The passing of a loved one is a challenging time, and the last thing families need is the added stress of facing the probate process. Probate, while necessary in some instances, can be a time-consuming and costly procedure that involves the courts in the...
North Royalton Legal Blog
How to prepare an estate inventory for probate
The probate process involves many steps and procedures, all necessary to administer the deceased's estate. An essential step that the executor cannot overlook is organizing the assets by creating an estate inventory. This document may seem like a simple list, but it...
Drug paraphernalia possession: How severe of a crime is it?
Imagine this scenario: You’re on your way home from a friend’s house, when the police pull you over. As the officer approaches, you panic and remember that there’s a pipe for marijuana on the floor of your car. What happens next? While Ohio has slightly relaxed its...
The benefits of kinship adoptions
Kinship adoption is the term for when family members step in to adopt children within their own family. This type of adoption offers numerous benefits for both the children and their caregivers. If you are considering adopting someone in your family, start by learning...
Does Ohio accept handwritten and oral wills?
Intestacy happens when someone dies without a valid will. When this occurs, the probate court will decide how to distribute your properties, and this might go against your wishes. To avoid that scenario, you may create an estate plan with your last will and testament...
Do I have to go to court for an uncontested divorce in Ohio?
In Ohio, an uncontested divorce, also known as a dissolution action, takes place when you and your spouse agree on all terms of the divorce. These terms typically include: Child custody Parenting time Child support Spousal support (alimony) Division of marital...
Failure to prevent hypodermic needle theft can lead to criminal charges
Hypodermic needles are important medical equipment. They’re used to help health care professionals deliver medications directly into a patient's system. However, they’re also used to introduce illegal drugs and substances to the body, making them a popular target for...
Can you change a court-appointed guardian?
A guardian is an individual appointed by the court to care for another person — the ward — who can’t manage their own affairs due to a disability, age, or incapacity. But what if the ward doesn’t like their guardian for some reason? Is it possible to change a...
What’s the difference between petty theft and shoplifting?
Petty theft and shoplifting may sound like the same offense, but in Ohio, they have distinct legal definitions and implications. Understanding these differences is crucial, especially for individuals who may find themselves or someone they know facing related charges....
Why every new parent needs an estate plan
Becoming a parent is a joyous and transformative experience, filled with moments of excitement and anticipation. Amidst the diapers, baby bottles and sleepless nights, it is easy to overlook the importance of estate planning. Crafting a thoughtful estate plan is an...