Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Business Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Ohio Business Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: Should I hire a lawyer for a civil court case against contractors who didn't complete the job as contracted?

I hired contractors to complete work under a contract, but they did not finish the job and have blocked communication after I confronted them. I've filed complaints with the BBB but haven't received help from an attorney. The case is open, and the contractors are pending receipt of their... View More

Bruce Martin Broyles
Bruce Martin Broyles
answered on Apr 28, 2025

Yes, you should hire an attorney. There are a number of issues that you must consider. For example, did they fail to complete or did you prevent their performance. Did the contract render time is of the essence. Was the delay in completion reasonable under the circumstances. Was the work... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Business Law, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Can I claim equity in a house bought with my husband's military death benefit?

My husband and I have been married for a year and a half. Four months into the marriage, my stepson committed suicide while in the military, and my husband received a death benefit as the beneficiary. We used this benefit to purchase and pay off a house, with both our names on the deed, and the... View More

Bruce Martin Broyles
Bruce Martin Broyles
answered on Feb 25, 2025

In Ohio, the important issue of separate property vs. marital property is the ability to trace the source of the funds. How real property is titled is not determinative of how the property is titled. Even though the funds went to your husband and then were deposited into a joint checking account,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: I have a customer that I renovated a bathroom for. They were unhappy with everything from the start. Nothing wrong with

I have a customer that I renovated a bathroom for. They were unhappy with everything from the start. Nothing wrong with the work. But they're extremely picky. They are now asking for proof of insurance, which I do have. Do I have to provide it after contract was already signed? Also I had them... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 29, 2024

It could be worth checking with a local attorney what the law is on providing insurance. No one could judge your position or their position without seeing the contract and your work. But in some settings, the claimant will have to place the matter into suit to obtain the insurance info. And if... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property, Trademark, Business Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Ohio on
Q: I am interested in developing a bundle recovery product that includes wellness products.

Sales would occur in-person and online. I have no intention of modifying the packaging for the products I purchase/resell. I would like to include products such as a hydration packet (ideally Liquid IV) a protein bar, vitamins, face wash, and pain medication.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 19, 2024

To develop a bundle recovery product that includes wellness products for sale in California, both in-person and online, there are several legal considerations to keep in mind:

1. Resale of products: If you are purchasing products from other brands and reselling them, ensure that you are...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: I am purchasing a property under my LLC the property also have a bar that is being sold with it should I create a LLC

A separate LLC for the bar

Brenden Patrick Kelley
Brenden Patrick Kelley
answered on Apr 14, 2024

While there may be specific circumstances that influence the decision to form separate LLCs, my general recommendation is to do so. Establishing separate LLCs can raise your expenses and increase the time you invest, but it offers significant protection for both your personal assets and your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Real Estate Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: I need to get out of a commercial lease
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Mar 20, 2024

Talk to the landlord to negotiate an early termination, although landlord is under no obligation to do so. Landlord might ask for a payment. If landlord is in default of the lease, then use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local real estate attorney to review the lease and the situation, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Ohio on
Q: I want to create a dating site, but I'm scared of third-party data leaks. How do I word the ToS to protect myself?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 28, 2024

When drafting the Terms of Service (ToS) for your dating site, it's important to clearly outline how user data will be managed, including the use of third-party services. You should explicitly state the circumstances under which data might be shared with third parties and the measures in place... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: What can I do if my ex-husband withdrew funds from the QDRO without my permission?

I discovered that my ex-husband withdrew funds from the QDRO without my permission. I was saving it, and I believe it was solely mine, yet I didn't sign or consent to this withdrawal. There are court orders regarding the QDRO, and I'm concerned that these actions may violate those... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 14, 2025

I’m really sorry you’re dealing with this—it’s upsetting to learn your ex-husband accessed QDRO funds without your consent, especially when court orders should have protected your rights. The QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) is meant to establish your legal ownership of certain... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Intellectual Property and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: Advice needed on rights and compensation for graphic designs created under a verbal agreement with a client for 20 years in Ohio.

I have been an independent graphic designer for 20 years for one client, who owns a multi-million dollar hospitality company. Recently, they informed me via email that they are moving in a different direction, and we never had a formal contract. I designed all of their logos, menus, websites,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 30, 2025

You actually own the copyright to your designs since they weren't created under a "work for hire" arrangement. Under U.S. copyright law, the designer automatically owns all rights to the work they create, with the exception being work-for-hire situations where the designer is a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Insurance Defense for Ohio on
Q: Is a theater in Ohio required to have liability insurance?

Is a movie theater in Cleveland, Ohio, required to have general liability insurance by law, and are there specific regulations that apply to this requirement?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Ohio, there is no statewide law specifically requiring movie theaters to carry general liability insurance. However, theaters, like other businesses, are strongly encouraged to have liability coverage to protect themselves from potential claims related to accidents or injuries that may occur on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: Is it legally possible to start a cannabis delivery service with food in Ohio?

I am interested in starting a business in Ohio that involves an Uber-style app offering cannabis delivery with pizza and dessert. I want to know if it is legally possible to do this, especially with heavy ID verification. Additionally, if direct ordering from dispensaries isn't allowed, can... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Ohio, starting a cannabis delivery service combined with food is highly regulated and presents legal challenges. The sale and delivery of cannabis are restricted to licensed dispensaries, and they are the only entities legally permitted to handle cannabis delivery. Any business offering cannabis... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Trademark, Business Formation and Intellectual Property for Ohio on
Q: Can I use 'Gurkha' for my dog chew product name despite existing trademark conflict, and how to register 'XYZ Bites' trademark?

I have registered a company named Gurkha Dog Chew Private Limited. I discovered that "Gurkha" is a registered trademark under High Himalayan LLC for pet food, including dog food, but my product is specifically an organic dog chew made from yak. I haven't faced any notice from them... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 2, 2025

Using "Gurkha" for your dog chew product presents significant legal risk despite the distinction between your organic yak-based dog chew and High Himalayan LLC's registered trademark for pet food. Trademark protection extends beyond identical products to those deemed similar enough... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: Am I financially responsible for ex-husband's bills as a "responsible party" in Ohio?

I signed a "responsible party" agreement for my ex-husband when he was admitted to an assisted living facility in Ohio, as our two children were unavailable. The agreement states that I will personally guarantee payment for charges incurred. We've been divorced for 27 years and have... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 18, 2025

Yes. This agreement is separate and binding on you regardless of marital status.

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Business Law and Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: Can I file bankruptcy to manage franchise loan and keep my home?

I've been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and am currently unable to work. I own a tool company structured as an LLC, which has a franchise loan I'm unable to pay. My wife and I are managing to keep up with our house payments, which we intend to continue paying. My wife has disability... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 5, 2025

You can't pick and choose creditor's in bankruptcy. That said, it is very common for people to go through bankruptcy, and then once the debt is discharged or adjusted to reaffirm their mortgage to avoid foreclosure.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Landlord - Tenant and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: Can landlord skip credit check and demand my legal fees?

I am the former owner of a small business incorporated in Kentucky with a physical presence in Ohio. I had to abandon the commercial property early. The landlord did not conduct due diligence when attempting to re-let the property and incurred $15,000 in legal fees only to find out, when preparing... View More

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on Feb 22, 2025

It is difficult to answer this question without knowing what your lease said about default and early termination by tenant. There is no “doctrine of unavoidable consequences” in the way you describe; mitigation is an affirmative defense that will probably not relieve you of liability from... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: I live in a mobile home park and they are trying to force us all to get Wi-Fi through them is this legal

They said we don’t have a choice but to get this Wi-Fi through them even if we don’t want it and they will be adding to our monthly lot rent we don’t want it and I feel like it’s an invasion of privacy they said the mobile home park has an agreement with spectrum is this legal

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 21, 2024

You have the right to review your lease agreement carefully to see if there’s a clause that mandates using the park’s Wi-Fi service. Some mobile home parks include services like internet as part of the lot rent, which can make it seem mandatory. However, the legality of forcing you to use a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: Getting laid off - no non-compete signed. Can I be told I can't take a job if I'm contacted for one?

I am Getting laid off - no non-compete signed. A company reached out to me and I interviewed and was offered a position. My company laying me off called me today to let me know that i can work for a competing agency but they are not permitted to reach out to me. They said they have a list of... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 17, 2024

If they have such a series of agreements, they violate federal anti-trust law and are unenforceable. You are fine to go work for them.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Ohio on
Q: Can a personal credit card lawsuit go after my professional business LLC?

I have an overdue personal credit card, who may be filing a lawsuit against me. I also recently opened a business this year under an LLC and I want to know if the credit card lawsuit can go after my business?

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 2, 2024

Yes. This is called "reverse veil piercing". If there is no meaningful distinction between yourself and the entity, then the credit card company can bring an action against both of you.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Tax Law and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: Can I pay for a cryonics membership from donations that I will get

It’s from a website and I got it from my self paying for a radio and other listening things to advertise for my donations

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 4, 2024

I apologize, but I don't have enough context to fully understand your question or situation. It seems like you may be asking about using donations you receive from advertising on radio and other platforms to pay for a cryonics membership. However, without more details, it's hard for me to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Ohio on
Q: i currently have an llc. I am sole proprietor. I am looking to convert my llc to a inc. will this affect any debt w/llc?
Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 25, 2024

The debt will still be owed by the converted entity.

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.