Q: How does a civil business lawsuit start?
A: With a Complaint. It alleges what the defendant did wrong and is filed with the clerk. Typical costs: $100–$400 filing + $750–$2,000 attorney time. Clerk processing usually takes 1 day to 1 week.
Q: How is the defendant notified?
A: Through Service (often certified mail; sometimes regular mail, sheriff/process server, or publication). Typical service costs: $0–$150.
Q: How long does the defendant have to respond?
A: 28 days after service. The response is a responsive pleading: an Answer, a Motion to Dismiss, or a Motion for More Definite Statement.
Q: What happens if a motion is filed instead of an answer?
A: The other side gets 14 days to oppose; the movant gets 7 days to reply. The soonest a motion is ripe for decision is 21 days after filing—but courts often take months to rule. Typical attorney cost for this phase: $500–$2,000.
Q: What is discovery and how long does it take?
A: Discovery is the evidence-gathering phase: requests for admission, interrogatories, document requests, subpoenas, and depositions. Average duration 4–8 months; typical costs $1,000–$15,000+.
Q: What are dispositive motions?
A: Motions asking the court to decide an issue—or the whole case—without trial (e.g., summary judgment). Once fully briefed, they’re usually ready in ~45 days, and courts often rule 1–5 months after that. Typical cost $1,000–$2,500.
Q: When is trial?
A: Typically 12–18 months after service of the Complaint (often continued once or twice due to court conflicts). Trial prep can exceed the trial itself; expect 1 day to several weeks of prep. Typical prep cost $1,500–$10,000+; trial cost $1,000–$10,000+.
Q: Can we settle at any time?
A: Yes. Settlement negotiations can (and should) happen throughout the case. Typical cost $250–$3,500.
Q: Can I recover my attorney’s fees?
A: Usually no in business litigation—fees are typically not recoverable unless a statute or contract says otherwise.
Q: Overall timeline from start to finish?
A: Broadly 12–18+ months, depending on motions, discovery, court schedules, and settlement.
Note: All costs/timelines are estimates and vary by facts, parties, court, and counsel.
A civil business lawsuit moves through predictable stages, but timing and cost vary widely. Below is a plain-English roadmap—from filing the Complaint through trial—plus typical timelines and cost ranges. Attorney’s fees are generally not recoverable in business cases unless a contract or statute says otherwise.
● What it is: The document that starts the case and outlines the claims.
● Clerk processing: ~1 day to 1 week.
● Typical costs: Filing fee $100–$400; attorney time $750–$2,000.
● Goal: Officially notify the defendant.
Common methods: Certified mail (signature required), regular mail, sheriff/process server, or publication.
Typical costs: $0–$150.
● Deadline: 28 days after service.
Options:
○ Answer (admits/denies allegations),
○ Motion to Dismiss, or
○ Motion for More Definite Statement.
● If a motion is filed: Opposing brief due 14 days later; reply due 7 days after that. Motions are “ripe” as early as 21 days post-filing, but rulings often take months.
● Typical attorney cost: $500–$2,000.
● Tools: Requests for admission, interrogatories, requests for production, subpoenas, depositions.
● Duration: Typically 4–8 months.
● Typical cost range: $1,000–$15,000+ (case complexity and depositions drive cost).
● Purpose: Ask the court to dispose of issues—or the entire case—without trial (e.g., summary judgment).
● Briefing/Ruling: Fully briefed in ~45 days; rulings commonly 1–5 months later.
● Typical cost: $1,000–$2,500.
● Tasks: Pre-trial motions (e.g., exclude evidence), witness prep, subpoenas, exhibit binders.
● Time: 1 day to several weeks—often more time than the trial itself.
● Typical cost: $1,500–$10,000+.
● Schedule: Often 12–18 months after service of the Complaint.
● Continuances: Common due to court priorities (criminal matters get preference).
● Typical cost: $1,000–$10,000+.
● When: Throughout the case; often the fastest and most economical resolution.
● Typical cost: $250–$3,500.
● Expect 12–18+ months total.
● Attorney’s fees are usually not recoverable in business litigation.
● Costs and timeframes are estimates—your case may differ based on facts, court, and strategy.
Q: Why is estate planning important for LGBTQ+ people in Ohio?
A: Without a plan, Ohio law decides who inherits your assets — and it may not include your partner or chosen family. A plan gives you control and legal protection.
Q: What documents should be in my estate plan?
● Will: States exactly who gets your property.
● Trust: Helps avoid probate and simplify administration.
● Joint Ownership with Rights of Survivorship: Lets property pass directly to your partner.
● TOD/POD Accounts: Transfer assets without probate.
● Beneficiary Designations: Keep these updated for bank accounts, insurance, and retirement plans.
Q: How do I protect my healthcare wishes?
● Living Will: Outlines life-sustaining treatment preferences.
● DNR Order: States if you want CPR if your heart stops.
● Medical Power of Attorney: Authorizes someone you trust to make decisions.
● HIPAA Authorization: Lets your chosen person talk to doctors and access records.
Q: What about financial decisions if I’m incapacitated?
A: Create a Financial Power of Attorney to let someone handle your money and property.
Q: Are there special considerations for transgender individuals?
A: Yes. Update your name and gender marker on IDs (driver’s license, passport, Social Security) so they match your identity.
Q: How often should I review my estate plan?
A: At least every few years, or after life changes like marriage, divorce, moving, or major asset changes.
Q: Do I need an LGBTQ+-friendly lawyer?
A: Yes. Not all lawyers understand the unique needs of LGBTQ+ clients—choose one with relevant experience.
○ Will: Names who will inherit your property, money, and belongings.
○ Trust: Allows assets to pass outside of probate, saving time and reducing legal complications.
○ Why it matters: Even if marriage rights are recognized, having clear documents prevents disputes and protects your partner if laws change.
○ Joint Ownership with Rights of Survivorship: Property passes directly to the co-owner without probate.
○ Transfer-on-Death (TOD) & Payable-on-Death (POD) Accounts: Designate beneficiaries for bank accounts, vehicles, and real estate.
○ Update Beneficiary Designations: Keep these current for life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts.
○ Living Will: States your preferences for life-sustaining treatments so loved ones aren’t forced to guess.
○ Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: Directs medical staff on whether to perform CPR if your heart stops.
○ Medical Power of Attorney: Gives a trusted person authority to make medical decisions for you.
○ HIPAA Authorization: Allows your representative to access medical records and talk with your care team.
○ Financial Power of Attorney: Authorizes someone to manage your finances if you cannot.
○ Update legal documents and identification (driver’s license, Social Security, passport) so your name and gender marker align with your identity.
○ This ensures consistency in healthcare, legal, and end-of-life matters.
○ Look for an attorney experienced with LGBTQ+ clients and sensitive to unique family structures and legal concerns.
Review your estate plan regularly, especially after significant life events like marriage, divorce, relocation, or acquiring major assets. Laws and personal circumstances change—your documents should too.
Key Takeaways:
● Without a plan, state law controls your assets—potentially leaving out your partner or chosen family.
● Include wills, trust, joint ownership, TOD/POD accounts, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney.
● Update documents regularly and ensure your legal identity matches your lived identity.
● Work with an LGBTQ+-friendly attorney to protect your rights fully.
Q: What should I do immediately after my loved one passes away?
A:
● Get a legal pronouncement of death.
● Inform family, friends, and employers.
● Research funeral, burial, or cremation options.
Q: What should I do within a few days?
A:
● Make funeral, burial, or cremation arrangements.
● Secure the property (lock the house, safeguard valuables).
● Care for pets.
● Forward mail.
Q: What steps should I take within 2–3 weeks?
A:
● Obtain multiple death certificates (8–10 copies recommended).
● Locate the will or trust.
● Hire a probate attorney.
● Compile a list of all bills and assets.
● Cancel utilities, subscriptions, and deliveries.
Q: What should I do 3–4 weeks after?
A:
● Notify banks, life insurance companies, long-term care insurers, and financial advisors.
● Cancel credit cards, insurance policies, social media accounts, and email accounts.
Losing a loved one is difficult, but certain legal and practical steps must be taken. Here’s a clear timeline to help guide you through the process.
Tip: Keep detailed records of all notifications, calls, and correspondence. This helps avoid missed steps and protects against fraud.
Q: When should I update my estate plan?
A: You should review and update your estate plan when any of the following occur:
An estate plan isn’t something you create once and forget. Life changes — and so should your legal documents. Updating ensures your wishes remain accurate and enforceable.
○ Birth or adoption of a child.
○ New pet you want to provide for.
○ Death of a loved one, including a beneficiary or executor.
○ Substantial increase or decrease in income.
○ Sudden windfall or loss.
○ Purchasing an expensive vehicle, a second home, or valuable collectibles.
○ Marriage may add a spouse to your plan; divorce may require removing them.
○ A beneficiary reaches adulthood.
○ A beneficiary develops special needs and qualifies for government benefits.
○ You want to change who is listed as a beneficiary, executor, trustee, or power of attorney.
○ New state or federal laws that could impact your estate or taxes.
○ Your estate’s value grows to a level subject to federal estate tax.
Tip: Even if none of these events occur, review your plan every 3–5 years to ensure it still reflects your goals.
Q: What is a Transfer on Death (TOD) designation?
A: It allows assets to transfer directly to a named beneficiary upon your death, bypassing probate.
Q: What assets can have a TOD designation?
● Real Estate: In some states, through a TOD deed.
● Bank Accounts: Checking, savings, and certificates of deposit.
● Brokerage Accounts: Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
● Government Bonds: U.S. Treasury and other government securities.
● Vehicles: Cars, boats, and other vehicles in states that allow TOD registration.
● Retirement Accounts: IRAs, 401(k)s (technically not TOD, but beneficiary designations work similarly).
● Life Insurance & Annuities: Use beneficiary designations to transfer benefits.
Q: Does TOD availability vary?
A: Yes. It depends on your state laws and the policies of the institution holding the asset. Always check with a financial advisor or attorney.
A Transfer on Death designation lets you pass certain assets directly to a beneficiary without probate. This can save time, reduce costs, and provide faster access to funds or property.
● TOD availability can vary by jurisdiction and by the institution holding the asset.
● Proper setup requires following state laws and financial institution rules.
● Consulting a financial advisor or attorney ensures the designation is valid and coordinated with your broader estate plan.
Q: What is a digital estate plan?
A: A plan for managing your online accounts, digital files, and electronic assets after you pass away.
Q: How do I create a digital estate plan?
Q: Why is this important?
A: Without a plan, your loved ones may be unable to access important digital information or close accounts, causing delays and potential security risks.
Your digital footprint — from social media to online banking — is part of your legacy. A digital estate plan ensures these assets are handled according to your wishes and prevents unnecessary legal or emotional challenges for loved ones.
○ List all online accounts: email, social media, financial accounts, cloud storage, subscriptions, and any other services tied to your name.
○ Clearly outline whether each account should be deleted, archived, or transferred to someone else.
○ Consider sentimental items like photos or personal documents.
○ Select a trusted person to manage your digital assets.
○ Provide them with clear instructions, access credentials, and necessary documents.
○ Securely store all login credentials.
○ Choose a service that lets you designate an emergency contact.
○ Facebook & Instagram: Set a Legacy Contact.
○ Apple: Assign a Legacy Contact in settings.
○ Twitter, Gmail, AOL, Yahoo, Snapchat: Allow loved ones to deactivate an account after death.
○ LinkedIn: Supports both account closure and memorialization.
○ Review your digital estate plan periodically to keep pace with account changes and technology.
● Prevents unauthorized access or hacking.
● Ensures sentimental and financial assets aren’t lost.
● Reduces stress for family members during a difficult time.
Q: What are the key steps to starting a business in Ohio?
A:
Q: What if I’m hiring employees?
A:
● Register with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
● Register with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
● Create workplace policies and procedures.
● Join your trade association for guidance.
Q: Any other considerations?
A:
● Hire an accountant to help with taxes and bookkeeping.
● Connect with trade associations for industry-specific resources.
Starting a business requires careful planning and compliance with state and federal requirements. This checklist guides you through the essentials.
○ Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC), partnership, or sole proprietorship.
○ Each has different liability, tax, and management implications.
○ Verify availability with the Ohio Secretary of State.
○ File your business formation documents.
○ For sales tax, employer withholding, or other applicable business taxes.
○ Apply through the IRS.
○ Check if your industry requires specific permits or licenses.
○ Keep personal and business finances separate.
○ Outlines ownership and management; critical for LLCs.
○ Required within 90 days of starting a new entity.
● Hire an Accountant – Helps avoid costly mistakes and manage taxes effectively.
● Use Resources – Take advantage of state and federal small business guides.
Q: I can’t access my Clio Client Portal — what should I do?
A:
Q: What if my Clio portal link expired?
A: Contact our office so we can re-send the portal invitation and re-verify your email.
If you’re having trouble accessing your Clio Client Portal, follow these steps to regain access.
○ Find the initial Clio portal email we sent you.
○ If your link has expired, contact our office to re-verify your email and resend the invitation.
○ Click [Read Message] in the original email.
○ If [Check Your Inbox] appears, don’t proceed. Close the browser, return to your email account.
○ You should receive an email titled “You’re almost there!”.
○ Click [Sign in to Secure Portal].
○ When asked, choose Open with Browser.
○ A pop-up will appear for Clio Clients — click [Continue].
● Expired Link – Contact us to issue a fresh link.
● Technical Issues – Try accessing from a different device or browser.
● Still Stuck? – Call our office for direct assistance.
Q: How do I file my Financial Power of Attorney (POA) with a bank?
A:
Q: How do I file my POA with a credit card company?
A:
Q: How do I file my POA with Medicare?
A:
Q: Any tips for filing a POA?
A:
● Keep records of all communications and confirmations.
● Regularly check to ensure the POA remains valid and on file.
● Inform your agent where your asset and debt information is located.
Filing your Financial Power of Attorney with relevant institutions ensures your agent can manage your finances without delays.
● Keep thorough records of all submissions and confirmations.
● Periodically verify that your POA remains on file and active.
● Make sure your agent knows where to find key asset and debt information so they can act quickly if needed.
Parking area?
A:
Q: Do you have a Google Maps link?
A: Yes – Click here for directions.
Our office is located at 100 E. Broad St, Suite 320, Columbus, Ohio 43215 in Chase Towers, directly across from the Ohio State House.
● Laz Parking Lot
● ACC Parking Lot
● SP+ Parking Lot
● Street Parking: Metered parking available with a 30-minute limit.
For GPS navigation, use our Google Maps link. Drive safely — we look forward to seeing you!
Q: How can I pay my bill or trust request online?
A:
Q: Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I pay by phone?
A: Yes — call our office at (614) 440-1395.
● Provide your name, company, and/or invoice number.
● Our admin assistant will process your payment by credit card.
Q: Do you accept wires or checks?
A: Yes — contact your attorney or call our office for wire/check instructions.
We offer multiple convenient payment options: credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, wire transfer, or check.
● Call our office at (614) 440-1395.
● Provide your name, company, and/or invoice number.
● Our admin assistant will process the credit card payment.
● Contact your responsible attorney or our office for wiring instructions or mailing address.
Q: What’s the process and timeline for estate planning?
A:
Full Article (Help-Center)
Probate Intake Checklist: What to Gather Before Your Appointment
Gathering the right information before your probate appointment helps move your case forward smoothly and efficiently. Even if you don’t have everything, bring as much as you can — we can help fill in the gaps.
1. Basic Documents
2. Family / Beneficiary Information
We’ll need contact details for:
For each person:
3. If the Deceased Owned a Business
4. Assets Owned by the Person Who Passed
5. If You’re Unsure
If you can’t get everything, bring what you can. We’ll help you gather the rest during the probate process.
FAQ (Chatbot-Ready)
Q: How do I know if probate is needed?
A: If the person who passed away did not own assets in their name alone, probate may not be required. Assets with a named beneficiary or joint ownership typically bypass probate.
Q: What counts as an asset in probate?
A: Anything that doesn’t pass automatically to a beneficiary or joint owner, such as:
Not considered probate assets:
Q: What is “Real Estate Transfer Only” probate?
A: If the only probate asset is real estate, you can file this case type. In Ohio, you must wait at least 6 months after the date of death to file.
Q: What is Summary Administration?
A: A simplified process for small estates. Eligibility depends on the total estate value and whether there is a surviving spouse:
Q: What is Release from Administration?
A: For small estates below certain thresholds ($35,000 unmarried, $100,000 married with surviving spouse), allowing quicker closure without full probate.
Q: What is Full Probate (Standard Administration)?
A: Required for estates above the value thresholds or with multiple assets, disputes, or complex issues.
Full Article (Help-Center)
Determining the Right Type of Probate for Your Situation
Choosing the correct type of probate ensures the process moves efficiently. The type depends on the nature of the assets, the estate value, and whether there is a surviving spouse.
Step 1: Identify Probate Assets
Probate assets include property solely in the decedent’s name, such as:
Assets that bypass probate include life insurance with named beneficiaries, joint accounts with survivorship rights, TOD/POD accounts, and retirement accounts with living beneficiaries.
Step 2: Determine the Case Type
Before You File: What to Prepare
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Tips to Keep Things Moving
FAQ (Chatbot-Ready)
Q: How long does full probate take?
A: Typical timelines:
Q: What are the main phases of probate?
A:
Q: What causes delays in probate?
A: Missing documents, disputes among heirs, real estate sales, slow responses from fiduciaries, court backlog.
Q: Who is involved in each phase?
A:
Q: How can I avoid delays?
A: Choose a responsible fiduciary, gather all documents early, notify heirs promptly, and use digital copies when possible.
Full Article (Help-Center)
Probate Timeline & Step-by-Step Guide
Full probate follows a structured process, but timelines vary depending on complexity, disputes, and court schedules.
Phase 0 – Information Gathering (Estimated: 1–6+ weeks)
Goal: Collect all information needed to open the estate.
Tasks:
Phase 1 – Opening the Estate (Estimated: 1–5 weeks)
Goal: Fiduciary is appointed by the court.
Tasks:
Phase 2 – Inventory of Assets (Estimated: 4–8 weeks)
Goal: Identify and list everything the decedent owned.
Tasks:
Phase 3 – Accounting & Distribution (Estimated: 3–6 months)
Goal: Pay debts and taxes, distribute assets, and close the estate.
Tasks:
Typical Timeline
Causes for Extension
Pro Tips to Avoid Delays