Meadows Law FirmMeadows Law Firm2026-03-26T14:40:16Zhttps://www.meadowslawfirm.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1504776/2020/11/cropped-meadows-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Meadows Law Firm<![CDATA[Estate planning tips for new Ohio parents]]>https://www.meadowslawfirm.com/?p=485302022-09-13T07:37:18Z2022-06-22T02:49:55ZWhat to include in your estate plan?
First, you’ll want to make sure that your new child is listed as a beneficiary or next of kin in all of your estate planning documents. These sections of your estate plan should be updated every time there’s a substantial change to your family makeup or status.
Next, you’ll want to address who will serve as guardian and trustee for your children should something happen to you before they’re 18 years old. The guardian is who has primary custody of the child, and the trustee is who gets to make financial decisions on behalf of the child.
Oftentimes the guardian and trustee will be the same person. Most parents might be inclined to pick a family member, such as an aunt or uncle, or even grandparents.
What else should you update after having a child?
It’s important to make sure your living documents are all up to date after the addition of a child. These documents state who gets the power of attorney if you or your spouse become incapable of making decisions.
After you’ve updated all the documents, it’s important to remember to keep them updated. Set reminders on your phone calendar or make sure to update it with every birthday.
It can be hard to focus on estate planning when you’re starting a family. But having an updated estate plan that addresses who will take care of your children should the worst happen is important to giving you peace of mind and keeping your children safe.]]>On Behalf of Meadows Law Firm<![CDATA[Ways to prevent teen drunk driving]]>https://www.meadowslawfirm.com/?p=485282022-09-13T07:37:24Z2022-06-15T15:50:09ZParental involvement
Parents should never stop educating their kids about the dangers of drinking and driving. Children need to be instructed on the responsibility they take for their own safety and the safety of others every time they get behind the wheel. Moreover, parents should also remind their children of general motor vehicle laws and regulations that will help them be more responsible drivers.
Underage drivers that could be considered DUI/OVI should also feel they can call their parents for a ride rather than getting behind the wheel. Young adults need to know they can count on their parents to be there for them, even when they have made bad decisions.
Vehicle modifications
Legislatures are proposing changes be made to automobiles that can prevent teenage drunk driving. One such proposal is to require breathalyzers to be installed in any vehicle an underage driver might operate. The teen driver would be required to blow in the breathalyzer in order to start the vehicle. If the teenager is under the influence, the vehicle won't start.
Other suggested modifications are to install eye scanners that have the ability to check for ocular focus while driving, and infrared touch scans that must be performed before starting the car. While some of these modifications may seem a bit reaching, they may be the best preventative of an accident so severe that a DUI/OVI attorney may be needed.
Certainly, parental involvement with teenage drivers is one of the best preventative measures to keep them safe while driving. Setting clear expectations of their responsibility as a driver could be the deciding factor in saving their lives and the lives of others in a completely avoidable accident.]]>On Behalf of Meadows Law Firm<![CDATA[Some adult bed rails can cause injury or death]]>https://www.meadowslawfirm.com/?p=485262022-09-13T07:37:31Z2022-06-07T15:26:56ZRecall involves 285,000 bed rails
The CPSC recall urges consumers to stop using the adult bed rails as these devices can pose a safety hazard as they can cause entrapment that may lead to serious injuries or death. Although some manufacturers have voluntarily recalled bed rails due to the risk of asphyxiation, others have not. CPSC has urged Americans not to use ten adult bed rail models following a report of three deaths between 2006 and 2013. Evaluations showed that patients could become trapped between the bed rail and the mattress, leading to suffocation.
Portable adult bed rails have been linked to thousands of deaths and injuries. Some of the devices in question were manufactured as far back as 1991 and up to 2021 and 2022. The agency urges consumers to throw out the bed rails and report any possible incidents to the CPSC.
Not all medical products and aids are safe
Just because a product is used in a medical setting doesn't automatically mean it is safe. Medical devices may be subject to product liability claims if they don't operate properly and cause harm to patients.
When a medical device injures you or a member of your family or even causes death, you may be eligible for compensation. If you believe you have used a questionable product that caused injuries, you may have a case against the manufacturer that can lead to removing the device from the market.]]>On Behalf of Meadows Law Firm<![CDATA[Financial tips for couples going through a divorce]]>https://www.meadowslawfirm.com/?p=485222022-09-13T07:37:38Z2022-05-25T02:57:37ZBe knowledgeable and prepared to negotiate during the division of property
When most couples divorce, they will need to go through the process of dividing all the property they acquired during marriage. Some of the things they will have to divide include:
Furniture
Artwork
Jewelry
Vehicles
Real state
Savings and investment accounts
Retirement accounts and pensions
Getting prepared beforehand is very important as you need to be knowledgeable about what you and your spouse own jointly, what you want to keep and what you are willing to give up. Making a list of the property and gathering the documents that show ownership and other information about the process is the first step towards a fair divorce negotiation. There will be several options available to the couple for dividing the property, including reaching an amicable agreement, using a mediator or allowing the court to decide.
Do not overlook retirement accounts
Because that money was always meant to support the couple during retirement, it might be something that gets forgotten when dealing with the many other issues regarding divorce. However, it is important to address the division of these accounts and how the rules to divide them work as you will need this information to decide how to use the money.
You also need to be educated about the tax consequences of all the financial decisions you make during the divorce since they can significantly affect the real value of your settlement. Another financial area to study closely are your joint and individual debts and how you will divide these.]]>On Behalf of Meadows Law Firm<![CDATA[How can life insurance help your Ohio estate plan]]>https://www.meadowslawfirm.com/?p=485202022-09-13T07:37:48Z2022-05-11T02:13:18ZWhat is an irrevocable life insurance trust?
An irrevocable life insurance trust allows you to put money from a life insurance policy aside in a trust. Multiple life insurance policies can be connected to one trust and - as long as it’s under $11.7 million – your beneficiaries don’t have to pay any federal estate taxes.
The trust is irrevocable though, meaning it can’t be changed. Therefore, it can take a considerable amount of time and funding to set up correctly.
Even though some things can’t be changed, there is a lot of flexibility with how these trusts can be set up. The person setting up the trust can give very specific instructions for how the money is paid out to beneficiaries, among other things.
Who should consider setting up an irrevocable life insurance trust?
Anyone who expects their estate to be taxed at the federal and state levels should consider setting up an ILIT for their estate. The money set aside in the trust will also be safe from creditors, divorce, and any legal action.
These trusts can also be used to provide money and protection to minor children or people with disabilities. People also set up these trusts as a sort of emergency fund so they can avoid having to sell other assets.
What are the cons?
The downside is that an ILIT is very expensive to set up, so it’s not for everyone. Talk things out with your family and lawyer before deciding to set up this trust.]]>On Behalf of Meadows Law Firm<![CDATA[Police mistakes that can cancel your DUI charges]]>https://www.meadowslawfirm.com/?p=485152022-09-13T07:37:53Z2022-05-11T00:59:34ZA police officer must prove reasonable suspicion
A police officer has the right to pull over and field test anyone that they believe is acting suspiciously. If you should fail a field test, you can be charged with a DUI.
However, to make the charge stick, they need to be able to prove that their reason for suspicion was legitimate. This can include weaving between lanes, driving in the wrong lane, or other types of traffic violations. If you can successfully dispute the reasonableness of the stop, you can win your case.
Errors can be made at DUI checkpoints
The police officer who pulled you over at a DUI checkpoint may have committed serious errors while dealing with you. Police officers are held to very high standards of conduct at these checkpoints. They are not allowed to harass, bully, or threaten you in any way.
A police officer can observe you, ask you questions, and ask you to step out of your car. If they have any suspicion that you are intoxicated, they can ask you to take a field sobriety test. If you can prove that their conduct was rude or intimidating, you may be able to get your charges dismissed.
Breath test equipment can be faulty
One last thing to keep in mind is that the breathalyzer unit that is used to test your blood alcohol level may be faulty. The equipment used may be out of date or out of sync.
The police officer who gave you the test may not have been properly trained to do so. As a result, you may have gotten a false reading. If you can prove this in court, your case may be dismissed.]]>On Behalf of Meadows Law Firm<![CDATA[The rules governing OVI checkpoints]]>https://www.meadowslawfirm.com/?p=484992022-09-13T07:37:58Z2022-04-27T20:38:26ZThe checkpoint rules
For one thing, the agency that will have the checkpoint must publicize it in advance so that the public knows when and where it will be. These notices typically take the form of a brief news article like this. The Supreme Court also ruled that the police must choose the checkpoint site based on a history of impaired driving, DUI car accidents or both. The site must also be visible from far enough away that drivers have the option of turning around. And the operation must be efficient enough to minimize the intrusion and inconvenience to drivers.
The police don't need a reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle at an OVI checkpoint the way they do to pull you over, the procedures at a checkpoint are otherwise similar to a regular traffic stop. The officer will question you and look for signs of impairment. They might ask you to perform field sobriety tests or submit to a breath test. If the officers believe they have probable cause to arrest you for drunk driving, they will.
Your rights still count
You still have rights when you are in a DUI checkpoint. If the police violate one of those rights, you may be able to get some or all of the resulting evidence thrown out of court.]]>On Behalf of Meadows Law Firm<![CDATA[What are an executor’s duties?]]>https://www.meadowslawfirm.com/?p=485052022-09-13T07:38:04Z2022-04-27T05:06:21ZAppointing an executor
One advantage of having a will is that it simplifies many processes that would be more costly and time-consuming if you didn't have one. One of those is the ability to name an executor. If you did not do this, there would be a legal process to appoint someone as your estate administrator. Understanding the role of the executor will help you determine who would be best suited to this role.
An executor's duties
An executor must locate the will and file it with the court. They must also notify beneficiaries and find and protect any assets. In addition, they need to identify and pay any creditors and file taxes. Finally, the executor distributes assets to beneficiaries. While in most cases, an executor's work can be wrapped up in under a year, there are situations in which the process can take years if there are complexities or challenges to the will.
Qualities of an executor
An executor needs to be trustworthy and organized. They can hire financial or legal professionals to assist them if necessary. Whoever you choose as your executor, you should discuss it with them and make sure that they are willing to take on the responsibility. You can also name a professional, such as an attorney, as your executor if you do not think any of your friends or family members are appropriate choices. Whatever your decision, talk to your loved ones about your choice for executor and your estate plan in general.]]>On Behalf of Meadows Law Firm<![CDATA[Ways to challenge a breathalyzer]]>https://www.meadowslawfirm.com/?p=484922022-09-13T07:38:09Z2022-04-15T00:43:14ZCalibration
All breathalyzers must be calibrated, which is maintaining the device and checking the sensors periodically for accuracy. Breathalyzers check for DUI by measuring the blood alcohol content, or BAC, with a breath sample from the driver.
While calibration schedules vary, the test must be administered by a trained technician with certification on that specific device. If the defense has doubts about the accuracy, they may get a court order to access calibration records.
Medical issues and everyday products
Diabetes may skew the results of a breathalyzer because it produces ketones, which have alcoholic properties. If blood sugar levels get too high, the body can't access carbohydrates and will use ketones for energy.
The opposite condition, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can cause the same effect, and present symptoms similar to intoxication. Many everyday products, such as cough syrup, breath fresheners, and certain foods with yeast have alcohol in them.
Lack of reasonable suspicion or probable cause
The officer needs reasonable suspicion to pull a driver over, which means believing that the driver has violated a traffic law. This may include observing the driver speeding excessively, constantly swerving, speeding and slowing down, and running red lights. The officer can not stop a driver on a whim, such as following them after they leave a bar, without a good reason.
They also need probable cause, which is the evidence they gather from observing the driver and testing them. If the officer failed to have one or both of these elements, the judge may dismiss the case.
Refusing to take a chemical test can lead to immediate license suspension and hefty fines. With a good defense, the accused party may beat charges or work out a plea deal.]]>On Behalf of Meadows Law Firm<![CDATA[Gray divorce financial worries in Ohio]]>https://www.meadowslawfirm.com/?p=484872022-09-13T07:38:13Z2022-04-14T04:49:13ZFinancial concerns for people over 50
A gray divorce could lead to a significant decrease in one or both spouses' standard of living. Essentially, newly separated people may no longer combined incomes to cover living expenses. One ex-spouse may incur costs not previously their responsibility, such as insurance policies, rent, and other essential things.
Compounding the concerns would be the impending arrival of retirement age. An older person might not be able to work the same schedule as when they were younger. Life on a fixed income may soon arrive.
The scope of financial concerns could expand as someone ages. Persons who never suffered health-related problems could experience medical issues later in life. Worries about possible health care needs could also guide decisions to seek substantial spousal support.
Addressing financial matters in the divorce
It would be wise for someone over 50 to look carefully at all financial records when headed into divorce settlement negotiations. Procuring copies of all accounts, including banking, brokerage, credit card, and others, could help paint a definitive financial picture. The spouses could look at assets and liabilities to determine who has and who owes what. Knowing whether debts are solely or jointly held is critical.
Seeking an equitable distribution of assets could work in both spouses' favor. That said, the spouse with lower earning potential might need the best settlement possible.]]>