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Ohio Contracts Questions & Answers
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 Consumer Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Lemon Law for Ohio on
Q: Who do I contact or what can I do about a Used Auto Dealership, trying to fraud me?

I financed a vehicle for 13,000. Everything got finializied, the Finance guy at the dealership is trying to fraud me out of money for things that dont connect with my loan or contract, is threatening me and trying to use scare-tactics to have me voluntary repo the car and still be at fault for a... View More

Marcus A. Ross
Marcus A. Ross
answered on Feb 29, 2024

You can contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office Consumer Fraud Division which deals with fraud and deceptive trade and sales practices by businesses like automobile dealerships and report tge fraudulent behavior. You also obviously have the option of filing a civil action against the finance... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law and Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: Wife & I were scammed out of a place and $1,275. What do we do?

Wife & I were going to rent an apartment from someone claiming place was ready. It was far from it. Recently found out this situation has been happening to multiple people by the same landlord. Can we get anything back? They only gave us a small portion back. We are still out $975 and now... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Feb 5, 2024

Given the description, you may file a complaint in small claims court against the landlord. Whether you can succeed will depend, in large part, on the language in the agreement you signed. Try and identify portions of the landlord's responsibilities that the landlord failed to perform.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: I rented a skid steer and busted the oil pan and now they say they can put Charges on me for damages

Criminal intent is this possible

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 30, 2024

An Ohio attorney could answer best, but your question remains open for a week. Breakage or failure of rental equipment should not ordinarily result in criminal charges, unless they are claiming that intentional, reckless, or other form of unacceptable usage led to the breakage. An Ohio attorney... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: If I have checks that have cleared my bank for rent and my apt filed an eviction notice, can I put my rent in escrow?

I have lived at my apartment for 7 years, paid my rent in full and on time the entirety of my time; they have filed an eviction notice on me for court on Feb. 7th. The manager called and stated that she made a mistake and to ignore the eviction papers from the sheriff but I received another... View More

Bruce Martin Broyles
Bruce Martin Broyles
answered on Jan 29, 2024

1. You should never ignore a pleading or Order from the Court. There is a very good chance that the manager made a mistake and that the eviction will not go forward. However, you should show up and make certain that it does not go forward.

2. You should appear at court with your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Ohio on
Q: I sold a puppy from my litter to a guy at work on a payment plan with no paperwork. Just his word now he’s not paying me
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 18, 2023

In Ohio, if you sold a puppy on a payment plan without any written agreement, and the buyer is now not making payments, your options for recourse can be limited due to the lack of formal documentation. However, the verbal agreement you had is still a contract, albeit harder to prove in court.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts, Landlord - Tenant and Libel & Slander for Ohio on
Q: Can a friend legally dispose of my belongings left at their house?

I left my personal belongings, including clothes and other items, at a friend's house about 45-60 days ago. There was a verbal understanding that they would keep them for me temporarily. However, my friend is upset with me due to another friend slandering my name, and they have ignored my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Personal Property Bailment Analysis

Your situation constitutes what property law recognizes as a "gratuitous bailment" - a temporary transfer of possession without compensation where the bailee (your friend) remains obligated to exercise reasonable care over your belongings....
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: Legal issues in contacting clients after being fired from accounting firm without NDA.

I was recently fired from an accounting firm for not being good at my job. I did not have any contractual agreements or non-disclosure agreements that restrict communication with clients post-termination. Is there a legal violation if I contact my former clients to explain why I was fired and to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

# Analysis of Client Contact Post-Termination in Ohio

When you contact former clients after termination from an accounting firm in Ohio, you enter a complex legal territory despite the absence of an NDA. Ohio courts have established precedent recognizing that client relationships often...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: Can I sue Rain Instant Pay for misleading balance and borrowing terms?

I downloaded the Rain Instant Pay app to withdraw money I earned from working early for expenses like gas, bills, and loan payments. Throughout using the app, I don't recall being informed that I could only transact up to 50% of my total earned wages. My account has now been paused, and when I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

It seems like you're facing a situation where the app misled you regarding how the balance worked and the terms of the transaction. If the terms of service did not clearly explain that the money you withdrew was considered a loan, you may have grounds to pursue a claim for misrepresentation or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: Can pension division in divorce be altered years later due to new circumstances?

In my divorce, it was agreed that both parties would receive half of each other's pensions. However, circumstances have changed since the divorce: my ex-husband now receives free healthcare, while I pay a substantial amount. I was highly medicated at the time of the divorce and believe I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

That’s an incredibly hard position to be in, especially when your financial situation has shifted and you're living with the long-term effects of a decision made during a vulnerable time. In Ohio, pension division is considered part of the property settlement in a divorce, and those terms... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: Do I get reimbursed for vet bills if lost dog's owner turns up in Ohio?

I found a lost dog in Ohio that had been hit by a car and required urgent veterinary care. I paid for the vet bills because the dog needed immediate attention, but I couldn't notify the owner as the dog was lost and no contact information was available. If the owner eventually turns up, am I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

In Ohio, when you find a lost dog and provide necessary veterinary care, you may have grounds to seek reimbursement from the original owner once they are identified. Under common law principles, taking in and caring for a lost pet can create an implied bailment relationship. This means the finder... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for Ohio on
Q: How to determine validity and binding nature of an NDA?

I signed an NDA for an assistant position in a recovery entity, but the agreement is vague, has no end date, and was signed alone without any representative present or discussions about the terms. How can I determine if this NDA is valid and binding?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

It makes sense to feel unsure about the agreement, especially if no one explained it to you or reviewed it with you before signing. In Ohio, an NDA can still be legally binding even if it’s vague or signed without a witness—but the more unclear the language, the harder it may be to enforce.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: I relocated and want to retrieve my cat. Caretaker agreed but stopped responding. What can I do?

I entrusted my cat to someone 4 years ago with a verbal agreement, witnessed, that I could reclaim my pet once I moved to a suitable place. We’ve maintained consistent contact, and I have text communications confirming the arrangement. I also contributed to half of the cat's surgery and vet... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

This is such a painful and frustrating situation, especially since you've stayed involved in your cat’s care and made it clear you always intended to bring them home. The verbal agreement, your ongoing communication, and shared vet costs show a continued connection and responsibility. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Intellectual Property and Employment Law for Ohio on
Q: Can my school require storage of my owned works on their server under contract?

I am a music teacher and my employment contract states that any works I create, such as arrangements for my students, are solely owned by me. However, the contract also requires that a complete copy of all such works be maintained on the school's server at all times. If I own these works, why... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

It’s understandable to feel conflicted when your contract says you own your work, but the school still wants to control access to it. Requiring that a copy of your arrangements be stored on the school’s server doesn’t necessarily take away your ownership—it may be more about administrative... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Consumer Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: Did Goldman Sachs violate laws or terms by reversing an ACH payment?

I am seeking legal guidance on whether Goldman Sachs Bank USA violated federal law, contractual terms, or reporting guidelines when it reversed a properly initiated ACH payment after acceptance and treated my Apple Card account as delinquent. On March 1, 2025, I initiated a $160.00 ACH payment... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2025

Goldman Sachs might have violated certain practices by reversing the ACH payment. ACH transactions are typically protected under the rules set by the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), and banks are expected to notify customers of any issues or reversals promptly. If Goldman... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Insurance Defense, Contracts and Personal Injury for Ohio on
Q: Friend spent insurance check meant for car repairs after accident. What to do?

My dad allowed his friend to borrow his vehicle under his permissive use insurance, and the friend got into an accident. The insurance company issued a check for the repairs, but the friend spent the money on themselves instead of paying the body shop. The vehicle is now fixed but held by the shop... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 30, 2025

An Ohio attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for over a week. This question could be as much a personal matter as it is a legal matter, as it could depend on the friendship. If you were not able to resolve in a friendly manner through your friend and checked with an Ohio... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: Can a lawyer review my Ohio home sale contract for protection?

I am selling my home by owner in Ohio and using a real estate sale template. It's my first time selling without a realtor. The home is being sold "as is" in a cash sale, and the closing date is scheduled for early May. I want to ensure that the buyer can't hold me liable for... View More

Bruce Martin Broyles
Bruce Martin Broyles
answered on Mar 27, 2025

There are a number of attorneys who would be willing to review your contract. A review of the contract would tell you what the contract states and explain your rights and responsibilities. This may be quite different from what you intended the contract to say.

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: Am I responsible for rent if I leave 3 months early without issues?

I want to notify my landlord that I plan to leave my apartment 3 months before the end of my lease. My lease does not have a clause about early termination or notice requirements, and I have not experienced any issues with the property or landlord. Am I still responsible for paying rent until the... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Mar 25, 2025

Yes, unless separately negotiated. Your only defense would be if the landlord fails to make good faith efforts to find a replacement tenant. This, however, is a very low threshold to meet.

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: Do I need to return a gifted ring in Ohio if the relationship ends?

I received a ring as a gift from my partner, valued at approximately $3,000 to $4,000. There was no proposal involved, and no written or verbal agreement about returning the ring. It was given as a token of commitment for our relationship. The gift was given about two weeks ago, and there were no... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Mar 25, 2025

You are not obligated to return it. It is not a conditional gift, which some courts in Ohio designate engagement rings. You can keep it.

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1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Consumer Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: Can I file a case against a creditor for unauthorized debit despite deferral agreement?

I signed documentation to defer a bank draft payment with my creditor for one month so I could use the funds to pay half-year property taxes. However, the creditor debited my checking account during the deferred month, which resulted in an overdraft. Consequently, I had to borrow money against my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

You likely have grounds for a legal case against the creditor based on breach of contract. When you signed documentation for the payment deferral, you established a binding agreement that the creditor violated by debiting your account anyway, causing financial hardship and forcing you to pawn a... View More

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