Karen Ball, Attorney at Law

In addition to the emotional side of ending a relationship (which may, in fact, be the largest) there are two basic prongs to get handled.  If they are addressed separately things can be kept clearer and decisions can often be made more easily.  Until all of the items shown below, in both parts of the case are resolved, written down, and approved by the court, there is no final judgment.

1. Split of assets and liabilities – the “things” – all relationships have this part! If there are no children, then it’s all about things.  (Some folks say, “It’s all about the money.”) (more…)

There are many tools that individuals and couples can use to work on their relationships, or decide what to do when a relationship starts to fail.  Here are tools with which I’ve worked and had success.

A.  For those having trouble in their relationships, and trying to decide what to do, I suggest the following: (more…)

Both of these documents are referred to as “Advanced Directives”.  They provide legal documentation and structure through which you can advise the medical community, and  others, of your wishes – IN ADVANCE of either moving into a terminal condition (Living Will) or when you are unable to speak for yourself (Medical Power of Attorney).

A Living Will is a document that tells your doctor who to notify if you are determined to be in a terminal condition and they are ready to take you off of life support, per your written instructions to them. (more…)

A Business Plan documents the history, ownership, strategies, and products for your business.  There are many frameworks that are effective in conveying that information.  They can be found through the site for the Small Business Administration.

I have extensive experience in working with small business owners, writing business plans, obtaining financing, and negotiating agreements (leases, owner agreements, etc.).  I have provided business consulting services, served as a real estate agent (NOTE:  I no longer have my real estate license), and as an attorney. (more…)

Starting Sept. 8th, 2008, Ohio became one of the first states to offer a special program for identifying next of kin.  The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (“OBMV”) allows you to identify two people as “Next of Kin” or “Emergency Contacts”.

There is an On-Line application which allows you to “enroll” up to two people and the OBMV will keep track of the information you provide.  Then, in the case of an accident, they will have someone to notify. (more…)