, 2025, to adopt said policies. The policy must be made publicly available and posted in a prominent location on each school district’s website.

The mandatory policies must conform to the following provisions:

State that parents have a fundamental right to make decisions concerning their child’s upbringing, education, and care.
School district shall not prevent access to the child’s educational and health records.
School district personnel shall be prohibited from directly or indirectly encouraging a student to withhold information from their parent(s) regarding the student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being.
School district personnel shall be required to notify parents of any substantial change in the student’s healthcare services or monitoring related to the student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being, including notifying any parent of a student’s request to identify as a gender that does not align with the student’s “biological sex.”^[1]
Parents must be provided with the opportunity to review any materials that fall under the definition of “sexuality content” before class instruction, and parents shall be permitted to withdraw their child from the lesson with the expectation that the child will be given an alternative assignment.^[2]
Instructional materials are required to be both age- and developmentally appropriate. The use of any sexuality content in grades K-3 shall be expressly prohibited.
Adopt a “religious release time policy” that allows students to leave school grounds and earn up to two high school credits for religious instruction.

To date, the legislature has been unclear about the penalties or remedies available if a school district fails to comply or a policy violation occurs. Members of PSE’s team are available for guidance on formulating policies and to answer any questions school district personnel, teachers or parents, may have about the above requirements. Please contact Kaylee Price at 937.223.1130 or our website at pselaw.com.

[1] House Bill 8 defines “biological sex” as “the biological indication of male and female, including sex chromosomes, naturally occurring sex hormones, gonads, and unambiguous internal and external genitalia present at birth, without regard to an individual’s psychological, chosen, or subjective experience of gender.”

[2] House Bill 8 defines “sexuality content” as “any oral or written instruction, presentation, image, or description of sexual concepts or gender ideology provided in a classroom setting.”

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