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Questions Answered by Joseph Jaap
1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: I have an insurance check made out to my mother's estate. Can I just deposit that in her personal account so I don't hav

She gave me power of attorney to write checks in her behalf and to oversee her account. But now that she's passed we didn't get the executor of the will and the will in time. She has no other assets no property no house no cars nothing

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Feb 26, 2024

The bank might or might not allow deposit of the insurance check. A Power of Attorney terminates when the person dies. So any use of that POA now would be unauthorized. If the bank won't accept it, ask the insurance company if it would reissue the check to an heir or beneficiary. If not,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: Can my now x fiance lock me out of her apartment after letting me live there for 4 months even though not on lease

She lives in low income but told me she was allowed another person. There wasn't any fighting told each other love you when left for work then locks me out in ohio what's the law say? My cars registered that address

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Feb 22, 2024

If she or the landlord did not go through the proper eviction process, then you could call the police to try to regain entry, but they might not do anything to help you, and they might tell you to talk to a lawyer. You could sue her for any monetary damages you incur for finding a new place to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: For a dissolution do we need to list checking accounts, vehicles and mortgage that is already in our separate names
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jan 31, 2024

Yes, each spouse must list all assets and liabilities. Even if accounts are in separate names, they most likely will be considered marital assets. Use the Find a Lawyer to retain a local family law attorney to assist with the forms, because if you a make a mistake on the forms, you might not be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: I'm seaching information on filing for divorce involving domestic violence and husband on trial. I'm 7 months pregnant.

I need information. He is wanting to sell our home while I'm still in it with my protection order, I need to buy a home for my kids and I. He is currently awaiting trial for domestic violence and strangulation of myself, I am 7 months pregnant. Information on child custody and support as he... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jan 30, 2024

That must be very worrisome. But he cannot sell the home without your signature on the deed, even if you are not named on the deed. In Ohio, but spouses must sign any deed for real estate owned by either or both of them - so you both have to agree to any sale. If you file for divorce, you can... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Constitutional Law for Ohio on
Q: Do I have any recourse against a developer that sold me a building lot with poor soil conditions?

I purchased a building lot in a new subdivision in the City of Akron (Ohio). After the contractor dug the basement, we discovered the soil was not suitable to support the foundation. The remedy is to dig an additional 7 feet below the footer and fill the area with a mix of grave and concrete which... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jan 22, 2024

You would have to sue the developer asking the court for damages or to rescind the contract to get your money back. If you file a lawsuit, the developer might negotiate a settlement to avoid the cost of litigation or possible bad publicity.

Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: When a church sells its building that’s in the church’s name. Doesn’t the monies stay with the church?

The church has a new pastor, the building sold. Does that money remain with the church because the church is still in existence. It just has a new pastor. The building is deeded in the name of the church, not a person.

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Dec 19, 2023

A church is typically organized as a non-profit corporation with the state, and all assets are required to be used for non-profit purposes. If the church corporation sells its assets, the money must be used only for non-profit purposes. Operations of non-profit corporations are reviewed by the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Who to file a lien against, the service location or the business that hired us?

I am in Ohio. My company performed a service at a business location. The company that hired us is an entirely different company, a contractor for the business location. The company that hired us refuses to pay us. We are going to file a lien, but need to know if we can file the lien on the... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Sep 8, 2023

The mechanic's lien must be recorded in the county recorder's office against the real estate on which the work was done using the proper legal description. There are very specific requirements and time limits to file a valid lien. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local real estate... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Hello me and my wife sold a mobile home to a guy under the condition it had to be moved so we could put our house on

The property it has been 3 months and we have located several movers for him and he has yet to get it moved what can we do?

Also the title is only notarized to him he still hasn't put it in his name

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Aug 17, 2023

To get it removed, you will have to file an eviction. But it isn't a normal eviction where you just put the belongings out on the street. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local real estate attorney to review the situation and advise you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: What happens if my Land Contract sellers get divorced?

I'm buying a property on Land Contract and the deed is in both the husband and wife's names. If they get divorced, will that have any impact on our agreement?

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Aug 14, 2023

One or the other of them might end up as the sole owner after the divorce. So that might change who you make payments to, but your payments won't change because of the divorce, and the land contract remains in effect according to its written terms. Note that the land contract should have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: in Ohio, are HOA's allowed to charge finance charges? they are not a lender or creditor and yet i was charged $3.12

i was late one month and was charged a late fee of $25 which i understand is ok, but also a finance charge. there are no terms and conditions stating this charge and they are not a lender that i am borrowing money from. is this allowed and if so, why?

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Aug 7, 2023

If the full amount owed to the HOA, including finance charges, is not paid, then the HOA can record a lien and foreclose it if not paid. The judge would decide if the finance charge is allowable based on the HOA declaration and any actions taken by the HOA board of directors to implement finance... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Probate for Ohio on
Q: What trumps what… deed or divorce decree?

My husband and I divorced, both are still on the deed to the house. Divorce decree states when I’m ready to sell we split the proceeds. He passed away and now his wife wants half the house in her name. The deed has survivorship rights. So I thought the house should go into my name. What trumps... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Aug 4, 2023

Sign and record an affidavit of survivorship with a copy of the death certificate, per the survivorship deed. That will put the house into your name. There is no obligation to also put the house into her name, unless a court would order that, or unless the divorce decree already says that. But... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Elder Law and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: What to do when an elderly parent is no longer competent.

My 2 young children, my wife and I have lived with my elderly mother in her house (that she owns) for the past 5 years to help care for her, as well as the home. She has recently stopped taking her medications and seeing her doctor. She drives her car recklessly. (Has new, lrg damage to drivers... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Aug 4, 2023

Check your local court web site for the information required for guardianships. Many courts post that on-line. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local attorney who handles guardianship cases and discuss the situation and what will be required, which might be complicated a bit because you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: How can I get my son back from his dad?

My son is 4, his dad & I are not & never have been married. I had an accident in October so he’s had him but every time we make a date for me to get him back he doesn’t answer or tells me to come with the police because he is not giving him to me. What can I do ?

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Aug 1, 2023

Call the police yourself and go pick up your son. If no court has granted parental rights to the father, then he has no legal right to keep him. But he could go to court and seek parental rights. Use the Find a Lawyer tab and retain a local family law attorney to assist you.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: My father passed away and his wife has refused to show me the will. Her Attorney wont talk to me. He left me his house

and bank account and left her the items in the home. The will states if I am married She gets the house and bank account. I am not married NEVER have been. She is his 6th wife he never put her on any bank account, credit card, or deed to house. They were married only 9 years. She has lied and told... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jul 31, 2023

The will must be filed with the probate court to initiate his probate estate. The will and other documents filed with the court are public records that can be searched on-line. No one can prevent you from filing objections or motions with the probate court. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: I am selling my house but the title office said they don’t have a record of my deed being notarized.

We did get it notarized and the tax bill also states we’re the owner

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jul 24, 2023

That deed is defective, and you won't be able to close the sale until it is corrected. The seller who sold the house to you will have to sign a corrective deed, have it notarized, and recorded. If you can't find the seller, you could have to file a quiet title action in court, and that... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Ohio on
Q: Can I move out of state without child's father's sign-off?

We were not married when our child was born. Paternity was established 2yrs after birth, but nothing has been filed with the court regarding father's visitation/custody (we have a regular visitation schedule established, and he pays daycare bill, but none of this is filed with the court). Can... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jul 7, 2023

If there are no court orders, then you can move. But Ohio courts would retain jurisdiction until you establish residency in the new state, which could take several months, depending on that state's laws. Until then, the father could file for parental rights and custody here in Ohio, and the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Ohio on
Q: Can I ask my husband to move out because of his meth addiction. We’ve been together for 14 years and have 2 children.

We do not own the home and husband refuse to get help/rehab.

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jun 20, 2023

You can ask, but he doesn't have to unless a court orders him to leave. If you file for separation or divorce, you can ask the court to order him out and give you exclusive occupancy of the marital residence, even if you are renting. If he makes any threats, contact the police and file for a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Can I breach a seller contract if I am homeless?

I have signed a contract to sell the house I live in. We signed another contact to buy a house. The latter, the house we’re supposed to move into, has significant water damage and we no longer wish to purchase it. How can we keep our current house, so that we are not homeless?

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jun 20, 2023

If you or your buyer have a real estate agent, talk to the agent to try to get it worked out. If you refuse to sell, that is a breach of the contract, and you must return the earnest money. The buyer might then sue you to enforce the sale and for any expenses they incur because you refused to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: When a estate is in probate.And the date has passed for any creditors to make a claim.Can the executor distribute funds
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jun 13, 2023

The executor or administrator must consider whether there are other claims to pay, sufficient funds to pay any taxes, expenses and fees of administration, etc. Recipients usually are eager for distributions, but the executor or administrator should consult with the attorney for the estate, or use... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: If my new husband pays half of my house payment for 5 out of 30 years. What is he entitled to.

House is worth $285000. When we married I owed $30000 on it.

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jun 8, 2023

A house is marital property, and spouse could be entitled to half of the increase in equity that happened during the marriage. The division of assets and debts gets worked out in a divorce, and it depends on many factors. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local divorce attorney who can look... View More

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