Helpful Articles

What is the Medicaid look-back period?

A popular question that I answer a lot for my estate planning clients is what is the Medicaid look-back period for assets?  When clients realize they might be eligible for Medicaid, they start their estate planning with that in mind.  However, the timing of everything for Medicaid planning is of the utmost importance.  Most people do know of the two federal programs, Medicare and Medicaid.  A quick refresher: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for peop...

Drowsy driving is dangerous to all on the roads

Most people know about the dangers of driving drunk, or of texting behind the wheel, but many are not aware just how dangerous it is to drive when you’re drowsy. If you don’t get at least five hours of sleep before driving, statistics show that you’ll drive about the same as someone who is alcohol impaired. Not only is that dangerous for you, it’s a hazard to other drivers on the road. Your risk of an accident goes up significantly when you’re drowsy, which is why it’s so...

Joslyn Law Firm - Columbus Sex Crime Lawyer: Sexual Imposition Ohio Definitions, Penalties, and Defenses

Sexual Imposition Ohio Definitions, Penalties, and Defenses   The crime of sexual imposition is governed by ORC § 2907.06, which provides, in pertinent part: (A) No person shall have sexual contact with another, not the spouse of the offender; cause another, not the spouse of the offender, to have sexual contact with the offender; or cause two or more other persons to have sexual contact when any of the following applies: (1) The offender knows that the ...

Joslyn Law Firm, Gun and Weapon Crime Attorney - Open Carry in a Car: Ohio Gun Laws

Open Carry in a Car: Ohio Gun Laws In Ohio, it is illegal to knowingly carry a loaded firearm in a car that is accessible to the driver or any passenger. To comply with Ohio gun laws, a person must either have a Concealed Handgun License (CHL), carry the gun unloaded in a form permitted by Ohio law, or meet an exception to the general rule. Additionally, failing to tell a police officer you’re carrying a gun when stopped can result in criminal charges. Openly carrying a g...

Joslyn Law Firm, Domestic Violence Attorney - First-Time Domestic Violence Charge in Ohio: What to Expect

First-Time Domestic Violence Charge in Ohio: What to Expect Domestic violence occurs when a person causes or attempts to cause injury to a family or household member. In Ohio, a family or household member includes a spouse, former spouse, child, or another relative that lives with the alleged offender. First-time domestic violence charges are usually a misdemeanor but can be a felony in some circumstances. Domestic violence charges arise from many different situations,...

Joslyn Law Firm: Columbus DUI / OVI Lawyer - Substantive Breakdown of ORC § 4511.194 (Having Physical Control of Vehicle While Under the Influence)

   Substantive Breakdown of ORC § 4511.194 (Having Physical Control of Vehicle While Under the Influence) 1.       Analysis of OVI/DUI Definition of “Physical Control” of a Vehicle Having “physical control” of a vehicle does not only connote driving. Within the meaning of ORC § 4511.194, physical control means having dominion and control over the vehicle by sitting in the driver’s seat, with the key in the ignition, and hav...

Joslyn Law Firm - Criminal Defense and Drug Crime Attorney, Illegal Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia In Ohio

Illegal Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia In Ohio Definitions, Penalties, and Defenses   The Crime of Illegal Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Ohio is governed by ORC § 2925.14, which provides, in pertinent part:   (A) As used in this section, "drug paraphernalia" means any equipment, product, or material of any kind that is used by the offender, intended by the offender for use, or designed for use, in propagating, cultivating...

Joslyn Law Firm: Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney - How Do I handle My DUI/OVI Charge?

How Do I handle My DUI/OVI Charge?  Q. I was recently diagnosed with a medical condition that surfaces intermittently. I suddenly black out and regain consciousness within a few seconds, I’m told. My doctor prescribed a medication that causes drowsiness. One day, I was driving on the highway, and my car swerved, due to my temporary loss of control. I had taken my medication about one-half hour before the incident. Law enforcement pulled me over, and the officer insisted that ...

Term life insurance or Whole life insurance, which one is best?

One question that I continually hear from clients, friends, and family is what type of life insurance should I get?  First off, let’s acknowledge that I am not an insurance salesperson and I do not and have never sold insurance.  The following information is based upon my own experience with life insurance and the decisions I have made for myself and my family.   Term life insurance is a life insurance policy for a set amount of time (term), 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, etc....

How should you list beneficiaries on your financial accounts?

When I’m talking with my clients about how often to review their estate planning documents, I always recommend they review all financial accounts; how they are titled and who are the listed beneficiaries.  A good habit to get into is to do an annual review. I personally like to do mine at the beginning of each year, but it really does not matter at what point in the year you do it.    The most overlooked financial consideration can be keeping current with the named beneficiar...

What is the Legal Definition of Sexual Harassment in California?

Guidance provided by Melmed Law Group P.C - Sexual Harassment Lawyers in California What is the Legal Definition of Sexual Harassment in California? Sexual Harassment in California involves inappropriate or unwanted verbal or physical behavior with a sexual intent.  California defines which motives are illegal but does not have a list of which actions are illegal. There is no clear line which constitutes an action as harassment.  In the workplace, there are two types ...

Top 10 Things to Consider Before Representing Yourself in Divorce Court

Can you afford NOT to hire an attorney? 10. Consider Your Future The outcome of a divorce is a court order that does more than just end a marriage. The judgment and decree of divorce will also determine who owns your house, who owns your bank account, who gets your retirement when you turn 65, who gets your car, your personal property, and most importantly, who has custody of your kids, and how often you get to see them. Some of the court’s decisions will be permanent. Some things c...

Can you cancel a real estate contract once signed?

Life is good and you believe you have found your forever home.  However, what happens if you signed a contract to purchase that home and you changed your mind?  Is there a way to cancel a real estate contract without being penalized?  Read more at: https://laurenjacksonlaw.com/can-you-cancel-a-real-estate-contract-once-signed/ ...

Articles & Publications

Articles & Publications Method and system for collecting, and globally communicating and evaluating, digital still and video images of sports and event spectators, including augmented reality images from entertainment and gathering venues US Patent & Trademark Office August 6, 2019 Method and system for monitoring, controlling and optimizing flow of products delivered to customers via containers that flow in a distribution network US Patent & Trademark Office September 25...

To Halve or to Hold? Joint vs Separate Trust Planning for Married Couples

Revocable living trusts are the most popular estate planning tool for married couples in my law practice.  They can be extremely useful for incapacity planning, probate avoidance, asset protection, and privacy.  Depending on the married couple’s goals and circumstances, when it comes to revocable trusts an estate plan can include either a joint revocable trust or separate trusts for each spouse.  Both options offer advantages and disadvantages.  Below are a few client scen...

Regular Visits to Your Loved One in a Nursing Home Can Identify Problems Early On

Family involvement is a crucial component of the personal and medical care of a loved one in a nursing facility. Regular visits to a loved one in a nursing home can ensure that you identify serious issues quickly, before they create catastrophic results. Some of the most common problems occurring in nursing homes in America today include: A Failure to Take Care Planning Seriously The nursing staff cannot develop your loved one’s care plan withou...

3 of the Most Common Types of Medical Errors and How to Avoid Them

Everyone entering the hospital for treatment or surgical procedure hopes that they return home feeling better. Unfortunately, hospital visits do not always provide the best outcome for the patient. Errors caused by medical malpractice occur each day in America, that result in severe injury or wrongful death. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) lists respiratory disease as the third leading cause of death behind stroke and diabetes. However, ...

Why the Emergence of Nursing Home Chains Poses Problems to Nursing Home Patients

There has been a significant emergence of nursing home chains in America. However, being the largest facility in the nation does not necessarily equate to providing the best care. Many of these facilities have significant problems with health inspections conducted by state and federal regulators. Nursing home care ranks third in the healthcare industry behind inpatient hospitals and outpatient doctor care. As the American population continues to grow older, ...

Missouri Trusts and Estates Lawyers Help to Safeguard Property

Rolla law firm helps families understand their financial optionsThe attorneys of Williams, Robinson, Rigler & Buschjost, P.C. in Rolla work closely with individual and family clients to craft and execute successful estate plans. Our personalized approach, honed over decades of representing clients throughout south-central Missouri, allows us to find effective answers to the most difficult financial challenges associated with the preservation and distribution of assets. Through trusts, wills,...

Rolla, MO Estate Planning Lawyers Help Secure Your Future

Knowledgeable attorneys protect your wealth for retirement and transfer to your heirs“The days are long, but the years are short” is a saying that strikes a chord with many people. It also serves as a reminder that it is never too early to start estate planning so that your intentions and loved ones are protected. At Williams, Robinson, Rigler & Buschjost, P.C. in Rolla, we know it’s sometimes difficult to discuss issues of what will happen when we pass. With skill and sensitivity, our...