Consumer Law:
This area of practice is devoted to:
AUTO PURCHASES: Ohio has enacted "lemon laws." When a consumer
purchases a new motor vehicle they typically expect it to run and run
well. If a motor vehicle does not run as expected it is often referred
to as a "lemon." Ohio's Lemon laws places a responsibility on auto dealers to address certain problems for up to one year or 18,000 miles after they sell a vehicle. If the problem cannot be fixed the consumer is entitled to have the vehicle replaced or their purchase price refunded. Problems which must be fixed are those
"defects (which) substantially impairs the use safety or value of the vehicle." If a dealership refuses to remedy the situation a court can force the dealership to take appropriate action.
HOME FORECLOSURES AND TRUTH IN LENDING: Our nation has been hit hard with numerous foreclosures. In certain cases, foreclosure may be avoided if the lending institution failed to follow the law when they made a loan. It is recommended that anyone facing a foreclosure action consult with an attorney before allowing their home to be taken over by the bank.
FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT: Congress enacted legislation which
regulates what third parties can do when collecting a debt. Violations
of these rules can subject the debt collector to damages of $1,000 and
payment of attorney's fees.
SMALL CLAIMS COURT: Ohio allows cases to be tried in an expedited manor
in a special court for claims which are less than $3,000. The advantage
to this court is speed and it is far less expensive to litigate a case.
The court limits claims to $3,000 and doesn't allow for a drawn out discovery of trial process.
PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY: Our law office is uniquely positioned to handle bankruptcy issues. We deal not only with the bankruptcy court, but we also handle the tax implications often associated with bankruptcy.
OFFERS IN COMPROMISE: Bankruptcies often accompanies tax problems. We are able to negotiate with the IRS and evaluate how this will affect your bankruptcy. For clients that meet certain requirements, we can reduce or eliminate the amount you owe. Keep in mind not everyone qualifies. If you are filing for bankruptcy you receive a free analysis to see if you are a good candidate for this program.