After the death of a loved one, families are often left managing grief while also trying to navigate legal and financial responsibilities. One of the most common sources of confusion is probate. Many people have heard the word, but few understand what probate involves until they are suddenly in the middle of it. In Ohio,…
Workplace investigations are one of the most sensitive responsibilities an employer can face. Whether the issue involves harassment, discrimination, policy violations, retaliation concerns, or employee misconduct, an employer’s response can significantly affect legal exposure, workplace culture, and business operations. An investigation is not just about finding out what happened. It is also about demonstrating that…
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, it’s important to keep safety in mind while enjoying the festivities. Both the Ohio State Patrol and the Dayton Police Department will increase their patrols throughout the holiday. This heightened enforcement is designed to promote safe driving and deter impaired behavior. If you plan to celebrate, ensure that you have…
If you’ve been waiting for more certainty before making a major investment, hiring decision, or acquisition, Congress changed the playing field. On July 4, 2025, when the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law, it reshaped several core business tax rules—many of which had been scheduled to expire or phase down. Below…
https://youtu.be/Db0VEfp5yxASocial 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…
Worker classification has become one of the fastest-growing sources of employment litigation. Employers often believe classification issues only arise in gig economy businesses, but traditional companies are increasingly pulled into misclassification disputes. The legal analysis focuses less on job titles and more on control. Courts and regulators examine who controls the work, the schedule, the…
Employee handbooks are meant to reduce risk. In litigation, they often do the opposite. Courts regularly rely on handbook language when evaluating wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, and wage claims. Unfortunately, many employers use outdated templates or overly rigid language that becomes a roadmap for plaintiffs’ attorneys. One of the most common problems is inconsistent language.…
Most employment disputes are not lost due to malicious intent. They are lost due to poor documentation. Inconsistent records weaken otherwise defensible decisions. Where Documentation Commonly Breaks Down Performance Reviews Generic or overly positive reviews undermine later discipline or termination decisions. Written evaluations should align with reality. Disciplinary Actions Verbal warnings that never make it…
Many business contracts quietly renew at the start of the year. Too often, companies discover outdated pricing, unfavorable terms, or lingering obligations after the renewal window has passed. Standard Contract Issues We See in the New Year Auto-Renewal Traps Automatic renewals can lock businesses into unfavorable pricing or outdated service levels. Missing a notice deadline…
Each year, the Boards of Revision, as established by each County, accept complaints challenging the value of real property. This year, the filing period runs through March 31, 2026. This window provides individuals or business property owners with the opportunity to file a complaint challenging the value of their property based on arm’s-length sales, appraisals,…
