Latest Legal Insights

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

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

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

Ohio is grappling with one of its most severe droughts in decades, with 22 counties declared disaster areas. This drought has hit agriculture hard, impacting crop yields, threatening water shortages, and increasing fire risks. As the drought persists, communities and farmers must take precautions and seek available resources to mitigate its impact.   Drought Impacts The U.S. Drought Monitor has classified portions of Ohio as experiencing extreme drought, particularly in so

Picture this: you are sitting on your front porch overlooking your 200-acre farm on a warm June evening.  The cotton-candy sky is beautiful, the kids are playing in the yard, and the lightning bugs are starting to speckle the field in front of you.  What is on your mind – layered cake?  A bundle of sticks?  Probably not, but you may be surprised to hear you are sitting on both!   Right this minute, you are sitting on a layered cake, and if you have rented or owned property,