It is with great sorrow that we inform everyone that our colleague, partner, and friend Donald P. Wiley passed away on October 27. Don, whose specialty was civil litigation, was with Baker Dublikar 27 years. Born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Don major…
In August of 2021, Ralph Dublikar defended Pike Mutual Insurance Company in a case involving a claim for property damage under a homeowner’s insurance policy arising from a fire at the plaintiffs’ home. Pike Mutual had paid the plaintiffs…
On September 21, 2021, the Seventh District Court of Appeals issued an opinion in the case of Tucker Irwin v. Island Creek Township wherein the Court reversed the trial court’s denial of immunity. The case involved an accident wherein a minor opera…
On September 27, 2021, partners Mel Lute and Andrea Ziarko defended two police officers in a case involving allegations of civil rights violations, excessive force and intentional infliction of emotional distress before a jury in the U.S. District Co…
Most people assume that anybody can contest a will, but that isn’t the case. Probate laws specify that only “interested parties” may challenge a will. There are only select individuals that fall into this category. Who has the legal standing to…
Starting a business is almost like welcoming a new member to your family. You could experience profound excitement, joy, anxiety and pride as what was once just a concept eventually becomes a viable company. As with changes to your family, creating a…
At the farmer in Ohio, whether are you producing meat, eggs, honey, commodity crops or plant-based foods, your financial security directly relates to the land that you operate your farm on and own. Farming can be an unpredictable profession, as a bli…
Being involved in a car crash can turn your world upside down. Unfortunately, separate from the physical injuries and damage to property, a car wreck can simply adjust the way that you see the world since it has the potential to be a very traumatic e…
If you live in Ohio, now is a great time to remember the fact that it’s deer season. Although North Canton is a city, it has plenty of rural roads. Animals on the roads are very common — especially deer. Deer-related accidents can, and do, take l…
Married Ohio residents who have been injured in an auto accident may be able to have their spouses file a separate, but related, claim for loss of consortium. These claims are generated when the victim spouse’s injuries negatively affect their rela…
You’ve been best friends with your business partner for decades, and you trust each other completely. Why, then, would you need to bother with a partnership agreement for your business? When there’s a personal relationship between them, people of…
Mineral rights — the ownership of those oil and gas deposits (among other things) under the land — do not necessarily transfer ownership at the same time the rights to the surface property get transferred. When that happens, it’s said that the…
You and your two siblings expected to get significant assets from your parents when they passed away, but you also expected those bequests to be equal. For the sake of simplicity, say that your parents had $1.5 million after taking care of costs and…
Any time you’re involved in a serious car crash due to a negligent or reckless driver, it only makes sense that you would want to file a claim. The at-fault driver should be held accountable for the damages that you’re left with. Fortunately, whe…
Winter is a frosty time of year in Ohio. It’s cold, icy and slick. There might be no snow when you walk into work and piles of it by the time you try to leave. Thanks to the lake effect and other weather patterns, North Canton gets its share of bad…
If you have a loved one who has passed away, then something you may be interested in doing is contesting a will. If you believe that your loved one was manipulated or not in their right mind when they last updated their will, then you may have a case…
As someone who has been involved in a car crash, your first thought may not be how much it will cost to get the care you need. You may go through surgeries or emergency medical treatments, though, and the bill will eventually come to you. When you se…
Living in North Canton, you’ve been up and down Interstate 77 and Route 30 many times. You know the horrible intersection between route 30 and I-77 north, where drivers have to cross one another to merge. It’s a hazard that has been there for yea…
A motor vehicle accident has the potential to alter your life forever. Even if it’s only a minor accident, it will still shake things up for the time being. Your number one priority after an accident is to obtain medical care. This helps you unders…
At the risk of making our world seem overly dangerous, an injury can occur in a wide array of situations and locations. Most people never see an incident coming, but as we all know, that is an accident is most likely to happen. Many of these accident…
You’re likely familiar with how bad traffic can get in this area. From almost daily crashes on Interstate 77 to backed-up traffic on the way to Kent State or Malone University, there is no question that you always have to pay attention to the road.…
You’ve been training to become a plumber. You’ve worked alongside others who have taught you the craft, and you’re finally getting your licensing to work on your own. You’d like to open your own business, but there are many different kinds of…
Physical ailments are not the only ones to come out of car accidents. There is clearly a mental and emotional component as well, and researchers have found links between long-term mental health and involvement in these sudden and jarring accidents. T…
Your mom’s death wasn’t exactly unexpected, but it still hit you hard. Then you found out that you were virtually cut out of her will. Aside from some small mementos, almost everything was left to your sibling Is it unfair? Without a doubt. Did s…
When you suffer a head injury, you may be worried about the lingering impact of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The mildest — and we use that word loosely, as all brain injuries should be taken seriously — type of TBI is a concussion. But it can…
Blended families are common in modern America. Some blended families form when people die and their spouses get remarried. Other blended families form after a divorce. As a child of a blended family, even if you were an adult when your parent remarri…
Say you have suffered an injury in a motor vehicle accident. If the injury is severe, you can expect weeks or perhaps even months of treatment. Most victims must also take significant time away from work to complete the healing process. There are als…
However careful a driver you are, you cannot account for other road users’ actions. Over 1,000 people died last year on Ohio’s roads, and many more were injured. While some crashes are unfortunate accidents, most are due to the negligence of driv…
Your estate plans are important. Your will directs the disposition of your assets after your death and sets arrangements for the care and well-being of your minor children. Your estate plans may also include tax mitigation strategies that will benefi…
If you have a teenage child, you’ll likely allow them to socialize with their friends and go to vicinities such as shopping malls without adult supervision. If you do this, you’ll have confidence that they can act responsibly and as an adult woul…
Like most people who are considering their estate plans, you’re thinking about the future. There may come a time when you’re not able to handle your own financial affairs or make your own medical decisions. Yet, the thought of giving anybody too…
When you first started your business, you probably never took any real notes of your meetings with your partners. Everything was handled verbally or over email. Well, times change. Now that you’ve grown, you have a lot more rules you have to follow…
When you run a small business, you know that you need to keep reaching out to your customers (and potential customers) if you want to stay afloat. Sometimes all it takes is reminding them that you’re there — maybe with a special offer to bring th…
Scaling up your business means taking steps to expand your production or reach. It sets the groundwork so that your startup can comfortably (and profitably) start to grow beyond its original boundaries by adding in things like outside funding, new em…
If you have more than one, you may be struggling with what you plan to leave to each. It can be difficult to get a true even split of your assets and personal items even when that is your goal. Also, for various reasons, that might not be what you ar…
In North Canton, you know how busy the roads can get. When work lets out, Main Street backs up from the area around the airport all the way to Route 62. The interstate is busy, too, with 77 flooded with vehicles headed into Belden Village and Massill…
You’re a young millennial, still footloose and fancy-free. No spouse, no dependents. It’s quite likely that estate planning is the furthest thing from your mind. You have years to worry about things like that once you actually acquire some worldl…
You’ve been in business for a while without any major problems. You’ve always been fair to your suppliers or vendors. You treat your employees with respect. You honor your promises to your clients or customers. So when that first lawsuit lands on…
Has an oil or gas company come knocking at your door? There are all kinds of valuable mineral sources under the ground, and oil and gas companies are always looking for sources on private lands — particularly in shale-rich Ohio where lots of rich m…
Mergers and acquisitions happen in business all the time — and are often a sign of growth. But, any kind of merger or acquisition involving a business tends to feel inherently unstable to the employees involved. If you want your company’s merger…
Teens are learning how to drive, and that can mean that mistakes are made. Ohio has rules and laws to prevent teens from driving with too many passengers or driving while impaired, but that doesn’t mean that those situations don’t happen. Unfortu…
You’ve got the dream and the vision to make your business happen. You’ve got a solid business plan and plenty of experience in your field. Now, you just need an investor. When someone comes along who is willing to throw money into your company’…
If you have a business concept in mind and you’re considering incorporating your business around it, then you’re probably keenly aware that there isn’t just one type of corporate structure that you can choose from. There are instead many differ…
When you agreed to let the oil or gas company lease your land a few years ago, the demand for oil and other natural minerals was going strong. Now, there’s been a huge drop in demand and production is falling accordingly. Will the well on your prop…
A good noncompete agreement isn’t out to limit a former employee’s prospects in life or penalize a company’s prior owner. Noncompete agreements are designed to protect legitimate business interests in an increasingly competitive world. That mak…
Being the executor of someone’s estate feels like an honor, so you naturally accepted — but you had no idea about the trouble that you were about to face. Most people have no idea what to expect when they’re serving as someone’s executor. The…
Insurance companies, like other businesses, want to turn a profit by providing services to the public. Typically speaking, insurance companies make a profit off of policyholders who don’t have to file significant claims and can take financial losse…
“Shut-in” clauses are a source of confusion for many property owners who agree to an oil and gas leak. On its surface, a shut-in clause probably doesn’t sound like a bad idea. It requires the oil and gas company to pay you a small royalty each…
Negotiations between businesses are all about managing risks because things can and do go wrong all the time. Looking ahead to potential problems means paying attention to your indemnity clauses. Indemnity clauses can be tricky to navigate precisely…
Panic buying is a term that you have probably been seeing in the news a lot lately. It’s a term that describes people going to stores and buying entire aisles of stock, so that others can’t get access to those items. Panic buying usually happens…
If you’re young, single and child-free, you probably don’t haven’t had a lot of reasons to think about your estate plans just yet. However, there are aspects of an estate plan that shouldn’t be neglected by anybody. Wills and powers of attorn…
If you are a grandparent, you likely want to make sure that your grandchildren are taken care of financially after you pass on. You may plan to supplement their college funds but are not sure how to best do it. One way to assist them is to designate…
When you started your business, you were naturally exuberant. Your initial success gave you a rosy vision of the future, and you anticipated a great deal of growth over the next few years. Then things slowed down and eventually stalled. Your business…
People in committed relationships sometimes don’t feel the absolute need to get married — and that’s fine. Just make sure that you and your partner take the steps necessary to protect each other if either of you should die or become incapacitat…
We recently learned how damaging cyberattacks can be, especially to small- and medium-sized businesses that may not have the latest and greatest defense against online threats. One company appears to be paying the price in more than one way for an in…
Do you think your business is too small to attract the attention of information thieves? Think again. Small and medium companies are routinely targeted by cybercriminals, often because they don’t have the same emphasis on security and the same leve…
The owners of an East Palestine, Ohio, business have filed suit against a Lisbon business for basically stealing their own subsidiary out from under them. According to the lawsuit filed by the owner-operators of O. T. Beight and Sons Inc., they purch…
For a small company, a buy-out can mean great things. It generally means that you’ve successfully made some inroads into the market or field. But buyouts are also scary for employees. During the merger and acquisition process, you don’t want to l…
Some estate plans go into careful detail about how every item in the estate is to be distributed — but most do not. That can leave you, as the executor of the estate, with the job of figuring out who gets which of the deceased’s personal possessi…
You can launch a business with a great idea — or you can see someone else’s great idea and think, “I could do that even better.” If that’s the case, you may be thinking about buying another entrepreneur’s existing business and turning it…
When you kiss your kids and send them off to school in the morning, you assume that they will be coming home a little more tired but no worse for the wear of a long day at school. Unfortunately, for some children, the daily activities they enjoy at t…
Your trademark carries a lot of clout — for good or bad — with consumers. That’s why it’s always worth protecting — and why so many companies will go to court in order to defend their trademark. Take the case that’s currently brewing betw…
A well-developed estate plan is the best way to preserve your assets, protect your future and shield your heirs from unnecessary taxes. Yet, it can be difficult for people to address some of the key conversations they need to have with their families…
If your first reaction after being contacted by an oil and gas company about developing the mineral rights on that old bit of family land is to celebrate, you can be forgiven. After all, who hasn’t dreamed of finding a fortune on their property, Je…
If you’re a small business owner who designs, manufactures or sells a product, there’s a sobering reality that you need to face: The odds are very high that you will get sued sooner or later. Why? Because product liability laws create legal pitfa…
You have a brilliant idea, and you’re ready to introduce it the world — but that means getting your business up and running. It also means protecting your interests, legally speaking, from the very start of your operations. Having good business h…
An estate plan or last will is supposed to be a way for someone to leave a lasting legacy that reflects their values in life and the relationships or causes they cherished the most. Unfortunately, quite a few people look at an estate as something the…
Investments are increasingly complicated to navigate, so it isn’t unusual for both individuals and businesses to work with a financial advisor to achieve their goals. But what if your advisor gives you bad advice? If your dreams are shattered becau…
Do you have a blended family? If this is your (or your spouse’s) second marriage, your family unit may include your children from your first marriage, your spouse’s children from a first marriage and the children you have together. More than like…
Ohio is rich in shale, and shale oil can be refined just like petroleum. In addition, the layers of shale sometimes capture large pockets of natural gas that can be harvested and used. It’s no wonder that oil and gas companies often seek contacts w…
Branching into the overseas market can be exciting, but it can also be fraught with new kinds of uncertainty, particularly where contracts are concerned. So, let’s talk about one of the most important questions that you have to decide before you ca…
After the death of a loved one, it can take some time for reality to sink in. Denial is a common component of grief, especially when a death happens suddenly or unexpectedly. Regardless of the nature of your loss, at some point, your mind will turn t…
For some people, guns are just utilitarian devices that they use for hunting or protection. For others, guns are collector’s items, valuable pieces of family history or part of their cultural identity. If you have a prized gun collection — or eve…
As an Ohio employer, you probably know that the state considers employees who are working without a contract or who aren’t under a collective bargaining agreement to be “at-will” employees. That means that you can essentially fire them for almo…
Are you hoping to give your business to your children? Are you the adult son or daughter who is hoping to take over the family business? Well, there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is something you may have already heard before: About 70% of…
When you’re starting a business, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There’s a lot to do — not the least of which is deciding what type of business entity you want to use. The decision should be made early not only because it may be difficult to ch…
Being someone’s executor is a huge responsibility — and it can be rather overwhelming. Not only are you coping with your own feelings about your loved one’s death, but you have to immediately start dealing with the estate. Where do you start? H…
Not everyone who creates a last will is in a legal position to do so. Sometimes, individuals may attempt to create or alter a last will when there is reason to worry about their mental state. As people age, their cognitive function can decline. It is…
One of the most important aspects of estate planning is naming someone to be the executor of your will. In Ohio, an executor must be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. Unless you waive the requirement for your executor to obtain a bond fro…
Ohio has played a big role in the oil and gas industry for decades. Over the past few years, coal and nuclear plants have been shutting down, but the Buckeye State has been growing its natural gas and shale contributions to replace them. According to…
When starting a business in Ohio, there are a few legal requirements entrepreneurs must consider before they can set up shop. One of the main things businessowners need to decide is the business type they want to operate under. Most entrepreneurs cho…
For people wanting to start a business in Ohio, they may think that having a business partner is a good choice. While this can be beneficial in many situations, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before partnering with someone. Forbes discuss…
Modern business can be incredibly cutthroat. Your competitors could do all kinds of things to try to reduce your market share from intentionally sabotaging your business to stealing your idea or mimicking your packaging to dilute your brand. Constant…
When starting a business in Ohio, there are a lot of decisions to make, and owners have many hats they need to wear. One thing to keep in mind is to set up a good employee culture from the beginning and to put steps into place to help prevent employe…
When it comes to estate planning, many in Ohio do not want to think of the bad things, such as death or a challenging medical situation. However, these things do happen, and if one does not have a plan for how to deal with them, things can get messy.…
There are several aspects to starting a business in Ohio, whether you plan to be a sole proprietor or to launch a start-up designed to grow into a large company. Part of the initial process is choosing how to structure your business. The legal entity…
All business partners in Ohio run the risk of not getting along at some point. However, when family is involved in a business, the risk sometimes climbs higher. Mixing family with business means that people know each other’s deepest secrets and old…
When a loved one passes away in Ohio, families need time to grieve and recover from their loss. However, there are legal obligations that survivors need to fulfil as well. One of the first is to find out whether or not the deceased left a legitimate…
Conflict within a family can have a direct impact on how people plan for their last will and estate. For example, if a parent remarries and knows that there is a lot of tension between their children and their new spouse, they may worry about how the…
In 2016, CNN reported that minority-led and women-owned businesses had a high likelihood of obtaining business funding in Ohio. Cleveland-based nonprofit JumpStart invested only in tech firms within this demographic for three years. They planned to d…
In the summer of 2019, Ohio passed a bill to save its nuclear power plants. According to Forbes, these plants account for 90% of the Buckeye State’s clean energy. Critics of the bill, however, point to the fact that this also preserved coal plants…
According to personal finance company NerdWallet, Ohio was once the industrial heart of America. Since the turn of the second half of the 20th century, a lot has changed. Even so, the Buckeye State remains one of the best places to build a business.…
Whether you are an elderly person, mortally ill or just getting an early start on your estate planning, the last thing you want to worry about is how your assets can divide your family. It is fairly common for families in Ohio to face extreme tension…
Divorce has become a common experience for modern American families. So has remarrying, resulting in what people now call blended families. Divorced parents who already have children from previous marriages fall in love and start new, blended familie…
New technology is sweeping through Ohio and the rest of the world called “deep fakes.” This involves the use of AI technology to create fake videos that make it appear as if people say or do things that they did not. Some people use this technolo…
Having an oil and gas company exploit your mineral interests on your property can be an exciting prospect since you can reap some of the proceeds. However, if you have no experience with oil and gas development in Ohio, you should consider taking som…
When the government first announced the tax reform for 2018 onward, many people in Ohio wondered how it would affect their finances. After all, what they make is only one aspect of income. What Uncle Sam took for itself affected the actual take-home…
If you believe that another party is infringing on your business trademark, you have the right to litigate the other party to seek damages. However, some trademarks may not be easy to protect due to their weak distinctiveness. For your trademark to b…
Landowners in Ohio are often happy to benefit from the mineral riches that exist below the soil on their property. Oil and gas production is one of the most common industries in Ohio. In fact, Ohio is one of the top five states in the country for sma…
Business mergers in Ohio may not be as high-profile as those involving Fortune 500 companies in New York and California. Even so, without a clear strategy and careful planning, companies may set themselves up for a disadvantage when completing merger…
According to Forbes, private landowners own most of the undeveloped minerals in the country. To get access to these minerals in Ohio, these companies must frequently bargain with landowners. This makes them highly efficient and effective at getting w…
Losing a family member is a difficult experience. What can make it worse is finding out that the will making its way through probate in Ohio is not the one originally written or does not contain provisions promised by the deceased. These are just som…
You don’t plan to wind up in a serious motor vehicle crash. In fact, most people go out of their way to avoid known risk factors that could increase the potential of a crash, like alcohol or distractions. However, no amount of safety precautions ca…
Believe it or not, it is possible to start a business in Ohio with little to no capital. However, in order to do so, you may need to scale back some of your grand ambitions for your business. There is nothing wrong with starting small if you can buil…
When it comes to medical decisions, autonomy is a must. However, should you be suddenly incapacitated by illness or injury, you may be unable to make your desires regarding health care known. Even if you have a document in place that states your wish…
Generally speaking, business and commerce in Ohio may not be as cutthroat as in other big business states, such as New York and California. Even so, you may still find your business is the victim of unfair competitive practices that threaten your liv…
Mergers and acquisitions are fairly commonplace in Ohio. These two business strategies allow companies to grow by sometimes buying out a competitor or a partner. For the seller, it may also provide the means to retire early and peacefully. However, a…
If the privacy of your heirs and your estate, avoiding probate or limiting estate taxes are a concern for you when preparing your estate plan, you may consider establishing a living trust. However, there are different types of trusts available for pe…
People decide to challenge someone else’s estate plan or last will for a broad range of reasons. For example, some people will bring a challenge if a loved one changed their will in the last months of their life while experiencing cognitive decline…
Finding capital for a start-up business can be a challenge, which is why some Ohio entrepreneurs accept the help of an angel investor. The capital angel investors provide can help business owners purchase the needed inventory and assets to get their…
If you have ever tried to build a home in Ohio, you probably already know how much of a headache this can be. Local governments insist that zoning laws and building codes help to protect consumers from unsafe residences. Some regulations, however, ha…
As one enters into the process of estate planning in North Canton, they might be under the assumption that whatever amount of assets they have to pass on to their heirs will automatically be limited by an estate tax liability. It may be easy to assum…
When a worker is involved in an accident on the job, it can disrupt their life in different ways (taking time off, pain, immobility, mental trauma and so on). However, these accidents can also be damaging for business owners. For example, a business…
After years of hard work and planning, it is finally time to follow your dream: to open your own business in North Canton. Unfortunately, starting your own company is not as simple as hanging an “open” sign on the door. Not only should you have a…
At Baker Dublikar Beck Wiley & Mathews, we understand that your first business lawsuit in Ohio may be terrifying. You may have a lot of questions about what to do and how best to handle the situation to arrive at the most favorable outcome. Each…
Businesses in Ohio fear litigation and with good reason. Business litigation can be expensive even when you win. From the time spent in court rooms to legal fees, it all adds up. However, what many businessowners do not see coming is the possibility…
Ohio residents who suffer from physical disabilities have the same rights to prepare an estate plan just like anyone else. Provided that a person is of sound mind and is not being taken advantage of, a disabled person can create a last will and testa…
For many up and coming businesses, identifying company goals and a vision for the future is one of the first steps they take in their creation. However, failing to document and preserve these thoughts may cause organizational leaders to lose sight of…
Blended families are quite common. Both because of divorce and death, many families find themselves growing through the addition of stepparents and stepsiblings. These new members to your family can be a great source of joy in many cases. Unfortunate…
If one of your relatives dies in Ohio leaving you nothing or less than you expected to receive in his or her will, is this a sufficient reason to challenge that will? Per FindLaw, the answer is no. Instead, you must have other far more important grou…
Operating a business is hard work and one that constantly has you thinking on your toes to find innovative ways to further your organization’s initiative to stay competitive and current. At Baker, Dublikar, Beck, Wiley & Matthews, we have helpe…
Estate planning can be challenging for a multitude of reasons, but your it is especially important to focus on how your estate plan will affect those you love. Many people decide to list their children and other relatives as beneficiaries, but they m…
From sexual harassment to wrongful termination, our law firm has gone over some of the reasons behind business lawsuits. As almost every business owner who has been to court knows, these cases can be very tough for a multitude of reasons. In this wri…
One of the most important things that people who run small or medium-sized businesses can do is take out insurance before they open their doors to the public. Insurance policies protect businesses, and they also extend important protections to custom…
The process of monitoring an estate doesn’t end when an executor assumes their role and begins managing the estate. While many heirs and beneficiaries feel tempted to wait for the executor to handle everything, they should remain at least somewhat…
If your company is being taken to court, there are all sorts of consequences you could worry about and your life may have been disrupted in different ways. Aside from the time that can be lost to business litigation, these cases can also be very cost…
When it comes to planning ahead with respect to one’s estate, there are all sorts of options to look over and take into consideration. Not only do many people plan ahead regarding their assets, but it is also smart for people to think about health…
Running an oil and gas company can be tough, but there are times when daily life can seem unmanageable due to business-related challenges. For example, a bitter dispute that results in litigation can be incredibly overwhelming from a financial and me…
Every day, workers across the country are subjected to discrimination on the basis of their gender, which takes various forms. From denied applications solely because of one’s gender to wrongful termination and other workplace issues, this discrimi…
Whether you already run a number of successful businesses or you are an entrepreneur who is approaching business ownership for the first time, many different considerations may be on your mind and you could be unsure of which steps to take. Furthermo…
Sexual harassment has become an incredibly popular topic in recent months and it is important to focus on eradicating this problem from the workplace. However, sexual harassment cases can be incredibly difficult for business owners and some are not e…
When estate planning in Ohio, you may be tempted to write your own will to save money. After all, there are numerous resources out there that make it seem like a breeze, especially if you consider your needs to be very simple. While you can create yo…
When business deals are made, those involved in the agreement are often excited and may look forward to the accomplishment of business goals and new opportunities. However, things fall apart for many different reasons, including the breach of busines…
We have addressed many different legal challenges that oil and gas companies face, from considerations related to contracts to trespassing and land use. However, there are many other reasons why a business or individual may decide to take an oil and…
Surviving a car accident is a great relief, especially if you do not suffer any serious injuries. Unfortunately, even though you may not feel any pain after the accident or have visible signs of injury, you may still be in great danger from injuries…
In a recent blog post, we looked at some of the factors associated with successful business acquisitions and mergers. Mergers can offer an excellent opportunity for growth and the ability to take your company to heights that have never been reached.…
Estate planning in Ohio is important for many reasons, and much of that is to protect assets and manage finances. If you are a parent of a minor, estate planning is extremely important in terms of naming a guardian for your child in the event both pa…
When two companies merge in Ohio, opportunities and possibilities may seem limitless, from growth and diversification to eliminating the competition. The team at Baker, Dublikar, Beck, Wiley & Mathews has experience assisting clients with busines…
Contracts are a crucial element of doing business in Ohio. However, the chances of being involved in a contract dispute at some point are unfortunately high, and it’s up to you to take the proper steps to prevent that from occurring in the first pl…
If you are dealing with long-term financial planning in Ohio, an important consideration is who to choose to be the executor of your estate. There are many factors that go into choosing one, and it is a good idea to understand exactly what an executo…
Most people purchase property either as an investment or on which to build their own home. However, some people purchase rural property in Ohio and other areas for the potential of securing oil and gas leases or leasing mineral rights to commercial c…
We have covered some of the different options that business owners have when it comes to the entity selection process, such as C-corps, S-corps and so on. This can be a tough decision to make and sometimes, business owners change their minds. Whether…
If you are in the process of starting a business, countless questions may be on your mind. For example, you could be unsure of which type of business entity will work out best for you. You may be thinking about some of the benefits of a C-Corp, or yo…
Business owners may find themselves in court because of another company trying to bring down their competition or misunderstandings involving business partners. Sometimes, litigation surfaces because of employment law matters. There are many differen…
As a business owner in Ohio, your clients are integral to having a successful enterprise. Accordingly, it’s important that you forge strong relationships with your clients in the long-term, which allows for greater access to opportunities while als…
When a person goes through all the effort of creating a careful estate plan or last will, they likely do so because they have a specific legacy they hope to leave behind. Other times, they may worry about what certain family members or heirs will do…
When someone passes away with an estate plan, they likely want their assets to be split up among those they love and their close friends. Unfortunately, disagreements between family members and others who are included in an estate plan can lead to va…
Businesses are taken to court for so many reasons but in this write-up, we will examine defective products and the consequences of a product liability case. Each year, some consumers are injured as a result of defective products and some of them deci…
When it comes to making key business decisions about the direction your company will take, there may be numerous options on the table and some people struggle to pinpoint the most sensible path forward. This is a crucial time for your business and it…
Intestate succession is what happens when an individual dies without setting up a will. The state of Ohio, through probate proceedings, will ultimately divide the estate that belongs to the individual and distribute it to heirs in accordance with sta…
Oil and gas companies face legal challenges involving a wide variety of issues, but we will look into trespassing in this post. If you run an oil and gas firm and your company is being taken to court for trespassing, it is important to be aware of th…
For oil & gas company owners, a plethora of challenges may arise. If you run one of these companies in Ohio, the attorneys at Baker, Dublikar, Beck, Wiley & Mathews fully understand how complicated these hurdles can be. Handling these types o…
We have covered many different examples of business litigation cases and some involve employees. While discrimination and sexual harassment have been at the center of many business lawsuits, there are all sorts of other reasons why a business owner m…
We have gone into detail on many different stressors and areas of uncertainty regarding estate plans, such as the challenges that can arise within a family when an estate dispute surfaces. There are many different factors to mull over when you are pr…
When it comes to oil & gas permitting, there are many issues that must be taken into consideration. If you have any areas of uncertainty with respect to this aspect of your business, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of your options and…
You have probably heard many things that indicate that probate is a long and complicated process. In fact, you may have even taken certain steps in your own estate plan to try to avoid probate as much as possible. However, if you are facing probate a…
There are different issues to consider when it comes to estates, from confusion during the planning phase to disputes that arise after someone passes away. However, estate matters can be especially tough for some executors to work through for a numbe…
In the wake of a motor vehicle wreck, victims may be going through a number of hardships. Serious injuries are often an immediate consequence of a crash, whether they involve brain trauma, a broken bone, deep laceration or some other wound. The loss…
We have covered many of the different legal issues that are related to business litigation, but some cases are so serious that they push a business owner to shut down. This highlights the importance of avoiding litigation, of course, but even the mos…
There are many facets of business litigation that business owners come across, and we have covered many on our blog. It is important to remember that there are additional issues which can further complicate these cases, such as a lawsuit which involv…
One question with which many Northeastern Ohio residents are grappling is who owns the mineral rights under their land holdings. The surge of natural gas exploration has been a boon for many property owners in the tri-state region of eastern Ohio, we…
Sometimes, when people hear the words “business litigation” they picture a large corporation or an incident involving a multinational that has received a lot of attention in the news. However, lawsuits targeting businesses can be problematic for…
Business owners may be very stressed out when an employee (or a group of employees) file a complaint over employee rights violations such as denied breaks or denied overtime. However, allegations of discrimination and sexual harassment can be especia…
We have covered a number of estate issues on our blog, but some are especially emotional and difficult to work through. For example, estate-related disputes which involve siblings and other family members can create rifts in families and high levels…
We have covered some of the different reasons why business owners find themselves in court, from contract disputes to deceptive trade practices. However, there are many more reasons why you may find yourself in the courtroom. For example, a current o…
There’s a degree of risk involved every time you get into a motor vehicle. You may take steps to limit that risk, such as choosing not to ride with inebriated drivers or avoiding distractions when you’re behind the wheel. However, no amount of ca…
There are many different options with respect to trusts and wills and it is important for those who are creating an estate plan to carefully look into their choices and find one that suits their individual needs best. For some people, a less common t…
Lawsuits can create challenges for business owners in all industries, but litigation can be an especially tough blow to construction company owners. If you run a large construction company or a relatively small business, litigation may arise for any…
At Baker, Dublikar, Beck, Wiley & Mathews in Ohio, we understand that estate planning may seem confusing, especially for people who have significant assets. While you may have heard of the benefits of wills and trusts as separate tools, the truth…
Business movers and shakers in Ohio understand that buying out an existing company can be a good path to wealth. However, it can also be a risky endeavor. Performing comprehensive research and due diligence is imperative before making a decision. The…
If you have decided to lease your Ohio mineral rights to an oil and gas company, particularly one drilling in the Utica Shale region, you may be concerned about whether or not the company is operating within the terms of your lease. If they in any wa…
While you may have leased the mineral rights on your Ohio property to an oil and gas company for royalties, that still does not mean you want unsightly oil wells – particularly surface wells – visible from your home. Nor do you want to face the p…
Dealing with the loss of a loved one or family member is never easy. One of the biggest concerns after a death is often how to handle an estate and the assets of the deceased. Even if someone reached an advanced age and had taken the time to create a…
Once you have made the decision to join your business with another business, under Ohio law you are legally able to combine two or more entities into a single entity. Yet you still have a choice to make, and one of those choices is whether or not to…
When you and your business partner decide to establish a legal business entity, you may have high hopes and strong projections for the success of your partnership. Yet you may hear recommendations to establish an ironclad, legally binding partnership…
Matters concerning land ownership and leasing can be complicated and involve leasing and rights stretching back years, if not decades. You may have a development or non-development lease on your Ohio property, and not even know it – particularly if…
You guard the secrets of your Ohio-based business fiercely, and those secrets are instrumental in the viability and profitability of your enterprise. So when someone gains access to your trade secrets, they could stand to profit off the time and labo…
You’ve paid a liability insurance premium in order to drive your vehicle since you first got your license and a car. You may have gone decades without needing to file a substantial claim for coverage. Thanks, in part, to slick advertising copy that…
When you form a new business, you have a number of options for how to legally structure that business. Some states handle business structuring differently, however. So as an aspiring business owner, what are your options for business structuring in O…
Previous posts on this blog have detailed the need for you to see to your estate planning while you still can. If you have already completed this process by creating a will, congratulations. However, you should know that the word “completed” used…
When you are grieving the loss of your beloved spouse, the last thing you want to worry about is a battle over his or her estate when they died intestate, or without a will. Ohio state laws offer rules regarding statutes of descent and distribution t…
As a business owner, you may be familiar with both unfair competition and with use tax; unfair competition is when another business uses unscrupulous means to infringe on your business or otherwise gain an advantage, while use tax is an equivalent to…
Undue influence is defined as influencing a person’s freedom of choice with his or her own choices. This could be a result of duress, where a person forces the other to make changes to his or her will or trust, coercion or necessity. The problem wi…
As a business owner, one of your greatest fears can be a consumer lawsuit. By taking precautions and ensuring you adhere to the letter of the law, you can avoid a number of lawsuits for defective products, unfair trade practices, false advertising an…
If you have adopted a child or are an adoptee, what happens when either adoptive or birth parents die under Ohio law? Do laws differ either with or without a will? Do adoptees have a right to a birth parent’s inheritance, or a right to their adopte…
As a land owner in Ohio, you may be well aware of oil and gas companies seeking the rights to drill on or near your land. City zoning ordinances in your particular area may prevent these companies from obtaining the necessary zoning rights, but often…
One of the most common questions asked by clients of probate litigation attorneys is if they are able to contest a will. It’s a good question to ask, as simply being dissatisfied with the provisions in a will is insufficient grounds for contesting…
Now that it is tax season, residents in Ohio who received an inheritance last year may be wondering if they are responsible for any taxes related to the property. The good news is beneficiaries are not responsible for any taxes on items they receive…
If you and your Ohio-based business have entered into a partnership, joint venture or agreement with another business only for that business to fail to uphold their ethical responsibility to you as the beneficiary of the agreement, this may constitut…
Although regulations have been in place for awhile, healthcare providers in Ohio should brush up on compliance laws on a regular basis. This is especially important for those practitioners looking to open their own office, as the penalties for not ob…
Ohio residents who want to properly manage their money and other assets may find a trust is the way to go. Not only is it a method to protect the owner and their assets after death or in the case of mental incapacity, but the owner can also direct ho…
Business owners in Ohio who want to expand their company into another state may need to go through a process called foreign qualification. The term may be confusing as it seems to refer to doing business in another country, but this is not the case.…
Human resources are a key component to the success of any business. In many situations, in fact, staff control some of the most important information. For businesses that have significant trade secrets known by or accessible to staff, noncompete agre…
With a new year around the corner, people in Ohio may be focused on getting their finances in order. Along with making sure their will is up to date, some may be thinking of setting up a trust. As a way of preserving and passing on wealth, a trust ca…
Starting a new business in Ohio can be exciting but it also comes with a lot of stress. Being prepared for the lows and challenges will improve the chances that the company will still be standing in years to come. One piece of advice is to be open to…
If you have found your Ohio business stagnating, you may discover chances to branch out by forming a joint venture with another businesses. A joint venture allows two companies to work together on new projects, often combining their resources, subjec…
Property owners in Ohio should be aware of the terms trespass and nuisance, as they both relate to protected interests in regard to the possession, enjoyment and use of land. A person who commits either of these acts may be liable in court whether ha…
There is a kind of honor involved in getting named the executor of an estate. The deceased obviously had faith in your ethics and ability to handle the difficulties and decisions involved with properly administrating an estate. He or she may have war…
With business lawsuits, there are countless factors to consider and companies are taken to court for many reasons. However, it is essential to focus on details that are central to the success of your case and do what you can to protect the future of…
Ohio residents who want their assets distributed in a certain way after they pass away need to write a valid will and name a probate administrator to manage their wishes. Probate administration encompasses a number of responsibilities and it is impor…
Starting a new company in Ohio is an exciting prospect. Being the boss, making the rules and potential income are all enticing, but it is not for everyone. There are a number of things to consider when looking into a start-up company. The University…
As a business owner, you may run into a wide variety of problems, many of which have been covered on this blog. For example, you could find yourself involved in a contract dispute or you could be accused of wrongdoing by a customer. However, fraud is…
Suffering an injury is often a much more complex and affecting experience than you might anticipate. Depending on the nature of the injury itself, you may not even realize you are hurt until hours or even days afterward. Injuries that don’t cause i…
We have discussed a variety of issues that arise with estates on this blog, from undue influence to creating an effective will. However, there are far more issues to address, some of which you may be currently dealing with. For example, you may be ha…
When you discovered that there was oil beneath your Ohio property, you may have imagined large royalty checks coming in monthly that would allow you to retire and live in luxury. However, the contracts used by oil and gas extraction companies are oft…
Someone who has been sued for breach of contract in Ohio may have some legal recourse, depending on the situation. Although terms of a contract are usually concrete, there are sometimes valid reasons why they are not able to be met. According to the…
Writing a will in Ohio may not be on the top of many people’s priority lists, but it is important in order to prevent a legal battle between loved ones. Not only is it important to include all significant and relevant items for distribution, it is…
When it comes to business disputes, all sorts of challenges can arise. However, this is often especially true with regard to international business disputes, which can be even more tricky to work through. If you are facing an international business d…
New business owners in Ohio, who are deciding which entity to register as, may want to consider a sub-S corporation. It is a popular choice for smaller companies because of its liability protection and tax benefits. According to the IRS, certain requ…
Imagine that before he passed away, your father had a new girlfriend. Shortly after they started dating, you saw less and less of him. Every time you called to check in, she answered the phone and provided some excuse for why he couldn’t talk. Afte…
If you own a business, you could find yourself in the middle of litigation for a wide variety of reasons. Perhaps another company is accusing you of wrongdoing or maybe a customer is claiming that their rights were violated. Regardless of the reason…
The process of estate division in Ohio is often long and complicated. However, one way to streamline the process is to establish trusts. According to the IRS, a trust gives the title of assets to another person, who is then required to distribute or…
Thanks to the Utica Shale, many landowners in Ohio are wondering about leasing their property to oil and gas companies. While the thought of oil makes many people see dollar signs, the truth is that often, the terms of the lease reduce profits signif…
For many people, part of the American dream is being their own boss. Running your own business in North Canton may be something that you have been considering for some time. Before you start your company and hit the ground running, it is important to…
In the business world, intellectual property disputes can take many forms. Moreover, this disputes can create serious problems for the owners of businesses that are large or small. If you are going through a dispute, or are considering legal action a…
If you are a landowner, you may face all sorts of concerns, from paying your mortgage to issues with neighbors. However, many landowners in Ohio have resources on their property, such as shale deposits that may attract interest from oil and gas compa…
If you are thinking about preparing an estate plan, you may have various options to choose from. Sometimes, people opt to move forward with wills, while others focus on trusts. However, there are different types of trusts and it is pivotal for you to…
When it comes to probate litigation, there are a myriad of issues you may be dealing with. For example, you may be challenging a portion of a will or the entire will altogether. Or, perhaps you are setting up an estate plan and want to figure out how…
Writing a will can be a difficult and complicated task, and it is essential to understand the factors involved before delving into the estate planning process. According to ABC News, one important initial step is to choose witnesses and the executor…
In order to challenge a will, you need a certain standing. For example, you cannot challenge your aunt’s will simply because you think you should have received a portion of her estate. In order to effectively challenge someone’s will, you have to…
Starting a new business in Ohio takes a lot of work, and there are a number of different things to consider. One is the type of business organization to choose. Options include sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or limited liability compan…
When it comes to estate planning, you may have all sorts of considerations to think through. For example, you may be wondering how you should divvy out your assets to beneficiaries, or whether you should move forward with a trust or will. At Baker, D…
In business, relationships can turn sour for any number of reasons. When they do, companies may find themselves in the courtroom over allegations of wrongdoing. Sometimes, a contract dispute is at the center of the problem and at Baker, Dublikar, Bec…
Losing your parents is difficult, even if your parents lived full and productive lives. No matter how old your parents are when they pass, it’s still hard to lose them. In addition to the pain of the loss itself, there are other factors that can ma…
Whether you run a small business or are in charge of a large corporation, you may face various stressors on a daily basis. However, litigation can be incredibly difficult and your business may be targeted for any number of reasons. At Baker, Dublikar…
Estate disputes arise for all sorts of reasons. In North Canton, and in other cities around the whole state of Ohio, some of these disputes occur because beneficiaries believe that their rights have been violated and they have been denied inheritance…
Recently, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources released data on oil and gas production in the state. The numbers point to strengthening natural gas production in the state. According to the data, 372 billion cubic feet in natural gas was reported…
Forming, organizing and strengthening a new business requires more than your financial savvy and entrepreneurship. It also requires you to persevere, be willing to take risks and develop strategic plans. Fortunately, if you are considering a business…
Starting up a business is a daunting task. We touched on this a bit in one previous post. Getting up and running isn’t just a matter of flipping a switch. A lot of preparation is required and once the doors are open, you need to work to keep custom…
Most things in life come with some amount of risk. We generally do a fairly good job of reducing risk and increasing safety, but accidents happen and there is no way to eliminate risk entirely. Sometimes, because of things outside of our control, eve…
Part of the American Dream is being your own boss. After years of working for other people and building your skills, you have finally decided to make that dream a reality. It is time for you to open your own contracting company. But, are you totally…
When your family, specifically your parents, have substantial assets, it’s common to assume you will inherit some of what is left when your parents die. Unfortunately, it’s relatively common for opportunistic people to prey on lonely older adults…
