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Latest Legal Insights
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Oil & Gas & Environmental Law Update - OhioClass II Injection Wells, Road Brine, and Waste-Handling Enforcement
Ohio is seeing an uptick in attention on how oil and gas waste is transported, stored, and disposed of. Three recent developments are worth watching for operators, landowners, and local governments.
2 days ago
Unlocking the Power of Legal Insights
Navigating the legal landscape can be complex and overwhelming. Whether you are an individual or a business, understanding the nuances of law is essential to making informed decisions and protecting your interests. Over the years, I have seen how gaining clear, actionable legal knowledge can transform challenges into opportunities. This post aims to unlock the power of legal insights and help you grasp the critical perspectives that shape legal outcomes. Understanding Legal P
6 days ago
Guernsey County Court Dismisses Defamation Suit Under Ohio’s New Anti SLAPP Law
Guernsey County Court Dismisses Defamation Suit Under Ohio’s New Anti-SLAPP Law; Court Sets Fee Hearing for Prevailing Defendant Believed to be the first Ohio decision applying the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UP-EPA) CAMBRIDGE, OH — October 20, 2025. The Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas today granted Maegin Lee George’s motion for expedited relief under Ohio’s new anti-SLAPP statute and dismissed all claims brought against her, finding the lawsuit targeted
6 days ago
The Importance of a Clear Farm Lease Agreement
A handshake deal feels neighborly—until the weather turns, prices swing, or a tractor breaks down. Everyone remembers the “deal” a little differently. A short, plain-English lease protects both sides, preserves relationships, and keeps the farm running. Understanding Payment Structures Start with how you’ll pay. Cash rent is the simplest approach. The tenant pays a set dollar amount per acre or an agreed-upon lump sum. This method places most of the production risk and reward
Oct 27
A Curious Twist in George v. George
Press Release For Immediate Release Date: August 21, 2025 Briefing Complete in George v. George : Court to Rule on Landmark Free Speech Case Within 60 Days Cambridge, OH – Briefing is now complete in Jonathan George v. Maegin Lee George (Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 25-CV-00167). Judge Daniel G. Padden is expected to issue a ruling within 60 days of August 21, 2025. The case raises fundamental questions about free speech, Ohio’s anti-SLAPP protections, an
Aug 26
Anti-SLAPP (UPEPA) Explained
Imagine you’ve just posted a pointed—but truthful—comment on Facebook about a local developer’s plan to destroy the neighborhood park. The next week a sheriff’s deputy shows up at your door with a thick envelope. You’ve been sued for defamation and the complaint demands six-figure damages. You feel sick: you can’t afford years of court battles or repeated days off work for depositions. That queasy, silencing feeling is exactly what “SLAPP” suits are designed to create. A
Jul 9
EQUES® Law Group Files One of Ohio’s First Anti-SLAPP Motions Under New UPEPA Statute
Filing seeks rapid dismissal of defamation suit; hearing required within 60 days Cambridge, OH – June 30, 2025 — EQUES ® Law Group , Friday, June 27, 2025, filed an Anti-SLAPP, Special Motion for Expedited Relief on behalf of Maegin George , an emergency-room nurse and mother, asking the Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas to dismiss a defamation action brought by Jonathan George, President of Conn’s Potato Chips. The motion invokes Ohio’s brand-new Uniform Public Expres
Jun 30
Understanding Business Licenses, Permits, and Compliance in Ohio
Starting and operating a business in Ohio requires navigating various legal requirements, including obtaining the proper licenses and permits. Compliance with state and local regulations is essential to avoid fines, penalties, and potential business shutdowns. This article outlines key licensing and compliance considerations for Ohio business owners. Business Registration Requirements Before applying for any licenses or permits, business owners must register their entity with
Jun 1
Guidelines for Using Photography and Video of Children from Events in Promotional Material
When photographing or videotaping children at events for promotional purposes, it's essential to comply with both federal and Ohio laws to protect children's privacy and obtain necessary parental consent. Federal Law: Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) regulates the online collection of personal information from children under 13. While COPPA primarily addresses online data collection, it also considers phot
May 7
NAVIGATING ASSET LIQUIDATION
This guide is intended to help owners assess whether liquidating assets is necessary, understand the trade-offs involved, and make informed, strategic decisions under financial pressure. Step 1: Mentally Prepare for the Realities of a Downturn in Your Business or in the Market Before making any decisions, it's important to reframe expectations: Asset values may be lower than their peak. You may not get "what it’s worth" — instead, you'll get what someone will pay today.
Apr 8
What are the Duties of a Fiduciary for an Estate
What is a Fiduciary Losing a loved one is never easy and trying to manage their property and finances only adds extra stress. The purpose of this simple overview is to give a bird' s-eye view of what that process is like. Whether you are trying to figure out the next steps after losing someone or are considering who shall handle your affairs, this article will give you an idea of the process. There are many technical terms used by the probate Court. Here are a few of the mo
Mar 26
March 21, 2025, FinCen update:
On March 21, 2025, FinCEN issued an interim final rule (31 CFR Part 1010.380, RIN 1506-AB49) that exempts all domestic companies from the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Key Points: - Domestic reporting companies are no longer required to file BOI reports with FinCEN. - Companies are not required to update or correct any previously submitted BOI reports. - The definition of "reporting company" has b
Mar 24
Understanding Eminent Domain: How the Government Can Take Private Property
Imagine owning a piece of land your family has cared for many years. One day, your town tells you they need your property to build something for the public—like a road, school, or water system. You don’t want to sell, but the town says they have the right to take it. How is that possible? This process is called eminent domain, and it allows the government to take private property if it’s for public use—but they must pay fair market value for it. Eminent domain is a powerful
Mar 19
Handling Reasonable Suspicion Situations: A Legal Perspective
Maintaining a drug-free workplace is essential for safety, productivity, and compliance with legal standards. HR professionals play a pivotal role and must navigate reasonable suspicion cases carefully to protect both employees and the organization. This guide outlines steps to approach handling such situations legally and effectively ensuring a proactive stance in maintaining a drug-free workplace while minimizing legal risks. I. Understanding Reasonable Suspicion A. Definit
Feb 19
Divorce: Contested, Uncontested, or Cooperative
One of the most common misunderstandings in a divorce case involves the parties and the type of divorce they need. In Ohio, there are three basic kinds of “divorces,” although only two of them actually carry that name. The normal, stock-standard divorce that everyone knows is a “contested divorce” – the parties each get a lawyer, the lawyers fight it out – maybe in court, maybe out of court – and at the end, there may be a trial, or there may be a settlement. This typ
Feb 6
Estate Planning – Because Even Your Dog Shouldn’t Inherit Your Debt
We get it. Thinking about your will isn’t exactly something that’ll make you the life of the party. It’s right up there with doing your taxes or listening to your great aunt’s conspiracy theories about the moon landing. But hear us out—estate planning isn’t all doom and gloom. In fact, it can be surprisingly...fun? Okay, maybe not “fun,” but at least it can be a little bit more entertaining than you thought. Let’s talk about why you definitely want to get your estate planni
Jan 28
You’ve Been Sued: What Do You Do Now?
If you’ve been served with a lawsuit, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or unsure of your next steps. But acting quickly and deliberately can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and minimizing potential consequences. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you face a lawsuit. Don’t Ignore the Lawsuit The worst thing you can do is ignore the summons or complaint. Ohio law gives you a limited time to file a response with the court, typically 28 days f
Jan 15
Understanding and Protecting Landowner Rights After Oil Well Pad Incidents
Ohio’s rich oil and gas reserves bring economic opportunities but also present significant risks for landowners and neighbors. When an explosion or fire occurs on or near an oil and gas well pad, understanding your legal rights and remedies becomes critical. Below are some key considerations for Ohio landowners. Landowner Rights and Operator Responsibilities Landowners have the right to expect oil and gas operators to manage their wells safely. Operators are required to fo
Jan 3
EQUES® Law Group Facilitates Successful Mineral Rights Transaction
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EQUES® Law Group Facilitates Successful Mineral Rights Transaction Eastern Ohio – December 2024 – EQUES® Law Group is proud to announce the successful closing of a complex mineral rights transaction in Ohio, resulting in significant benefits for our client. This achievement underscores EQUES’® dedication to providing tailored legal solutions in the ever-evolving energy sector. The transaction involved negotiating and finalizing the transfer of substantia
Jan 2
Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Update: Key Timeline for Business Clients
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) enforcement status has undergone significant changes in recent weeks due to ongoing legal challenges. Below is a brief timeline of events and updates for your reference: Timeline of Recent Developments December 3, 2024 Event: Southern District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issues a nationwide preliminary injunction halting the enforcement of the CTA. Reason: Concerns over the constitutionality of the CTA. December 23, 2024 Event
Dec 30, 2024
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